Ishiyama-dera Temple and Mii-dera Temple in Shiga

From Kyoto Station, it takes about 30minutes to go to Ishiyama-dera Temple by train.It’s in Otsu City, on the south side of the Lake Biwa. Ishiyama-dera is famous for having been the place where Murasaki Shikibu thought out the story of The Tale of Genji. The temple was founded in 8th century and one of the most old temples in Japan. The major building was rebuilt in 11th century and still remains there now.
The temples were built on the rock. The name of the temple was from this; Ishi means stone or rock.

Mii-dera is located near Mii-dera Station the six stops from Ishiyama-dera Station of Keihan Ishiyama-dera Line. Mii-dera is also with long history and famous for its bell with beautiful sound.