Ukimido Floating Hall

Ukimido is the lakeside hall of Mangetsu-ji, a Zen temple at Katata on the western shore of Lake Biwa. Built out over the water on piles, the hall is said to have been founded around the year 1000 by the monk Genshin, who set a thousand small images of Amida here to calm the lake and pray for safe passage. It gives its name to 'Katata no Rakugan', geese descending at Katata, one of the classic Eight Views of Omi that inspired centuries of poetry and woodblock prints. A short causeway leads out to the hall, from which the lake, distant mountains and passing boats spread in every direction; the poet Basho was among the many who came to view the moon here.