Ishima-dera Temple: Once Every 12 Years! Year of the Horse Special Unveiling and Journey to Meet Prince Shotoku on Horseback

About this event

At the ancient Ishima-dera Temple in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, a special once-every-12-years Year of the Horse unveiling will be held. Known as the 'Horse Temple' originating from the legend that Prince Shotoku's beloved horse turned into stone, Ishima-dera will specially display not only the statue of Prince Shotoku on horseback at age 22 enshrined in the main hall, but also three hidden Buddha statues normally closed to the public (Standing Statue of Eleven-Headed Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva, Standing Statue of Bishamonten, and Standing Statue of Jizo Bodhisattva). The statue of Prince Shotoku riding a horse, which is extremely rare nationwide, is an important temple treasure symbolizing the founding legend of Ishima-dera. In addition, historical highlights include numerous temple treasures including nationally designated Important Cultural Properties, the stone garden of Ishima praised by Masako Shirasu, and 'Kannon-zaka,' an approach path retaining medieval irregular stone paving. In autumn, the entire temple grounds take on colors reminiscent of a brocade print, allowing visitors to enjoy the quiet, deep autumn scenery unique to a mountain temple. On the final day, a special dedication live performance by 'Enjin,' a Tsugaru shamisen and Japanese taiko drum unit, will conclude the special unveiling. Donations for repairing the main hall are also being collected, calling for support alongside the temple visit.

Venue

Ishima-dera Temple

823 Gokasho Ishimaderacho, Higashiomi, Shiga 529-1401