It is believed Ishiyama-dera was constructed in 747AD and was said to have been founded by the Buddhist Monk Roben. The temples name, translated into Englash, means 'Stony Mountain Temple' and is associated with the Shingon sect of Buddhism.
The temple grounds cover a very large area, as can be seen in the above map, and is home to many 'National Treasures' and 'Important Cultural Properties', like . . . .
. . . . the Hondo, or Main Shrine. This building was repeatedly reconstructed throughout the 'Heian Period' (794-to-1185).
The Vairocana (Dainichi) Buddha of the Kamikura Period (1185-to-1333) is believed to be enshrined here.
The temple complex is erected on a large block of Wollastonite and is designated a 'Rare Natural Monument'. The very name of this temple is derived from this sacred stone.
In a corner of the grounds is this statue of Lady Murasaki, the author of the worlds oldest novel, 'The Tale of Genji'. It is believed the noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu confined herself at this temple for seven days and, while observing the full moon of August, she was inspired to wride her famous novel.
The above gallery of images show a selection of other buildings within the temple complex.
Now . . . .
Now . . . .
. . . . lets move onto the gardens, another aspect that makes Ishiyama-dera worth visiting. If you are a fan of gardens, then this is for you. Although all times of the year, would be a good time to check-out the gardens, I would say that Spring (April/May) and Autumn (October/November) would be the best. But, I must add, expect large crowds of visitors.
Throughout the grounds you will come-across some interesting religious icons. In the image on the left is the fountain at the Chozuya, or purification fountain. Immediately behing the fountain, is a statue of Fudo, the God of Waterfalls. The image on the right is Daikokuten, one of the 'Seven Gods of Good Fortune'.
Access to the temple is easy - there is a very large car-park (¥600 fee), a regular bus-service, which can be caught at the nearby Keihan Ishiyamadera Station. Or you can walk the 800m from the station.