Perched atop a mountain rich in Japanese mythology, Ichibata Yakushi is a historic Zen temple renowned for over 1,100 years as the "Deity of Eye Health." Your spiritual journey begins with an ascent up 1,300 sacred stone steps through an ancient forest, leading to a breathtaking summit view that feels like a scene from an ancient legend.

The temple is famous for "Ochato," a medicinal tea brewed from local herbs and pure spring water. Beyond its refreshing taste, tradition holds that rubbing this sacred tea on your eyelids protects and heals your vision. You can enjoy this ritual on-site or take the tea home in a traditional ceramic bottle.

A highlight for international visitors is the opportunity to practice Zen meditation and sutra copying under the guidance of the English-fluent head priest. This rare combination of profound history and accessible teaching makes Ichibata Yakushi a perfect spiritual retreat for those seeking to refresh both mind and body.

・A Zen experience guided by a priest who is fluent in English The head priest of Ichibata Yakushi is fluent in English. After a prayer in the main hall, he will explain the history of Ichibata Yakushi and then guide you around the temple grounds. The temple grounds are spread across the mountainside of Mt. Ichibata. Next to the main hall is the Kannon hall, which offers a spectacular view of Lake Shinji. From there, down the stone steps is the lecture hall, where you will experience Zazen. The main hall and Shoin on the same grounds are home to a teahouse and garden that was visited by Emperor Showa.These are usually closed to the public, but this tour will allow you to see the garden and tea room as a special treat.　

・A magnificent view from the temple grounds Located at the southern foot of Mt. Ichibata at an altitude of 200m, Ichibata Yakushi offers a spectacular view overlooking Lake Shinji. Lake Shinji peeks out between the cedar trees lining the approach to the temple, and on clear days, Mt. Daisen can be seen beyond the lake from the temple grounds. In the Autumn of 2025, the Kannon Hall was repaired, and a large glass window was installed on the east side overlooking Lake Shinji, allowing visitors to engage in "sky meditation," "copying sutras," and "sand stepping“. The Kannon Hall offers a panoramic view of the setting of Izumo mythology.