An ancient temple on the sacred stone mountain, to offer a beautiful view with blooming flowers.
Ishiyama-dera Temple, located in Ōtsu on the southern shore of Lake Biwa, was founded in the mid-8th century by Roben Osho. Its name, Ishiyama, means “stone mountain,” inspired by the unusual rock outcropping on which the temple sits.
The temple is the 13th stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage of 33 Buddhist temples. Ishiyama-dera houses many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The main hall enshrines an image of Nyoirin-Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), designated an Important Cultural Property.
The Taho-to pagoda, built by Minamoto no Yoritomo in the late 12th century, is a National Treasure. Other notable structures include the Todai-mon gate (Important Cultural Property) and the Genji-no-Ma, where it is said Murasaki Shikibu conceived The Tale of Genji while viewing the harvest moon over Lake Biwa.
The temple with blooming flowers
Many different flowers bloom throughout Ishiyama-dera Temple grounds, offering visitors stunning seasonal views. In spring, plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, azaleas, and peonies are in bloom, while hydrangeas and irises brighten the summer. The cherry blossom season showcases various types of cherry trees, including Someiyoshino, Shidarezakura, and Yamazakura, with the best viewing period from late March to early April.
Address : 〒520-0861 Shiga Prefecture, Otsu, Ishiyamadera, １−１−1
Access : 10mins walk from Keihan Ishiyamadera station
Admission : 500 yen
Benefits : Keep evil away, Safe birth, Love,
Ishiyama-dear Autumn Color Illumination
In autumn, the temple’s leaves turn vibrant red, and the site is illuminated every year in mid-November, creating a magical seasonal atmosphere.