Chojuji Temple and the Konan Three Mountains (Shiga Prefecture) Complete Guide: National Treasure Architecture and Autumn Leaves Explained in Detail
Chojuji Temple (長寿寺), located in Konan City, Shiga Prefecture, is known as an ancient Tendai Buddhist temple possessing National Treasure architecture, and together with Jyorakuji and Zenshuji temples constitutes the “Konan Three Mountains,” a renowned group of temples. Founded in the Nara Period, this temple attracts many worshippers with its National Treasure Main Hall from the Kamakura Period, numerous Important Cultural Properties, and the beautiful autumn foliage. This article provides detailed information on Chojuji’s history, architectural appeal, cultural properties, access methods, and how to enjoy a tour of the Konan Three Mountains.
Chojuji Temple: The Ancient Temple Known as East Temple in the Konan Three Mountains
Basic Information about Chojuji Temple
Chojuji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located at 5-chome Higashidera, Konan City, Shiga Prefecture, with the mountain name Aboshi Mountain (阿星山). The principal image is Jizo Bodhisattva, and the temple is affectionately called “Higashidera” (East Temple) in the local community. This name derives from its location on the eastern side of Aboshi Mountain, corresponding to Jyorakuji Temple on the western side, which is called “Nishidera” (West Temple).
Chojuji, Jyorakuji, and Zenshuji temples are three Tendai Buddhist temples all founded in the Nara Period and all possessing National Treasure architecture, making them repositories of cultural assets representative of Shiga Prefecture. Particularly known as a prime spot for autumn foliage, many tourists enjoy touring all three mountains in autumn.
What is the Konan Three Mountains?
The Konan Three Mountains is a collective name for three ancient temples concentrated in Konan City, Shiga Prefecture: Chojuji, Jyorakuji, and Zenshuji. These three temples all were founded in the Nara Period and share the common feature of possessing National Treasure architecture.
- Chojuji: Possesses the National Treasure Main Hall and Three-Tiered Pagoda (Important Cultural Property)
- Jyorakuji: Possesses National Treasure Main Hall and Three-Tiered Pagoda, known as West Temple
- Zenshuji: Possesses National Treasure Main Hall, a temple associated with Dengyo Daishi
These temples are located within walking distance of each other and can be efficiently toured using buses or rental bicycles. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, special openings and illuminations are held as part of the “Konan Three Mountains Autumn Foliage Tour,” attracting many worshippers.
The History of Chojuji: The Story of an Imperial Votive Temple Continuing from the Nara Period
Founding and Abbot Roben
The founding of Chojuji Temple dates back to the Wado Period (708-715) of the Nara Period. According to tradition, when Emperor Shomu constructed Shigaraki Palace (Shigaraki no Miya), it was built by the priest Roben to seal the demon gate of this direction.
Roben is known for founding Todai Temple and was a high priest of great repute. The founding tradition of Chojuji resembles that of Jyorakuji Temple. Both temples take Aboshi Mountain as their mountain name and have deep connections with Shigaraki Palace, a characteristic that demonstrates that this region had close relationships with the Nara Period capital, an important historical fact.
Development in the Early Heian Period
In the early Heian Period, Chojuji Temple developed as a Tendai Buddhist temple. The Tendai sect is one of the major sects of Japanese Buddhism, founded by Dengyo Daishi, and Chojuji was incorporated into this stream.
The temple maintained the status of an imperial votive temple and developed while receiving protection from the imperial court. During this period, the temple grounds were organized and many halls are thought to have been constructed.
Restoration in the Kamakura Period and Minamoto Yoritomo
The Kamakura Period became an important turning point for Chojuji Temple. The existing National Treasure Main Hall is architecture from this era, highly evaluated as a masterpiece of Kamakura Period Japanese-style architecture.
Minamoto Yoritomo issued a token certificate (seal document) to Chojuji Temple and promised its protection. This demonstrates that despite being an eastern warrior government, the Kamakura shogunate was also interested in important temples in the Kinki region. Minamoto Yoritomo’s token certificate proves that Chojuji was recognized as a renowned temple throughout the period.
