Travel in Shiga · 滋賀県
Ishiyamadera Temple · 石山寺
Ishiyamadera Temple · 石山寺
Explore the National Treasure main hall and Tahoto pagoda alongside the temple's large rock formations. Ishiyamadera preserves a connection with Murasaki Shikibu and The Tale of Genji, offering literary stories as well as historic buildings.
Visitor information
Admission
Grounds admission costs ¥600 for adults, ¥350 for junior and senior high school students, and ¥250 for elementary school students. The main hall's inner sanctuary costs an additional ¥500 for adults or ¥250 for elementary school students. Hozoden costs an additional ¥300 or ¥150, respectively, and opens mainly during spring and fall special exhibitions. The adult grounds, inner-sanctuary, and Hozoden combined ticket costs ¥1,200 and is sold March 19–June 30 and September 1–November 30. At other times, the adult grounds and inner-sanctuary combined ticket costs ¥1,000. Events may suspend combined-ticket sales.
Opening hours
The grounds are open 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; last admission is 4 p.m. The main hall's inner sanctuary is open for visits 9 a.m.–4 p.m. During special exhibitions, Hozoden is open 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with last admission at 3:45 p.m.
What to see at Ishiyamadera Temple · 石山寺
National Treasure buildings and large rock formations
Walk the grounds to see the main hall, Tahoto pagoda, and large rocks. You can also visit the main hall's inner sanctuary for a separate fee in addition to grounds admission.
Main hall, pagoda, and temple grounds Current prices and exceptions
A connection with Murasaki Shikibu
The temple tells the story of its connection with Murasaki Shikibu and The Tale of Genji. If you enjoy the work, read the temple's account before exploring the grounds.
How to get to Ishiyamadera Temple · 石山寺
At JR Ishiyama Station's stop 1, take Kojak Bus route 1, 4, 14, 52, 54, or 55 to Ishiyamadera Sanmon-mae. The ride takes about 10 minutes and costs ¥250 per adult each way. Return on an Ishiyama Station-bound bus from Sanmon-mae stop 2. Check the destination, since Otsu Station-bound buses are different.
Current prices and exceptions Official bus guide Kojak Bus fares, revised March 1, 2026 Sanmon-mae stop 2 timetable toward Ishiyama Station Walk from the station
If you use Keihan trains, get off at Ishiyamadera Station. The temple is about a 10-minute walk away.
Visit tips
Planning an inner-sanctuary visit
Check that inner-sanctuary visits are available on your date. They pause January 1–3, December 6–8, December 12–13, and December 28–31. Religious services and events can also cause visiting pauses at other times. Hozoden closes outside special exhibition periods.
Questions about Ishiyamadera Temple · 石山寺
Where do I board the return bus to Ishiyama Station?
Take an Ishiyama Station-bound bus from Ishiyamadera Sanmon-mae stop 2. Otsu Station-bound services are different. Check the stop's timetable for your return bus.
Sanmon-mae stop 2 timetable toward Ishiyama Station Official bus guide
Sources
- Sources ·
- Current prices and exceptions ·
- Official bus guide ·
- Kojak Bus fares, revised March 1, 2026 ·
- Sanmon-mae stop 2 timetable toward Ishiyama Station ·
- Walk from the station ·
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