Ichibata-ji Temple

Overview

Ichibata-ji Temple stands in Kozakai-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, a Buddhist temple of the Rinzai Myoshinji school bearing the mountain name Ioizan. As the head temple of the Ichibata Yakushi order, it is widely cherished as Ichibata Yakushi, or the Yakushi of the Eyes. Revered as a spiritual site said to bring blessings for eye ailments, it has drawn countless worshippers from within and beyond the prefecture.

Highlights

• ●A sacred site for healing eye ailments, cherished as the Yakushi of the Eyes
• ●A venerable Rinzai Myoshinji temple serving as head of the Ichibata Yakushi order
• ●A history of over a thousand years, said to date from its founding in 894
• ●A pilgrimage station on both the Chugoku 33 Kannon and Izumo Shinbutsu routes

History

According to temple tradition, its founding dates back to the year 894, and through its long history it has flourished as a center of Yakushi devotion. Belonging to the Rinzai Myoshinji school, it continues to keep the flame of faith as the head temple of the Ichibata Yakushi order. It is also known as a station on the Chugoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage and the Izumo Shinbutsu Pilgrimage, an esteemed temple that gathers the devotion of pilgrims.

Map

35.4968, 132.8741 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Climb the stone stairway of the approach from the base to savor the feel of a mountain temple
2. 2Pray for eye health in the main hall and touch the history of Yakushi devotion
3. 3Enjoy the view toward Lake Shinji from the precinct
4. 4Confirm the temple's pilgrimage lineage and details such as goshuin via official information

Did you know?

💡 Known as the Yakushi of the Eyes, the temple welcomes worshippers from across the country who pray for eye health and recovery from illness. That it serves as a station on both the Chugoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage and the Izumo Shinbutsu Pilgrimage speaks to the depth of faith centered here.

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