Chōgaku-ji Temple

Overview

Chōgaku-ji is an ancient temple of the Kōyasan Shingon sect in the city of Tenri, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kamanokuchi-san, its principal image an Amida triad, and it is affectionately known as Kamaguchi Daishi. Standing near the midpoint of the Yamanobe no Michi, said to be the oldest road in Japan, it draws a steady stream of pilgrims and hikers alike. As a temple of the Kansai Flower Temple and Yamato Thirteen Buddhas pilgrimages, it blends seasonal blossoms with living faith.

Highlights

• ●Historic halls and statues designated Important Cultural Properties
• ●Seasonal flower scenery as a Kansai Flower Temple pilgrimage site
• ●A location at the midpoint of Japan's oldest road, the Yamanobe no Michi
• ●The depth of local faith long cherished as Kamaguchi Daishi

History

According to temple tradition its founding dates to the year 824, and it has accumulated a long history in the land of Yamato. Its precincts preserve buildings and Buddhist statues designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, testifying to the depth of devotion since the Heian era. It has long counted as the nineteenth station of the twenty-five Kansai Flower Temples, the fourth of the Thirteen Buddhist Sites of Yamato, and a station of the Yamato Northern 88 Sacred Sites. Through the centuries it has continued to receive the prayers of local people.

Map

34.5608, 135.8519 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Walk the Yamanobe no Michi toward the temple through farmland scenery
2. 2Pay respects to the Amida triad and tour the temple halls
3. 3Take time to view the Important Cultural Property buildings and statues
4. 4Continue the old-road walk while enjoying seasonal flowers and foliage

Did you know?

💡 Beloved locally by the name Kamaguchi Daishi, Chōgaku-ji is counted among the twenty-five Kansai Flower Temples. Its position at the midpoint of the Yamanobe no Michi, the oldest road in Japan, makes a visit a journey through the very landscape of ancient Yamato.

Nearby spots