Ishite-ji Temple
Ishite-ji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist pilgrimage temple, the 51st temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. It is known for its National Treasure, the Niō Gate, and is one of Matsuyama’s oldest temples, located near Dogo Onsen.
Ishiteji is a temple of the Shingon Buzan sect located in Ishite, Matsuyama City. Its mountain name is Kumanozan, its temple building name is Kokuzoin, and its main deity is Yakushi Nyorai. It is the 51st temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, said to have been founded in 728. Located close to Dogo Onsen, it is one of the leading ancient temples in Matsuyama, bustling with pilgrims and worshipers. It is also known as a temple associated with the legend of the rebirth of Emon Saburo, who is considered the originator of the pilgrimage.
Origin of the Temple Name (The Legend of the Rebirth of Emon Saburo)
It is passed down that the temple was called Anyoji at the time of its founding, and that in the Konin era, Kukai (Kobo Daishi) visited and changed it to the Shingon sect. Later, when Okikata, born to the Kono clan, received prayers at this temple, a stone inscribed with "Rebirth of Emon Saburo" appeared from his clenched hand. According to this legend of rebirth, the temple's name was changed to Ishiteji.
Niomon Gate (National Treasure)
The Niomon Gate standing in front of the approach is designated as a National Treasure. It is a two-story gate with a gabled hip roof and tile roofing, said to have been erected by Michitsugu Kono in 1318, and was designated as a National Treasure on November 22, 1952. Inside the gate, Kongorikishi statues (Nio statues) are enshrined.
Important Cultural Properties
In addition to the Niomon Gate, multiple structures such as the Main Hall, Three-Story Pagoda, Bell Tower (hakamagoshi-zukuri style), Karitemotendo Hall, and Gogado Hall are designated as national Important Cultural Properties. Souvenir shops line the approach, conveying the atmosphere of a pilgrimage path. In 2009, it was selected as a one-star site in the Michelin Green Guide (Japan edition).
Access
- About 1 km east of Dogo Onsen
- Location: 2-9-21 Ishite, Matsuyama City
Source: Cultural Heritage Online, Matsuyama City Official Website, "Ishiteji" Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Please check the site or official sources for information on viewing.
Last confirmed date: July 2026
Articles that mention this place
寺社
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.
歴史
Yuzuki Castle and the Kono Clan: A Medieval Castle Sleeping in Dogo Park
The Yuzuki Castle ruins are Dogo Park itself; the park is open 24 hours for free, and the Yuzuki Castle Museum is open 9:00 to 17:00 with free admission (closed Mondays). This article summarizes the history from its construction as the base of the Kono clan ruling Iyo to its fall during Hideyoshi's Shikoku campaign, and the current castle ruins selected among Japan's Top 100 Castles.
Getting around
Do You Need a Rental Car for Dogo Onsen Sightseeing? A Guide to Exploring by Train and Bus Alone
How to get around Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama by streetcar, bus, and on foot, and the kinds of itineraries where a rental car is worth considering.
Practical
Basic Photography Etiquette and Precautions at Shrines and Temples Around Dogo Onsen
This explanation summarizes photography etiquette and prohibited matters when visiting shrines and temples such as Isaniwa Shrine and Ishite-ji Temple around Dogo Onsen. It explains the criteria for judgment within the precincts and inside the main halls, as well as the handling of tripods and drones.
まちあるき
Visiting Dogo Park (Yuzuki Castle Ruins): Highlights, Hours, and Parking
A guide to Dogo Park (Yuzuki Castle Ruins): what to see, opening hours and closed days, how to get there from Dogo Onsen Station, and parking space counts and fees.
Walking the town
8 Museums and Art Galleries Around Dogo — Opening Days, Admission Fees, and Walking Routes
This guide compiles the opening hours, closed days, and admission fees of 8 museums, art galleries, and temple treasure halls that can be visited on foot from Dogo Onsen Station, and presents 2 walking routes based on differences in closed days. The Shiki Memorial Museum is closed on Tuesdays, the Seki Art Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, Bydeisha is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Matsuyama Togetsuan is open only on Saturdays and Sundays.
More spots in Ishite-ji Temple Area
See all in this area →Ishitegawa Green Space (Iwazeki Bridge Area)
An area defined by Iwazeki-bashi, a red suspension bridge completed in the Taisho era. You can enjoy strolling and photography with the murmur of the river as background.
Ishite-ji Okunoin Atago-sha
Atago-sha, the inner sanctuary (okunoin) of Ishite-ji, the 51st temple of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. It is a quiet place of worship nestled in the hills.
Tasuke Udon
An udon shop in Ishite 3-chome. The sign outside reads "Tasuke" (太介).
Lady Pharmacy Dogo Ishite
The drugstore "Lady Pharmacy Dogo Ishite" in Shin-Ishite. Pharmaceuticals, daily necessities, and cosmetics can be purchased.
Cook Chum Dogo Ishite
Cookchum Dogoishite is located in Shin-Ishite, Matsuyama, Ehime. It is a takeout-focused store handling prepared foods and boxed lunches, and is located near the Dogo Onsen area.
Maeda Goken Senryu Monument (Ishite-ji Approach)
A senryu monument to Maeda Goken on the approach to Ishite-ji, inscribed "鎌倉のむかしを今に寺の鐘". Erected on 20 October 1958 (Showa 33).
Joko-in Temple
A temple in Jokoji-machi, Matsuyama. It sits in a quiet setting surrounded by residential areas on the east side of Dogo Onsen.
Sobaya Futaba
A soba restaurant in Ishite, Matsuyama. It opens for lunch, with evenings by reservation only, and stands towards Ishiteji.