Ishiteji Temple: Shikoku Pilgrimage Temple No. 51, a National Treasure Niomon Gate, and the Legend of Emon Saburo

Ishiteji Temple, Temple No. 51 of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage, is about a 20-minute walk from Dogo Onsen. This article introduces how to get there on foot or via Iyotetsu Bus Route 8, the hours of the Nokyosho (temple stamp office) and treasure house, the National Treasure Niomon Gate, and the legend of Emon Saburo, based on official information from the temple and the pilgrimage association.

Ishiteji Temple (石手寺) is Temple No. 51 of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage, located about a 20-minute walk east of Dogo Onsen. Formally named Kumanosan Kokuzo-in Ishiteji, it is a Shingon-shu Buzan-ha temple whose principal image is Yakushi Nyorai. Some people visit while touring the hot springs.

Quick Overview of Highlights

Highlight	Details
National Treasure Niomon Gate	A Kamakura-period two-story gate. The standing statues of Kongo Rikishi in the gate are Important Cultural Properties
Corridor Approach	A covered approach lined with Nakamise souvenir shops
Legend of Emon Saburo	The legend of the rebirth of the originator of the pilgrimage, which became the origin of the name "Ishiteji"

Location: 2-9-21 Ishite, Matsuyama City.
Parking is available, and there is no temple lodging (shukubo) (according to the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Association guide).

How to Get There from Dogo

Method	Estimate	Source
Walking (from Dogo Onsen Station)	About 16 minutes, 1.3 km	Ishiteji Official "Access"
Walking (from Dogo Onsen)	Around 20 minutes	Dogo Onsen Official Area Guide
Iyotetsu Bus Route 8	4 minutes from "Dogo Onsen Station" to "Ishiteji" (difference between departure and arrival times in the timetable)	Iyotetsu Timetable

Route 8 leaves Dogo Onsen Station, passes through Ishiteji, Higashino, and Shintate, and heads toward Matsuyama City Station and JR Matsuyama Station. Please check Iyotetsu's timetable and fare search for departure times and fares.

Gyoki, Kukai, and the Origin of the Temple

According to temple tradition, in 728 (Jinki 5), Ochi no Tamazumi, governor of Iyo Province, recognized this area as sacred ground and enshrined the Kumano Juni-sha Gongen. It became an imperially sponsored temple (chokuganjo) of Emperor Shomu, and Gyoki is said to have carved the Yakushi Nyorai in the following year, 729 (Tenpyo 1), marking its beginning. At the time of founding, it was a Hosso-sect temple called Anyoji, and Kukai (Kobo Daishi) is said to have visited in 813 (Konin 4) and converted it to the Shingon sect.

The Name "Ishiteji" and the Legend of Emon Saburo

Ishiteji is associated with the rebirth legend of Emon Saburo, who is considered the originator of the Shikoku pilgrimage. Emon Saburo, a wealthy farmer, set out on a pilgrimage around Shikoku in pursuit of Kobo Daishi, fell ill during the journey, and is said to have been reborn into the Kono family. In 892 (Kanpyo 4), when Okikata, the eldest son of the feudal lord Kono Okitoshi, received prayers at this temple, a stone bearing the words "Rebirth of Emon Saburo" emerged from his clenched palm. It is said that the temple came to be called "Ishiteji" (Stone Hand Temple) after this stone.

Corridor-Style Approach and Places of Prayer

The approach is built in a covered corridor style, lined with Nakamise souvenir shops. The pilgrimage association guide also lists Haritemo-tendo (Kishimojin), said to bring blessings for safe childbirth and children.

Returned stones are piled around the hall, engraved with names and words of gratitude.
The guide also introduces the Araishi stone in front of the gate, also known as "Watarazu no Hashi" (the uncrossed bridge), the Rakugaki-do (graffiti hall), and the Amida-do.
The Amida-do is located on the left side after entering the Niomon Gate, and many worshipers visit to pray for the prevention of dementia.

The National Treasure Niomon Gate and Kamakura-Period Temple Complex

The National Treasure Niomon Gate is a three-bay, one-entrance two-story gate with an irimoya-style roof and honkawarabuki tiling, measuring 7 m high and 4 m wide according to the pilgrimage association guide. The Iyo Kosekishi records that it was erected in 1318 (Bunpo 2).
The wooden standing statues of Kongo Rikishi at the gate are said to be works of the Unkei school from around 1240 and are Important Cultural Properties.
Important Cultural Property buildings stand on the grounds, including the Main Hall, Three-Story Pagoda, Bell Tower, Gorinto (five-tiered stupa), Haritemo-tendo, and Goma-do.
The bronze bell bears an inscription of "Kencho 3" (1251) and is noted as the oldest in Ehime Prefecture.

Traces of Literature and Visiting

Stone monuments inscribed with haiku and tanka poems are dotted throughout the precincts, including Masaoka Shiki's "Namu Daishi Ishite no tera yo ine no hana" (Hail the Great Teacher, Ishite Temple, rice flowers).

Item	Hours / Fees	Source
Nokyosho (Temple Office)	Until 17:00. Opening is listed as 8:00 on the "About This Temple" page and 7:00 on the "Precinct Introduction" page	Ishiteji Official
Treasure House	8:00 to 17:00, 200 yen	Ishiteji Official "About This Temple"

Please check with the temple (089-977-0870) regarding gate closing times and whether nokyo (stamp collection) is available early in the morning.

Things to check before visiting Ishiteji during the New Year period are summarized in Hatsumode in Dogo.

Sources:

Last Verified: October 23, 2026