Ishite-ji, Buddhist temple in Ishite district, Matsuyama, Japan
Ishite-ji is a Buddhist temple in the Ishite district of Matsuyama and forms part of the 88 sacred sites on the Shikoku pilgrimage route. The grounds spread across several levels and include prayer halls, a three-story pagoda, and stone sculptures among trees and staircases.
The temple was founded in 729 and later became the 51st station on the Shikoku pilgrimage route. The Niomon Gate received National Treasure status for its construction dating back to the Kamakura period.
The name means "stone hand" and refers to an old legend about a child who gave a stone instead of money. Pilgrims today still leave small stones at the entrance to remember this act of kindness.
The grounds are accessible year-round and lie 15 minutes on foot from Dogo hot springs. Buses from Matsuyama Station stop nearby, and access to the cave system requires a flashlight or phone light.
A 200-meter cave system leads to an inner temple area where countless Buddha statues and carvings line the dark passages. Many visitors overlook a small shrine deep inside the mountain, covered with hundreds of coin offerings left over decades.
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