"Mii-dera Cherry Blossoms" is one of Shiga Prefecture's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, combining an ancient temple with over 1,300 years of history with spring flowers.

By reading this article, you will have all the information you need to enjoy the cherry blossoms at Miidera Temple, and you should be able to plan your spring trip to Otsu without any hesitation. We will cover everything from how to get there, the best time to see the cherry blossoms, to how to enjoy a stroll around the area, so please read to the end.

What is it about the cherry blossoms at Miidera Temple that attracts so many people?

A spectacular flower scene that combines history and nature

The official name of Mii-dera Temple is "Nagarasan Onjo-ji Temple." Founded in the 7th century, it is the head temple of the Tendaiji sect and is an extremely important temple in history, having overcome numerous wars and disasters and restored itself to its former glory, earning it the nickname "Phoenix Temple."

There are about 1,300 cherry trees planted within the grounds, and the sight of the cherry blossoms competing with the national treasures and important cultural properties is simply breathtaking. The exquisite blend of "cultural properties" nurtured by a long history and "nature" that brings to mind the breath of spring never ceases to fascinate visitors.

Temples registered in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register

Miidera Temple is home to the world's oldest passport, which is said to have been used by monks when they traveled to China. This passport is registered in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register and is a valuable historical document that conveys the international exchange of that time. With such a rare historical heritage and numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, it goes without saying that the temple has great cultural value.

Points that make Miidera's cherry blossoms beautiful

A view of Lake Biwa and the colorful cherry blossoms surrounding the ancient temple

Within the grounds, there are several varieties of cherry trees planted, including Somei-Yoshino, Yamazakura, and Shidarezakura. Each variety has its own flowering time, color, and flower shape, so you can enjoy the slightly different cherry blossom scenery depending on the location.

In particular, the wild cherry blossoms around the Kannon-do Hall, which is one of the temples of the Thirty-Three Kannon Temples of the Western Provinces, can be seen from the heights with Lake Biwa in the background, allowing you to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the cherry blossoms, the lake, and the Otsu cityscape. In addition, the Somei-yoshino cherry blossoms lining both sides of the approach to the Kondo Hall and the pale pink cherry blossoms around the Niomon Gate are also well worth seeing.

Fantastic nighttime illumination of cherry blossoms

When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, special nighttime viewing is held and the trees are lit up. Historical buildings such as the national treasure Kondo, Niomon Gate, and bell tower are lit up in soft light, and the cherry blossoms shining softly behind them create a fantastical look that is completely different from daytime.

Furthermore, during the spring illumination period, special or private viewings of the Moon Viewing Stage are sometimes held (for a separate fee from the admission fee), giving you the chance to view the cherry blossoms at night from areas that are normally off-limits.

When is the best time to enjoy the cherry blossoms at Miidera Temple?

The best time to see the flowers from flowering to full bloom

Miidera's cherry blossoms usually bloom from late March to early April, and are at their best from early to mid-April. Although the timing may vary slightly depending on the weather, the flowers will bloom all at once at full bloom, so we recommend checking the weather forecast and the official website frequently. In recent years, the best viewing time may change due to warm winters and temperature differences, so be sure to check the latest information before making plans.

Recommended times to avoid crowds

Miidera Temple attracts many cherry blossom viewers from inside and outside Shiga Prefecture, so it can get quite crowded during the season. The temple grounds are especially crowded with group tourists and families on weekends and holidays, so if you want to enjoy the cherry blossoms in peace, try to visit during the following times:

Immediately after the gates open: If you go before the large tourist buses and group tours arrive, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at your leisure in the less crowded temple grounds.

Evening to before closing time: After the daytime peak, the number of people gradually decreases. The cherry blossoms wrapped in the soft light of the evening have a different charm.

Weekday evening illuminations: These tend to be less crowded than weekends, so if you want to enjoy the romantic cherry blossoms at night, we recommend going on a weekday.

Enjoy the cherry blossoms around Miidera Temple

Not just the temple grounds! Walking courses around the area

Miidera Temple is easily accessible to Lake Biwa and Mount Hiei, and is one of Otsu City's most famous tourist spots. After enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossoms, why not extend your visit to the following areas?

