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Chogakuji Temple
9th Century
The “flower temple”, colorful for 1,200 years.
Hidden in the foothills along the Yamanobe-no-Michi path in southern Tenri City is the “flower temple”, Chogakuji Temple. In spring, bluish purple Japanese irises bloom in the temple pond, pink and white azaleas bloom along the main approach, followed by purple and pink hydrangeas showing their colors as we near summer. In autumn, the pond in front of the main temple hall reflects the vibrant tones of countless red, orange, and yellow leaves.
A calm, countryside temple, Chogakuji Temple is loved by so many for its natural beauty and warm familiarity. The temple priest speaks to visitors about the temple history and cultural properties, and a cat that lives at the temple often relaxes in a sunny spot along the main approach.
Chogakuji Temple was established about 1,200 years ago in 824 CE by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The temple path takes us from the main temple hall around the pond, passing by a 13-story pagoda, numerous stone Jizo statues, a great statue Kobo Daishi, and a large bell tower. When visitors ring the bell, it gives a long, deep ring that reverberates across the temple grounds.
Chogakuji Temple is home to many statues and structures that are recognized as national important cultural properties, including its principal image of Buddha, Amida Sanzon triad of statues (1151 CE) in the main temple hall, and the large Shoro-mon gate (Heian period).
One of its most fascinating items is the Great Scenes of Hell, a painting composed over nine large scrolls, stretching 11 meters long and four meters high. From every October 23rd to the end of November, it is on display in the main temple hall, and the temple priest explains the details and deep meaning of this masterpiece from the Edo period (1603~1867) in Japanese. The painting is on display around the time when the temple’s pond reflects the beautiful colors of autumn, so it is a fantastic time to visit.
With its natural beauty and long, rich history, Chogakuji Temple is one of the many gems along the Yamanobe-no-Michi path.
Access
By car: Chogakuji Temple is about 7 km south of the Tenri IC on the Nishi-Meihan Expressway, and 7 km south of the Tenri Higashi IC on the Meihan Expressway.
By train: Chogakuji Temple is a little more than 1 km east of JR Yanagimoto Station on the Manyo Mahoroba Line.
By bus: Chogakuji Temple is less than 1 km east of the Yanagimoto bus stop on the Nara Kotsu bus line.
Environment
In addition to being along the Yamanobe-no-Michi path, Chogakuji Temple is located near the Tomb of Emperor Sujin, and within the historic town of Yanagimoto. With Kurozuka Kofun tomb, Mt. Ryuo, and many other historic places, one could spend an entire day enjoying the history of this town.
Point
Simple yet stunning, sacred yet welcoming, one of the beautiful aspects of Chogakuji Temple is how intimately we can experience its many treasures. Here is a list of its statues, structures, and other items recognized as national important cultural properties.
Principal Image of Buddha: Amida Sanzon statues (inside main temple hall) – 1151 CE
Tamonten and Zochoten statues (inside main temple hall) – around 13th century CE
Shoro-mon bell tower gate (the oldest bell tower gate in Japan) – around 11th century
Former Jizo-in Temple 1630 CE and Hall 1631 CE
Gochido Temple (a separated part of the temple about 1 km west) – Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE)
In addition, the following have been recognized as Nara Prefectural Cultural Properties.
Daishido Hall – 1645 CE
Great Scenes of Hell painting – around 16th century CE
Altar Inside Main Hall – 1783 CE
Embroidered Image of Amida Nyorai’s Welcoming Approach – Nanbokucho period (1336-1392 CE)
Map
Information
| Course： |
Yamanobe-no-Michi (South) Course
Mt. Ryuo Course Yanagimoto Course |
|---|---|
| Address： | 508 Yanagimoto Town, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture |
| Admission： | 400 yen (general) |
| Parking： | Yes |
| Rest Area： | Yes |
| Toilet： | Yes |
| Contact： | |
| Website： | Chogakuji Temple |
| Social Media： |
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Photo Gallery
