Gichū-ji

Gichū-ji, also known as Gichū Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. It is dedicated to the memory of Minamoto no Yoshinaka, a prominent general of the late Heian period (12th century). Yoshinaka, also known as Kiso Yoshinaka, was a cousin and rival of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate.

After Yoshinaka's defeat and death in 1184, a small hermitage was erected on the site of his death. Over time, this hermitage evolved into the temple that stands today. Gichū-ji serves as a memorial to Yoshinaka and his loyal retainer, Imai Kanehira, who also died in the service of Yoshinaka.

The temple grounds contain several significant features. These include the graves of Yoshinaka and Kanehira, as well as a stone pagoda said to house a lock of Yoshinaka's hair. Visitors come to Gichū-ji to pay their respects to Yoshinaka, reflect on his life and tragic end, and appreciate the history of the Genpei War. The temple is known for its serene atmosphere and historical significance.