The Otsu city is the administrative center of Shiga Prefecture. In II and VII centuries in Otsu even briefly became the capital of the state. Changing the capital usually happened after the death of the previous Emperor. So, in the year 667, the Imperial court moved from Asuka in Otsu, who for five years held capital functions. Then the yard again changed the place of his "disposition", and Otsu became a post station on the busy path Tokaido.

In the year 686 in Otsu was founded the first major monastery Andsense, also called MII-Dera temple and belonged to the Buddhist Tendai school. A hundred years later, not far from MII-Dera temple on mount Hiei by order of the Emperor the Kamma was built a temple Enryaku-JI temple, also belonged to the Tendai school, but to the other branches. This temple was erected for the purpose of spiritual protection for the then capital of Kyoto, and it was intended to protect her from evil spirits who came from the North-East.

Monk-founder of the Enryaku-JI temple was the Site that created the Tendai school. In its heyday the temple complex of Enryaku-JI temple included to 3000 temples, the monastery was considered to be very popular with the nobles of the Japanese, got a good income, owned real estate across the country and had some privileges. Students after 12 years of spiritual practice were given positions in the government.

Enryaku-JI temple was inhabited by a rather belligerent monks, who, if necessary, take up arms and did not hesitate to solve their problems with it. Enryaku-JI temple was the main temple of the Tendai sect, and MII-Dera temple is more powerful and rich. The monks of the two monasteries for five centuries (from X to XV century) was in a state of armed warfare, raiding each other, during which destroyed or set fire to the monastery.

In 1571, in this war intervened ruler ODA Nobunaga, also with fire and sword is exercising the policy of the Association of Japanese land. He besieged the monastery of Enryaku-JI temple, was destroyed and burned most of its buildings. In the mid-seventeenth century some of the buildings were restored, including the main hall for prayers. Currently, the building is recognized in Japan, the third largest wooden structure and noted the status of a national treasure.

Currently the temple complex of the monastery is divided into three parts. The most interesting sights can be seen in the Eastern (toudou) and Western (Saito) parts. The third part, Cava, is considered to be remote and less interesting.