Buddhist temple
Bishamon-dō
毘沙門堂（びしゃもんどう）
Yamashina Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
A Tendai monzeki temple in Yamashina, Kyoto, formally called Gohōsan Ankoku-in Izumo-ji. Its principal image, Bishamonten, is a hidden image said to have been made by Dengyō Daishi Saichō, and the temple is affectionately called "Bishamon-san".
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Bishamonten
History and things to know
According to the official guide, it was opened in Taihō 3 (703) at the imperial request of Emperor Monmu, and at first it stood near Izumoji, north of the imperial palace, and was called Izumo-ji. After wars and fires, it was rebuilt in Yamashina in Kanbun 5 (1665) through the efforts of the high priest Tenkai and others, and it became a monzeki temple when Prince-Priest Kōben, a son of Emperor Gosai, entered it. The Shinden, the Reiden and the Chokushimon (imperial messenger gate), moved from old buildings of the imperial palace in Genroku 6 (1693), remain.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
During the cherry blossom and autumn leaves seasons, the official guide asks visitors to refrain from coming by private car.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 毘沙門堂「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
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