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Ishiyamadera Temple 石山寺

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2012

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Visiting Ishiyamadera Temple today

  • What it is: A Shingon temple founded, by its own account, in 747 at Emperor Shomu's wish. Legend says Murasaki Shikibu conceived The Tale of Genji here in 1004, and the main hall has a 'Room of Genji'. It is stop 13 on the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage.
  • Getting there: About 10 minutes' walk from Ishiyamadera Station on the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line.
  • Hours: 8:00-16:30, last entry 16:00. The Hojoden museum opens 10:00-15:00, only from 18 March to 30 June and 1 September to 30 November.
  • Admission: ¥600 for adults and ¥250 for elementary pupils. The main hall interior is ¥500 extra and the Hojoden ¥300.
  • Tip: It is called the 'Temple of Flowers', with plum, cherry, azaleas, peonies, autumn leaves and camellias through the year.
Best timeGood any time of year

Checked against: Ishiyamadera Temple (official) · Ishiyamadera Temple (Otsu City Tourism) · Ishiyama-dera (Wikipedia). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Ishiyamadera Temple on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Photos

Ishiyama Temple

Ishiyama Temple （石山寺） in Shiga Prefecture, said to have been constructed around 762, is the place where Murasaki Shikibu began writing The Tale of Genji, a well known Japanese literature piece. The Temple can be reached easily from Kyoto Station traveling on the Keihan Railway. The large rock formations and well preserved temple structures make for a nice visit.