Wind chimes installed on the grounds of Saikyo-ji Temple, Otsu City. (©Sankei by Daiki Watanabe)
At Saikyo-ji Temple, the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, visitors can stroll through the Wind Chime Pathway, now in its fifth year. Around 4,000 colorful glass chimes sway gently throughout the temple grounds, filling the air with soft, refreshing sounds — a perfect summer escape.
Summer Sounds and Colors
The tradition began as a way to ward off evil and bring relief from the summer heat. In 2025, additional shelves were added, boosting the display by 1,000 chimes compared to the previous year. Guests pause to listen as the delicate tones mingle with the chorus of cicadas, many stopping to capture the moment in photos.
"It's such a graceful spot — the sound of the chimes and the cicadas together really creates a sense of coolness," said Masayuki Yamakawa, a visitor from nearby Yasu City.
The wind chimes will be on display through September 21, with special evening viewings available until September 7.
RELATED:
- Rowboat Ride along Hachiman-bori Canal: A Hidden Gem in Shiga
- Narita Eel Festival Returns with 118 Participating Shops
- Hidden Wonders | Meditate Under a Waterfall in Tokyo's Mountain Retreat
- The Garden Where Every Stone Tells a Story
(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: Daiki Watanabe, The Sankei Shimbun
