Ishiyama-ji

Ishiyama-ji is an ancient temple founded in the Nara period by the venerable priest Roben. The main hall is designated as a National Treasure as Japan's oldest example of cantilevered architecture, and its beauty surely captures the hearts of all who see it. Particularly famous is the legend that Murasaki Shikibu conceived the ideas for "The Tale of Genji" at this temple. Since the Heian period, pilgrimage to Ishiyama has been popular, and many nobles and literary figures visited this place. Within the temple grounds stands silica limestone, a rare stone that became the origin of the temple's name. The grounds display beautiful flowers in each season, and the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are especially splendid.