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
Ishite-ji: Temple No. 51 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, the National Treasure Niomon Gate, and the Legend of Emon Saburo
Ishite-ji, the 51st temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, located within walking distance of Dogo Onsen. Based on primary sources, this article introduces the history of the temple beginning with Gyoki and Kukai, the legend of Emon Saburo's rebirth that gave the temple its name, and the National Treasure Niomon Gate along with the Kamakura-period temple complex.
歴史
Yuzuki Castle and the Kono Clan — A Medieval Castle Resting in Dogo Park
Yuzuki Castle was a medieval castle located on the hill of Dogo Park, near Dogo Onsen. Built as the base of the Kono clan who ruled Iyo, this article introduces its history up to its fall during Hideyoshi's conquest of Shikoku, and the present state of the national historic site where moats, earthen ramparts, and excavated remains still remain. It also outlines the highlights in Dogo Park.
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.
アクセス
Is a Rental Car Necessary for Sightseeing in Dogo Onsen?
A practical guide to exploring Dogo Onsen and central Matsuyama by streetcar, bus, and on foot, plus when a rental car may be useful.
More spots in Ishite-ji Temple Area
See all in this area →51-ban Shokudo
An eating house on the approach to Ishiteji, the 51st temple of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. It makes and sells its speciality yakimochi, and also serves udon, soba and oden.
Shokudo Meshiya
A lunch-only eatery in the Ishite area of Matsuyama, serving carefully handmade set meals in limited daily quantities.
Sobaya Futaba
A soba restaurant in Ishite, Matsuyama. It opens for lunch, with evenings by reservation only, and stands towards Ishiteji.
Books Haruya Spirits Ishite
“Books Haruya Spirits Ishite” is a bookstore in Ishite, Matsuyama. It is one store in the Books Haruya Spirits chain, which operates in Shikoku and other areas.
Komugi no Toriko
A bakery located in a residential area of Ishite. Opened on April 1, 2026. It sells freshly baked bread at a shop where a food truck for mobile sales is stationed on-site.
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.
Masaoka Shiki Haiku Monument (Ishite-ji Temple Approach)
A haiku monument of Masaoka Shiki is located on the approach to Ishite-ji Temple, the 51st pilgrimage temple in Shikoku. It can be visited along with a visit to Ishite-ji Temple, known for its National Treasure, Nio-mon.
Sakai Mokuzen Haiku Monument (Iwazeki Amusement Park)
A haiku monument inscribed with a poem by Sakai Mokuzen, standing in the amusement park at Iwazeki in Ishite, Matsuyama. It can be seen while walking the area.