Ishite-ji

Ishite-ji is the most popular temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, drawing visitors and pilgrims alike with its extraordinary collection of Buddhist art and architecture. Seven of its structures are designated National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, including the impressive Niomon gate. The temple grounds are filled with eclectic and sometimes surreal Buddhist statues, carvings, and offerings that create an atmosphere unlike any other temple in Japan. A mysterious cave tunnel runs beneath the hillside behind the main hall, lined with illuminated Buddhist imagery and emerging at a giant statue on the other side. Its proximity to Dogo Onsen, just a 20-minute walk away, makes it an essential addition to any Matsuyama itinerary.