The Muromachi Period and Ashikaga Takauji
In the Muromachi Period, Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, also issued a token certificate to Chojuji Temple. This demonstrates that Chojuji was positioned as an important temple during the Muromachi Period.
While receiving protection from warrior governments, Chojuji Temple continued to preserve its dharma lamp throughout the medieval period. Token certificates and documents from this period are valuable historical materials for understanding Chojuji’s history.
From Early Modern Period to Modern Times
During the Edo Period, Chojuji served as a center of local religious faith. Under the danka system, it built close relationships with local society and has continued to preserve that tradition to the present day.
Having weathered the wave of Buddhist temple destruction during the Meiji Period, the Main Hall was designated as a National Treasure in 1952. This recognized Chojuji as a temple of national importance possessing significant cultural properties, and it has now become one of Shiga Prefecture’s representative tourist attractions.
National Treasure Architecture: The Charm of Chojuji Main Hall
A Masterpiece of Kamakura Period Japanese-Style Architecture
Chojuji’s Main Hall, constructed in the Kamakura Period, was designated a National Treasure in 1952 as a masterpiece of Japanese-style architecture. The building measures five bays in front and five bays in depth, with an irimoya roof covered in cypress bark shingles, preserving Kamakura Period architectural style to the present.
The Main Hall’s characteristic feature is that it is purely Japanese-style architecture. While Kamakura Period saw the popularity of continental styles transmitted from China—the Great Buddha style and Zen Buddhist style—Chojuji Main Hall is important for having maintained traditional Japanese style.
Techniques Seen in Architectural Details
The Main Hall’s architectural techniques are particularly noteworthy in the following aspects:
- Pillars and Bracketing: Thick round pillars and precise bracketing create a stable structure in harmony
- Roof Curvature: The elegant cypress bark roof traces curves distinctive to Japanese architecture
- Interior Space: The spacious inner sanctum provides sufficient space for installing Buddha images
- Lighting: Window placement allows soft natural light to enter the interior by design
Inside the Main Hall are enshrined the principal image of Jizo Bodhisattva and many other Buddhist statues. These Buddhist images and architectural space together create a solemn religious space.
Significance of National Treasure Designation
The designation of Chojuji Main Hall as a National Treasure has important meaning in Japanese architectural history. Kamakura Period Japanese-style architecture established a unique style combining the elegance of the Heian Period with the strength of the Kamakura Period.
Chojuji Main Hall, as a representative example, has extremely high academic value and has become indispensable in architectural history research. Furthermore, its National Treasure designation has established a proper system for preservation and repairs to transmit it to future generations.
Important Cultural Properties and Temple Treasures: Cultural Heritage Preserved by Chojuji
Three-Tiered Pagoda (Important Cultural Property)
In addition to the National Treasure Main Hall, Chojuji possesses a Three-Tiered Pagoda designated as an Important Cultural Property. This pagoda is believed to be Muromachi Period architecture, standing at approximately 20 meters with an elegant appearance.
The Three-Tiered Pagoda features a cypress bark shingled roof, and the gradual reduction ratio of each tier’s roof (becoming smaller toward the top) is beautiful, embodying the tradition of Japanese pagoda architecture. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, it creates a landscape resembling a painting when combined with surrounding foliage.
Silk Painting of Sixteen Arhats in Color
The Silk Painting of Sixteen Arhats in Color housed by Chojuji is designated as an Important Cultural Property and is a valuable Buddhist painting. The Sixteen Arhats refers to sixteen of Shakyamuni Buddha’s disciples who attained enlightenment and is one of the important themes in Buddhist art.
This arhat painting is believed to be from the Kamakura to Muromachi Period, with each arhat’s individual facial expressions and postures depicted carefully. The silk painting technique involves coloring pigments on silk fabric, characterized by beautiful color development and high preservation quality.
