Travel in Shiga
Ishiyamadera Temple
Ishiyamadera Temple · 石山寺
Ishiyamadera has a National Treasure Main Hall and pagoda, and large rocks in its grounds. The temple preserves a traditional association with Murasaki Shikibu and The Tale of Genji, adding a literary story to its historic buildings.
Official sources Current fees and exceptions Official bus guide
Visitor information
Admission
Grounds admission is ¥600 for adults, ¥350 for junior and senior high school students, and ¥250 for elementary school students. The Main Hall inner sanctuary costs an additional ¥500 for adults or ¥250 for elementary school students. Hozoden Treasure Hall costs ¥300 for adults or ¥150 for elementary school students, separate from grounds admission, and opens mainly during spring and autumn special exhibitions. A combined grounds, inner sanctuary and treasure hall ticket is ¥1,200 for adults, sold March 19–June 30 and September 1–November 30. At other times, the adult grounds and inner sanctuary combination is ¥1,000. Events may suspend combined-ticket sales.
Opening hours
The grounds open 08:00–16:30, with last entry at 16:00. The Main Hall inner sanctuary is open 09:00–16:00. During special exhibitions, Hozoden Treasure Hall opens 10:00–16:00, with last entry at 15:45.
What to see at Ishiyamadera Temple
National Treasure buildings and large rocks
Walk through the grounds to see the National Treasure Main Hall and pagoda and the large rocks. You can also visit the Main Hall's inner sanctuary for a fee separate from grounds admission.
Main hall, pagoda and grounds highlights Current fees and exceptions
The connection to Murasaki Shikibu
The temple recounts its connection with Murasaki Shikibu and The Tale of Genji. If the novel interests you, read the temple's account as you explore the grounds.
How to get to Ishiyamadera Temple
Take Kojaku Bus route 1, 4, 14, 52, 54 or 55 from bay 1 at JR Ishiyama Station and get off at Ishiyamadera Sanmon-mae. The ride takes about 10 minutes; the adult fare is ¥250 each way. Return on an Ishiyama Station-bound bus from Sanmon-mae stop 2. Check the destination, as Otsu Station-bound buses are different services.
Current fees and exceptions Official bus guide Kojaku Bus revised fares, March 1, 2026 Ishiyama Station-bound timetable from Sanmon-mae stop 2 Station walk
If using Keihan Railway, get off at Ishiyamadera Station. The temple is about a 10-minute walk away.
Visiting tips
Visiting the Main Hall's inner sanctuary
Check whether the inner sanctuary is open on your date. Visits are suspended January 1–3, December 6–8, December 12–13 and December 28–31. Services and events may also suspend visits at other times. Hozoden Treasure Hall closes outside special exhibition periods.
Questions about Ishiyamadera Temple
Where do I board the return bus to Ishiyama Station?
Take an Ishiyama Station-bound bus from stop 2 at Ishiyamadera Sanmon-mae. Otsu Station-bound buses are different services. Check the return time in that stop's timetable.
Ishiyama Station-bound timetable from Sanmon-mae stop 2 Official bus guide
Official sources
- Official sources ·
- Current fees and exceptions ·
- Official bus guide ·
- Kojaku Bus revised fares, March 1, 2026 ·
- Ishiyama Station-bound timetable from Sanmon-mae stop 2 ·
- Station walk ·
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