Ishite-ji Temple: The 51st Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, the National Treasure Niomon Gate, and the Legend of Emon Saburo

A Shikoku Pilgrimage Temple Within Walking Distance from Dogo

If you walk east from Dogo Onsen for a short while, you will find Ishiteji, the 51st temple of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Officially named Kumanozan Kokuzoin Ishiteji, it is a temple of the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha, and its main deity is Yakushi Nyorai. The number of worshippers for Hatsumode and warding off evil is considered one of the largest in Ehime Prefecture, and it is a famous temple integrated with Dogo tourism, visited not only by pilgrims but also by travelers touring the hot springs.

Gyoki, Kukai, and the Origin of the Temple

According to the temple's legend, its history began in 728 when Ochi no Tamazumi, the governor of Iyo Province, realized this area was a sacred site and enshrined the Kumano Junisha Gongen. It became an imperial prayer temple of Emperor Shomu, and in the following year, 729, Gyoki carved the image of Yakushi Nyorai. At the time of its founding, the temple was called Anyoji and belonged to the Hosso-shu, but it is said that Kukai (Kobo Daishi) visited in 813 and changed it to the Shingon-shu. Layers of faith from ancient times are accumulated at this temple.

The Name "Ishiteji" and the Legend of Emon Saburo

Ishiteji is also a temple associated with the legend of the rebirth of Emon Saburo, who is considered the founder of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. In 892, when Yasukata, the eldest son born to the lord Yasutoshi Kono, received a prayer at this temple, a stone inscribed with "Rebirth of Emon Saburo" appeared from his clenched palm—it is passed down that the temple came to be called "Ishiteji" after this stone. The name of the temple itself is linked to the story of the pilgrimage.

The National Treasure Niomon Gate and Kamakura-period Temple Buildings

The main highlight of Ishiteji is the National Treasure Niomon Gate. It is a sankan-ikko romon gate with an irimoya-zukuri roof and honkawarabuki tiling, and it is recorded in the Iyo Kosekishi as being erected in 1318, well conveying the characteristics of Kamakura-period architecture. It is a stately gate with a high curve on its irimoya roof, using mitesaki bracket complexes for both the upper and lower levels. The wooden standing statues of Kongo Rikishi enshrined in the gate are said to be the work of the Unkei school from around 1240, and these are also designated as an Important Cultural Property. Other temple buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties, such as the Hondo, three-story pagoda, shoro, and Gomado, stand within the precincts. Stone monuments inscribed with haiku and poems, including Masaoka Shiki's "Namu Daishi Ishite no tera yo ine no hana," are scattered throughout the precincts, allowing visitors to trace the traces of literature.

Note: Opening hours and event schedules are subject to change. Please check local and official information when visiting.