Said to have been created by Prince Shotoku in the year 605, “Kyorinbo Temple” got its name from being a place of teaching (“kyo”) surrounded by forest (“rin”).

A horse racing ceremony held at a shrine with a long connection to horses.

Famous for a ceremony that involves jumping into the water from poles sticking out from Lake Biwa.

Take the long, 808 stone steps up from the lakeside and you will see the roofs of the temple buildings move into perfect alignment as you climb.

A veritable forest of trees grows on the vast, 44,000 square meter shrine grounds.