Overview
Chōkyū-ji is a temple of the Shingon Risshū school in Kamimachi, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Mayumi-san, its principal image is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, and its founding is traditionally attributed to the Nara-period monk Gyōki. The temple's highlight is its Main Hall, a National Treasure regarded as a leading example of an esoteric Buddhist hall from the Kamakura period. Set in the hills of Ikoma, the precinct also includes the Izanagi Shrine, forming a quiet space where temple and shrine stand together.
Highlights
- ●The Main Hall, a National Treasure of the Kamakura period and a landmark esoteric Buddhist hall
- ●The principal Eleven-Headed Kannon and the quiet of a Shingon Risshū temple said to be founded by Gyōki
- ●The Izanagi Shrine within the precinct, where temple and shrine share one space
- ●Timber joinery skilled enough to rank sixth among temples chosen by master carpenters
History
According to temple tradition, Chōkyū-ji was founded by the monk Gyōki, and it has long been associated with the name Mayumi-san. It belongs to the Shingon Risshū school. Its Main Hall is designated a National Treasure as a representative esoteric Buddhist hall of the Kamakura period, preserving the construction techniques and design of that age. As accounts of its exact founding and later history vary, please confirm the precise details through on-site explanations or official sources.
Access
The temple stands in Kamimachi, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, near latitude 34.71 and longitude 135.72 in the Ikoma hills. It lies in an area leading from the city into the surrounding mountains, and is generally reached by public transport and walking, or by car. As the nearest station, bus services, parking, and visiting hours may change by season and day, please check official information before your visit.
Best season
The temple keeps a calm atmosphere throughout the year, but spring greenery and autumn foliage are especially beautiful, when the woodwork of the National Treasure Main Hall harmonizes with nature. For viewing the hall and worshipping, the bright daytime hours are recommended.
Map
34.7186, 135.7266 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head from central Ikoma up into the hills to Chōkyū-ji and take in the air of Mayumi-san at the gate
- 2View the National Treasure Main Hall head-on and study its Kamakura-period joinery and design
- 3Visit the Izanagi Shrine in the precinct and walk this combined temple-and-shrine space
- 4Pray before the Eleven-Headed Kannon and leave carrying the calm of a quiet mountain temple
Did you know?
💡 Chōkyū-ji has been ranked sixth among shrines and temples chosen by traditional temple carpenters, a sign of the refinement of its timber architecture. It is also counted among the Thirteen Buddhist Sites of Yamato and is cherished as a place of pilgrimage.
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