Travel in Shiga
Ishiyamadera
Ishiyamadera · Ishiyamadera Temple · 石山寺
Explore the national-treasure main hall, tahoto pagoda and large rocks. The temple recounts its traditional association with Murasaki Shikibu and The Tale of Genji, so you can explore literary stories alongside its historic buildings.
Sources and dates checked Current fees and exceptions Official bus guide
Visitor information at a glance
Admission
General entry costs JPY 600 for adults, JPY 350 for junior and senior high school students or JPY 250 for primary school pupils. Inner-hall admission adds JPY 500 for adults or JPY 250 for primary pupils. Hojoden admission adds JPY 300 for adults or JPY 150 for primary pupils; it mainly opens during spring and autumn special exhibitions. A combination ticket for adult entry, the inner hall and Hojoden costs JPY 1,200 from 19 March to 30 June and 1 September to 30 November. At other times, the adult entry and inner-hall combination costs JPY 1,000. Events may suspend combination ticket sales.
Opening hours and closed days
The grounds open from 08:00 to 16:30, with last entry at 16:00. The inner hall opens from 09:00 to 16:00. During special exhibitions, Hojoden opens from 10:00 to 16:00, with last admission at 15:45.
What can I see at Ishiyamadera?
National-treasure buildings and large rocks
Walk through the grounds to see the main hall, tahoto pagoda and large rocks. Visits inside the main hall’s inner area require admission beyond general entry.
Main hall, tahoto pagoda and grounds Current fees and exceptions
The association with Murasaki Shikibu
The temple recounts its association with Murasaki Shikibu and The Tale of Genji. If interested in the work, read these stories while exploring the grounds.
How to get to Ishiyamadera
From JR Ishiyama stand 1, take Kojaku Bus Route 1, 4, 14, 52, 54 or 55 to Ishiyamadera Sanmon-mae. The ride takes about ten minutes; adult fare is JPY 250 one way. Return from Sanmon-mae stop 2 towards Ishiyama Station. Check the destination, as Otsu-bound services differ.
Current fees and exceptions Official bus guide Kojaku Bus fare table revised on 1 March 2026 Sanmon-mae stop 2 timetable towards Ishiyama Station Walk from the station
Using Keihan, alight at Ishiyamadera Station and walk about ten minutes to the temple.
Before you visit
If you want to see the inner hall
First check inner-hall access for your date. It closes on 1–3 January, 6–8 December, 12–13 December and 28–31 December. Religious services and events can cause other restrictions. Hojoden opens only during special exhibitions.
Questions about Ishiyamadera
Where do I board the return bus to Ishiyama Station?
Take an Ishiyama Station-bound bus from Ishiyamadera Sanmon-mae stop 2. Otsu-bound buses are separate. Check the stop’s timetable for your return time.
Sanmon-mae stop 2 timetable towards Ishiyama Station Official bus guide
Sources and dates checked
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Current fees and exceptions ·
- Official bus guide ·
- Kojaku Bus fare table revised on 1 March 2026 ·
- Sanmon-mae stop 2 timetable towards Ishiyama Station ·
- Walk from the station ·
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