Ishiyamadera temple east gate
I came up to “Ishiyama-dera Temple” almost 3 hours trip from “Tsu city”.
The railway root was rare and actually it took long time.
I just asked google in a proper way and trip should has new experience.
Railway schedule is good for local people in morning only.
For student and office worker should move fast and efficient to go to school, office.
You, foreigner, could take the same root that I took.
Take JR mainly.
Tsu station > Kameyama station > Tsuge station > Kusatsu station > Ishiyama station.
Ishiyamadera
You should transfer three times. Little bit rough for city person in Japan.
Please enjoy the scene of nature, mountain and river, precious moments.
You can take a bus in front of JR Ishiyama.
Keihan bus , number 54 is good, starts from bus stop number 2. Get off at “Ishiyama Sanmon Mae“.
Follow the people get off the bus you may come to the gate.
Niou stature
Please look at the statures.
Amon and Unmon, two Gatekeepers.
Look at the surface finish work.
The carvings are so intricate and detailed, it’s hard to believe they’re over 1000 years old. They’re just wood.
Niou stature
Ishiyamadera east gate
During the Edo period, probably after the 17th century, the custom of affixing personal seals to gates and other places became established.
Ishiyamadera east gate
Ishiyamadera east gate
The design resembles the tip of a woman’s nipple.
It is common in many temples and castles.
Why is that?
Is there a rational reason for making it protrude?
Ishiyamadera Approach
Now, it begins.
You can walk along the long approach to the shrine to the entrance ticket booth.
To be honest, this section is free and anyone can enter.
History of Ishiyamadera
Map of Ishiyamadera
Entrance fee is 600 yen for one adult.
I strongly recommend you to pay and enter.
Inside Ishiyama-dera Temple
Pond with huge carps
I plan to move around the temple in a roughly counterclockwise direction.
Good weather made me walk better.
Long and high stairs
It’s a long, steep climb, and you have to take breaks along the way.
Kannon dou hall
I bow at the Kannon Hall and pray for a safe journey.
Mieido Ishiyamadera
This building enshrines the Buddhist genius, Kobo Daishi.
Keikaiseki stone Japan’s Natural Monuments
This mountain of stones is also a designated natural monument.
It is interesting because it looks like an approaching wave.
It looks different depending on the angle you look at it from.
Tahoutou Ishiyamadera
A pagoda is a place where important Buddhist scriptures and treasures are kept.
Tsukimitei Ishiyamadera
This terrace is said to be the most beautiful place to see the moon over Lake Biwa, as viewed by famous poets such as Emperor Goshirakawa.
Plum Garden
Hikaridou Ishiyamadera
As its name suggests, the Kodo Hall is where the shining golden Kannon statue is enshrined.
From the Heian period (8th century) to the present day, influential people have donated Buddhist statues here.
Statue of Murasaki Shikibu
This is the famous image of Murasaki Shikibu.
Of course, it is an imaginary image.
She was the world’s first female writer, and is a rare example of a woman playing an active role in the aristocratic society of the 8th century.
The Muyuen—No sorrow garden
Hachidai RyuOuSha 8dragons shrine
This shrine protects the spring water for this garden.
It is said that if you walk around the pond and read the scriptures, the dragon god will appear and grant your wish.
It’s the world of Dragon Ball.
Muyuen garden
The garden is called A World Without Sorrow.
If we were to embody the Christian heaven or the Islamic green garden in a Japanese style, it might look something like this.
Reizen’s monument
Muyuen Garden
Indeed, you wouldn’t get bored even if you spent the whole day in a garden like this.
The stream flows, making a pleasant sound.
You can also hear the birds chirping.
There is a faint scent of flowers, and the wind rustles the plants.
Muyuen Garden
Muyuen Garden
What is surprising is that even 8th century Japanese aristocrats traveled from Kyoto to here on horseback or oxen.
It was by no means a safe journey.
They came to pray for peace in their hearts, the world, and their own families.
Muyuen Garden
The main hall building
Road to Hondou
If you go up the slope, you will reach the main hall, the center of the temple.
Hondou Ishiyamadera
There are many picture cards hanging up. People’s wishes are limitless.
Hondou Ishiyamadera
Kawara beautiful
When you see such a large tiled roof, you will be captivated by its beauty.
Hondou Ishiyamadera
Photography is prohibited inside the main hall, where giant lanterns and Bodhisattva statues are enshrined.
Hondou Ishiyamadera
On the way back, the stairs are steep so you need to be careful.
Hondou Ishiyamadera
Murasaki Shikibu doll
A doll of Murasaki Shikibu is enshrined in the main hall.
It is beautifully dressed in colorful clothes.
The clothes were recently replaced with new ones thanks to donations from believers.
Murasaki Shikibu explanation
Dai koku Ten Ishiyamadera
Finally, we will visit Daikokuten and then head home.
Thinking about it, I enjoyed walking around for about two hours.
I think I’ll have an early lunch.
Ishiyamadera
The restaurant “Sen shin Ryo“
Shijimi rice set meal
This restaurant is located along the river.
It is a 3-minute walk from the East Gate.
The restaurant is located behind the souvenir shop.
menu
I had clam rice pot set lunch, a local dish from this area.
It costs you 1650 yen include TAX.
After the meal, we take a two-hour train ride from JR Ishiyama to Maibara and Gifu.
Revelation 21:8
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”