"The phoenix temple that rose from destruction seven times"
Mii-dera
Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Mii-dera has earned its nickname—the Phoenix Temple—through seven destructions and seven risings. The sacred spring that gave the temple its name (Temple of Three Wells) provided the first bath water for three emperors in the 7th century. Today, visitors can still hear the ancient water bubbling within the Akaiya Well House. The temple serves as the head of Tendai Buddhism's Jimon sect and Temple 14 on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Its evening bell, ranked among the Eight Views of Ōmi, has echoed across Lake Biwa for over a millennium.
Weather & Best Time
Plan Your Visit
Save this site and start planning your journey.
Quick Facts
Location
Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Tradition
Site Type
Coordinates
35.0134, 135.8529
Last Updated
Jan 23, 2026
Mii-dera was founded in 672 CE by Emperor Tenmu to honor his brother. Under Chishō Daishi Enchin in the 9th century, it became a major Tendai center, later splitting from Enryaku-ji in the Jimon-Sanmon schism.
Origin Story
The temple emerged from tragedy. Emperor Tenji died, and his son was killed in the conflict over imperial succession. The victor became Emperor Tenmu, who founded Mii-dera in 672 CE to honor and memorialize his brother. The sacred spring—which had provided bath water for Emperors Tenji, Tenmu, and Empress Jitō—gave the temple its name: Mii-dera, Temple of Three Wells. Two centuries later, the great teacher Chishō Daishi Enchin transformed Mii-dera into a major Tendai Buddhist center. Under his leadership, the temple grew to become one of Japan's 'four largest temples' alongside Enryaku-ji, Tōdai-ji, and Kōfuku-ji. But in 993 CE, the temple split from Enryaku-ji in the Jimon-Sanmon schism. What followed were centuries of violent rivalry—the temple destroyed and rebuilt seven times, earning its epithet 'the Phoenix Temple.'
Key Figures
Emperor Tenmu
Founder of the temple in 672 CE, built to honor his brother Emperor Tenji
Chishō Daishi Enchin (814-891)
The first head of the temple and later fifth head of the entire Tendai sect, who transformed Mii-dera into a major Buddhist center
Benkei
The legendary warrior-monk whose attempted theft of the temple bell became part of the temple's mythology
Spiritual Lineage
Mii-dera is the head temple of the Jimon sect of Tendai Buddhism and Temple 14 on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
Know a Sacred Site We Should Include?
Help us expand our collection of sacred sites. Share your knowledge and contribute to preserving the world's spiritual heritage.