Ishido-ji Temple in Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture, was founded in 708. Since ancient times, it has been home to many nationally and prefecturally designated important cultural properties, making it one of the Boso region’s leading treasure troves of cultural assets and said to be the oldest temple in Minamiboso. Gyoki built the hall and carved the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva statue himself, which is the principal image of the temple.
Ishido-ji Temple’s greatest appeal is its fusion of history, culture and nature. I have actually visited the temple myself, and I felt as if the weight of history and the quiet space surrounded by abundant nature had cleared away all the stresses in my heart. I encourage you to stand in Ishido-ji Temple’s space and experience the scenery and scents.
〒299-2503 302 Ishido, Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wWFYwj73iRadPt467
[Access] By car, take the Tomiura IC exit. By train or express bus, take the train to Tateyama Station. From Tateyama Station, take a local bus or taxi.
[Parking] Available
[Open Hours] 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
[Phone Call Required] No
[Phone Number] 0470-46-2218
Enjoy the magnificent view of Ishido-ji Temple
Ishido-ji Temple’s Tahoto Pagoda, a nationally designated important cultural property
This is a valuable wooden structure from the medieval Kanto region, attracting much attention for its historical value and beautiful structure. It houses a wooden seated Thousand-Armed Kannon statue.
The main hall is a nationally designated important cultural property
The main hall is a nationally designated important cultural property
Yakushido Hall, a nationally designated important cultural property
The Yakushido Hall has a thatched roof and is an elegant Chinese style building from the late Muromachi period. During repairs and dismantling in the Showa period, ink inscriptions were discovered, revealing that it was officially built in 1575, towards the end of the Muromachi period.
Bell tower, designated a cultural property by Minamiboso City
Hokyointo Pagoda, designated as a cultural property by Minamiboso City
A copy of the Thirty-three Kannon statues of the Western Provinces is enshrined in the Taishido Hall of Ishido Temple.
Ishido-ji Temple reception hall
You can view “Wave Ihachi,” a nationally designated important cultural property, here. It is a work by Takeshi Ihachiro, a famous sculptor from the late Edo period who is said to have influenced Katsushika Hokusai, a renowned ukiyo-e artist from the late Edo period. You can also purchase goshuin stamps and Ishido-ji Temple items here.
What has been described here is not all there is to Ishido-ji Temple. Please visit the temple with your own two feet and experience the wonders that are not listed here with your own five senses. I would be delighted if you would share that wonder with us on social media or in the ima inquiry form.
Finally, during my visit, I was able to hear many valuable stories from Mr. Sakamoto, the head priest of Ishido-ji Temple. Thank you very much for taking the time to see me. I was also able to see the Nio statues, which are currently under repair, up close, which was a spectacular sight.
It is truly difficult to preserve such magnificent historical architecture, Buddhist statues, and scenery for future generations, but I strongly hope that by leaving these for future generations, history will continue to be woven.
I would like to do what I can as ima and as an individual. Thank you.