Lake Biwa: Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa offers a variety of activities, including cruise ships, sightseeing boats, and water sports. There are walking paths along the lake shore, and it is wonderful to refresh yourself while watching the collaboration of cherry blossoms and the lake surface.

Omi Shrine: Known as the sacred ground of Karuta, the cherry blossoms in the shrine grounds create a charming atmosphere in spring. If you take a little walk, you can feel the Japanese atmosphere and have a refreshing stroll.

Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei: A World Heritage site overlooking Lake Biwa from a high altitude, the temple buildings scattered across the lush mountaintop show different faces with each season. In early spring, the mountain trees begin to sprout new leaves, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air.

Enjoy even more with gourmet food and souvenir shops

Otsu City is dotted with many long-established Japanese confectionery shops and shops selling local specialties, allowing you to experience the food culture unique to Shiga. If you stop by a sweet shop during your cherry blossom stroll and enjoy seasonal menu items such as sakura mochi and matcha sweets, you will feel even more spring-like.

There are also restaurants around Lake Biwa that serve fresh lake fish, Shiga Prefecture vegetables, and Omi beef, so enjoying the local flavors is one of the best parts of traveling. For souvenirs, it's fun to choose goods that mimic the shape of Lake Biwa or traditional crafts. Try looking for items that can only be purchased here to take home as a memento of your visit to Miidera Temple.

Tips to enjoy the cherry blossoms at Miidera Temple even more!

A photo spot perfect for social media

Filled with the charm of history and nature, Miidera's cherry blossom scenery is dotted with photogenic spots all over the place.

Moon Viewing Stage: A specially constructed stage covered with acrylic panels reflects the cherry blossoms and the sky like a mirror, allowing you to capture the spectacle of "upside-down cherry blossoms" as if they were reflected on the surface of the water, making it a very popular photogenic spot.

Near the Niomon Gate: The cherry blossoms blooming on both sides of the stately gate create a striking contrast with the historical architecture. The silhouettes of the roofs of the Kondo and bell tower, visible through the gate, create a picturesque composition.

Nighttime illumination: The contrast between the illuminated cherry blossoms and the ancient temple buildings creates a mystical atmosphere that cannot be experienced during the day. Don't miss the chance to capture the dramatic shadows that can only be seen at night.

Experience the famous sound of the bell "Mitsui Evening Bell"

When you think of Miidera Temple, many people may think of the "Mii no Bansho," one of the Eight Views of Omi. The temple bell hanging in the bell tower is considered one of the "Three Famous Bells in Japan," and its clear sound has been selected as one of the "100 Best Soundscapes of Japan to Preserve." After touring the temple grounds surrounded by cherry blossoms, we recommend experiencing the deep, lingering sound of the bell for yourself. It is said that striking the bell well is surprisingly difficult, but the sense of accomplishment when you succeed is all the more special.

Access information and admission fees

Address: 246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

access:
・7-10 minute walk from Miidera Station on the Keihan Electric Railway Ishiyama Sakamoto Line ・Approximately 10 minutes by car from Otsu Station on the JR Biwako Line ・Approximately 10 minutes from Otsu IC on the Meishin Expressway

Parking: 250 cars (paid)

Visiting hours: 9:00-16:30 (last admission 16:00)

Admission fee: Adults 600 yen / Junior and senior high school students 300 yen / Elementary school students 200 yen

*Special viewings such as the Moon Viewing Stage may incur additional fees and require reservations, so be sure to check the official website or call in advance.

summary

In this article, we introduced the charms of Miidera's cherry blossoms, the best time to see them, information on illuminations, and walking courses in the surrounding area.

The cherry blossoms at Miidera Temple are a place where you can experience a "special spring" where history and nature blend together. As soon as you step inside the temple grounds, you will find the architecture and legends that have been passed down through the ages in perfect harmony with the ephemeral yet beautiful cherry blossoms.

If you're unsure about the best time to go or what's in the area, be sure to check out this article.