"Where a stone clutched in rebirth gave the Shikoku pilgrimage its founding legend"
Ishiteji Temple
Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan
At Temple 51 of Japan's most famous pilgrimage, a stone preserved for twelve centuries tells of sin, remorse, and redemption. Ishiteji holds the physical relic of the legend that gave the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage its origin story. Beyond the National Treasure gate, a 200-meter cave passage descends into darkness before emerging into an otherworldly inner sanctuary.
Weather & Best Time
Plan Your Visit
Save this site and start planning your journey.
Quick Facts
Location
Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan
Tradition
Site Type
Coordinates
33.8558, 132.7889
Last Updated
Jan 12, 2026
Learn More
Ishiteji's importance stems from its role as the repository of the Shikoku pilgrimage's founding legend—the story of Emon Saburo that gave the 88 temple circuit its emotional and spiritual meaning.
Origin Story
The temple originated in 728 CE when the wealthy man Ochi Tamasumi had a vision of 25 bodhisattvas descending from the sky at this location. He commissioned the monk Gyoki to carve the principal image of Yakushi Nyorai and established Anyoji temple. In 813, Kobo Daishi visited and converted the temple to Shingon Buddhism. The more famous origin involves Emon Saburo: a wealthy, selfish man who refused alms to a traveling monk (Kobo Daishi) eight times, breaking his begging bowl. His eight sons died. Recognizing his sin, Emon circled Shikoku 20 times seeking forgiveness. On his deathbed, Kobo Daishi appeared and gave him a stone with his name. Reborn into a noble family, the child clutched the stone in his fist. He grew to build this temple, renamed Ishiteji (Stone Hand Temple) in 892.
Key Figures
Ochi Tamasumi
Wealthy patron who had the founding vision and established the original temple in 728
Gyoki
Monk who carved the principal Yakushi Nyorai image in 729
Kobo Daishi (Kukai)
Converted the temple to Shingon Buddhism in 813; central figure in the Emon Saburo legend
Emon Saburo
Legendary figure whose rebirth story gave the temple its name and the Shikoku pilgrimage its origin
Spiritual Lineage
Ishiteji is a Shingon Buddhist temple affiliated with the Daigoji branch. It was originally of the Hosso sect before Kukai's conversion. The temple maintains traditional Shingon practices while serving as Temple 51 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
Know a Sacred Site We Should Include?
Help us expand our collection of sacred sites. Share your knowledge and contribute to preserving the world's spiritual heritage.