Ishiyama-dera Temple

A Buddhist temple located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture which is also the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, legend has it that the Ishyama-dera is the temple where Murasaki Shikibu started writing The Tale of Genji, the world’s first novel. Due to the various flowers which bloom on the temple’s grounds throughout the year, the Ishiyama-dera is also famously known as the “flower temple.” The grounds of the temple are planted with some 600 cherry trees, including Kanzakura cherries which flower in early March, Yoshino cherries, weeping cherries, and Higan cherries. During the peak flowering period from late March to early April, the temple is visited by great numbers of people come to enjoy the atmosphere of this historic temple accented by the pink blossoms. The temple grounds are open from 8:00 to 16:30 (last entry 16 :00); entry is 600 yen for adults and 250 yen for children. Toilets and paid parking available. The nearest station is Ishiyamadera Station.

Spot details

Address: Shiga Pref. Otsushi Ishiyamadera 1-1-1 Map
Area: Otsu Area
Phone: 0775370013
Cherry blossom forecast: Late Mar.-Early Apr.
Hours: 8:00-16:30 (Iriyama is until 16:00)
Fees: [Adult]600yen
[Child]250yen
Parking Lot: Available(￥600/1Times 120spaces)
Night viewing: Not available
Public toilets: Available
Shop: Not available
Number of trees: 600trees
Variety: Someiyoshino, Higanzakura, Shidarezakura, Hill cherry blossom, Kanzakura, Okanzakura