Ishiyama-dera Temple

This is a temple of the To-ji Temple Shingon sect which is located in Otsu City. It was founded in 747 at the request of Emperor Shomu. It is known as one of the most famous Kannon temples in Japan, also being the stamp office for temple number 13 of the Saigoku Sanjusansho Kannon Pilgrimage. In addition, it is said that this was the place where Murasaki Shikibu got her inspiration for the idea of the Tale of Genji, and it also appears in literary works such as “Makura no Soshi” (the Pillow Book) and “Sarashina Nikki” (The Sarashina Diary). In the temple, there are many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties such as the oldest Taho-to (a pagoda that enshrines the Buddha) and the oldest main temple building in Japan, so there is no shortage of highlights. It is also a famous place for its autumnal leaves and the illumination in the evening is worth seeing.

Spot details

Address: Shiga Pref. Otsushi Ishiyamadera 1-1-1 Map
Area: Otsu Area
Phone: 0775370013
Hours: 8:00-16:30 (Last entry 16:00)
Closed: open everyday
Fees: [Climbing fee] [General] 600yen [Elementary school students] 250yen
Parking Lot: Available(140spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Note: * Currently, we are shortening Worship times to prevent the spread of new coronavirus infection. For details, please check the official homepage.
Estimated stay time: 60-120 minutes