Buddhist temple
Ishiyama-dera
石山寺（いしやまでら）
Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture
The head temple (daihonzan) of the Tōji Shingon school, standing on the west bank of the Seta River in Ōtsu. Its principal image is Nyoirin Kanzeon Bosatsu, a hidden image sealed by imperial order. In the grounds spreads bedrock of wollastonite, a natural monument.
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: Nyoirin Kanzeon Bosatsu (a hidden image sealed by imperial order)
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it is said to have been founded in Tenpyō 19 (747) by the priest Rōben at the wish of Emperor Shōmu, and its origin story tells that when he prayed for gold for the Great Buddha, gold was found in Mutsu. After the main hall was half burned by a fire caused by lightning in Jōryaku 2, it was rebuilt in Eichō 1, and in the Keichō era the halls were repaired with donations from Yodo-dono.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
The principal image is a hidden image sealed by imperial order; the temple officially states that it is shown once every 33 years.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 石山寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
This site is independent of the shrines, temples, and other websites mentioned. No partnership or endorsement is implied.