Ishiyama-dera Temple

• Shiga
• Sightseeing
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"Ishiyama-dera Temple" in Otsu City is a famous temple known as the place where Murasaki Shikibu, a female writer of the Heian period, conceived the world's oldest long novel, "The Tale of Genji." The main hall and tahoto tower, built on a massive natural treasure Wollastonite rock, are designated as National Treasures, radiating mystical beauty where the bedrock and architecture merge. It's also famous as a "Temple of Flowers" where seasonal blossoms bloom, with the beauty of plums, cherries, and autumn leaves being exceptional. In the quiet environment overlooking the clear streams of the Seta River, it's a must-see for sensitive travelers who want to touch the elegant atmosphere loved by Heian nobles and the roots of Japanese literature and art.