Ishiyama-dera, a temple near Lake Biwa 石山寺
A temple on the mountainside
Ishiyama-dera Temple is one of the two major Buddhist temples in the coastal city of Otsu. It is the 13th temple of the Kannon pilgrimage in the Kansai region. His visit is an opportunity for a short hike in the heart of lush nature...
A magnificent temple built into the rock
Ishiyama-dera, literally " Rocky Mountain Temple ", is, as its name suggests, built on the side of a mountain. It is located near the small town of Otsu , not far from Kyoto, from which it remains easily accessible. He belongs to the Shingon To-ji "sect", one of the many branches of Japanese Buddhism.
- Read also: Buddhism in Japan
The temple was built on a formation of wollastonite , a clear stone of the silicate family, in 747, at the request of Emperor Shomu . Today, proof of its exceptional character, it is designated a "Rare Natural Monument" by the Japanese government.
In addition to being one of the stages of the pilgrimage of the 33 temples of Kannon (bodhisattva of compassion) in Kansai, Ishiyama-dera is also known for having welcomed Murasaki Shikibu , the author of the famous " Tale of Genji ", masterpiece work of Japanese literature. She would have gone there for 7 days in the year 1004, and would have found inspiration there by observing the full moon. Nowadays, a room in the temple, called "Genji no ma", is dedicated to this story, which would rather be a legend.
What is there to see in Ishiyama-dera?
The Hondo Main Building is the oldest building in Shiga Prefecture. The Tahoto pagoda also dates from the 12th century . The temple also houses a 5-meter-tall Buddha statue . However, it is only shown to the public every 33 years... You will have to be patient if you want to see it, because the next ceremony will not take place until 2049!
Note that the temple appears in one of the Eight Views of Omi (representing the most beautiful views around Lake Biwa) painted by Hiroshige , in the plate " Autumn Moon at Ishiyama".
- Read also: Visit Tokyo in the footsteps of Hiroshige
The temple pagoda
Wikimedia Commons
Ishiyama-dera Temple
Wikimedia Commons
Hiroshige's "Autumn Moon at Ishiyama" page
Wikimedia Commons
The surroundings of Ishiyama-dera temple
To access the temple, you will have to follow a slightly sporty path, in the middle of unspoiled nature . Within the temple grounds (which still covers 12 hectares) are a large number of species of trees and flowers, which make a visit a treat at certain times of the year. You will be able to admire the colors of azaleas, peonies, hydrangeas, or even irises , especially in summer.
- Read also: Admiring irises in Japan
The temple and its surroundings are also highly recommended for the seasonal performances of hanami (cherry blossoms in early spring) and koyo (red maple trees in autumn). If you go there in February, you will also be able to enjoy the powerful pink of the plum blossoms , which are present in their hundreds on the premises. In November, the leaves of the many maple trees turn red, and the temple is open at night with illuminations (until 8:30 p.m.) to allow visitors to enjoy another setting.
Address, timetable & access
Address
Phone
+81 (0)77-537-0013Timetable
Go to JR Ishiyama Station (15 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Biwako Line), then take a Keihan bus to the "Ishiyamadera Sanmon-mae" stop.Price
Adults, high school and college students: 600 yen (€4.90) School children: 250 yen (€2) Under 6s: freeAccess
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Website
https://www.ishiyamadera.or.jp/en
