Ishite-ji Temple

Overview

Ishite-ji Temple is a Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect temple located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. It's the 51st temple on the famous 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage and is said to have been founded by Kūkai, also known as Kobo Daishi, making it a temple with a history stretching back to the Heian period. Due to its historical and cultural significance, Ishite-ji Temple houses numerous structures designated as Important Cultural Properties. The Niomon Gate, built during the Kamakura period, is particularly striking, featuring imposing Nio statues. The Three-Storied Pagoda, rebuilt in the Edo period, boasts a vibrant crimson color. The main hall houses a Yakushi Nyorai Buddha statue and welcomes many worshippers. Several locations within Ishite-ji Temple are associated with Kūkai. These include a cave where he is said to have practiced asceticism and a well he allegedly used during his visits. Ishite-ji Temple is a wonderful place where history, culture, and nature harmoniously coexist. If you're on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, be sure to visit Ishite-ji Temple.