Mii-dera Temple

Mii-dera is the head temple of the Tendaijimon Buddhist sect. While its name is ”Onjo-ji Temple”, it is known as “Mii-dera” due to the emperors Tenji, Kobun, and Tenmu all having their first baths (Ubuyu) here. While the monastery declined after being built during the Asuka period, it was later restored during the Heian period by a monk named Enchin. Mii-dera Temple has many cultural properties of Japan including the bell tower on the grounds, the main temple hall, which is a national treasure, a three-tiered pagoda, and more. Mii-dera is also the fourteenth temple of the Saikoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, a pilgrimage that worships the deity Kannon across the Kinki area of Japan.