Buddhist temple
Eigen-ji
永源寺（えいげんじ）
Higashiōmi, Shiga Prefecture
The grand head temple (daihonzan) of the Eigen-ji school of the Rinzai sect, in the mountains of Higashiōmi City, also known as a famous place for autumn leaves. Its principal image is a Kanzeon Bosatsu long called “Yotsugi Kannon,” kept as a hidden buddha.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Kanzeon Bosatsu (Yotsugi Kannon)
History and things to know
According to the temple's tradition, it began in Kōan 1 (1361), when Sasaki Rokkaku Ujiyori, the military governor (shugo) of Ōmi, became a follower of Zen Master Jakushitsu Genkō, donated land and built the temple. It declined after being burned twice in wars in the Sengoku period, but in the Edo period Zen Master Isshi Bunshu came, and it was revived with the support of Tōfukumon-in and the Ii family of the Hikone domain.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
The principal image is a hidden buddha, shown about once every 25 years (official guide).
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 永源寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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