Wooden Sitting Images of Amida Tathagata and Shakyamuni Tathagata
Chojuji houses wooden sitting images of Amida Tathagata and Shakyamuni Tathagata designated as Important Cultural Properties. These Buddhist statues are believed to be works from the Heian to Kamakura Period, demonstrating the high technical level of Buddhist sculpture of that era.
The wooden sitting image of Amida Tathagata is expressed with the hands in the welcoming mudra pose. Its serene expression and well-proportioned physique characterize Heian Period Buddhist image style.
The wooden sitting image of Shakyamuni Tathagata is depicted with hands in the teaching mudra, expressing Shakyamuni expounding his teachings. The expression of robes is precise, demonstrating the realistic sculptural technique of the Kamakura Period.
Bentendo Hall and Jizo Mandala
The temple grounds have a Bentendo Hall where Benzaiten is enshrined. Benzaiten is known as one of the Seven Lucky Gods and is worshipped as the deity of the arts and good fortune.
Recently, Chojuji implemented a restoration project for the Jizo Mandala, completing repairs in November 2021. The Jizo Mandala is a mandala diagram centered on Jizo Bodhisattva and is particularly important given that Chojuji’s principal image is Jizo Bodhisattva. Following restoration, special viewings were held, drawing many visitors.
Annual Events at Chojuji: Oni-Bashiri and Festivals
Oni-Bashiri (Mid-January)
The most famous annual event at Chojuji is the “Oni-Bashiri,” held in mid-January. This festival is a unique ritual where actors dressed as demons run about the temple grounds to dispel evil.
Oni-Bashiri is considered to be an event influenced by mountain ascetic practices, indicating that Chojuji had connections with mountain worship and ascetic Buddhism in its history. The sight of red and blue demons running with torches is impressive and attracts many spectators.
This event is performed to pray for good health and bountiful harvests, and is carefully preserved as a local traditional event.
Other Annual Events
Throughout the year, various services and events are held at Chojuji:
- Spring Equinox Memorial Service (March): Buddhist service for ancestor veneration
- Jizo Bon Festival (August): Service honoring the principal image Jizo Bodhisattva
- Autumn Equinox Memorial Service (September): Buddhist service for ancestor veneration
- Autumn Foliage Special Viewing (November): Special viewing period to enjoy temple grounds foliage
These events maintain connections with local society and serve as important opportunities to transmit Buddhist faith.
Foliage Viewing Spot: Chojuji’s Autumn Charm
200-Meter Foliage Tunnel
Chojuji is known as one of Shiga Prefecture’s premier autumn foliage viewing spots. Particularly, the approximately 200-meter foliage tunnel along the approach path is spectacular, with Japanese maple leaves turning vivid crimson captivating all who visit.
The maple trees planted on both sides of the approach path extend their branches overhead, creating a tunnel of deep red in autumn. The temple’s quiet, secluded nature allows visitors to enjoy the foliage away from urban bustle—a charm unique to Chojuji.
Prime Foliage Viewing Season
The foliage at Chojuji typically peaks from mid to late November. While the exact timing varies slightly depending on climate conditions, visiting during this period allows one to enjoy the most beautiful foliage.
The foliage coloring varies depending on that year’s temperature and precipitation. The latest foliage information is available on the Shiga Prefecture tourism information website or Konan City’s official site.
Konan Three Mountains Autumn Foliage Tour
From mid to late November each year, the “Konan Three Mountains Autumn Foliage Tour” is held. During this period, special viewings and various events are held at all three temples: Chojuji, Jyorakuji, and Zenshuji.
The 2025 Konan Three Mountains Autumn Foliage Tour is scheduled for November 15 (Saturday) to November 30 (Sunday), with the following events planned:
- Night Illumination: From 17:30 to 20:00 on November 22 (Saturday) through November 24 (holiday), the temple grounds are illuminated
- Special Viewings: Normally closed cultural properties may be specially opened
- Stamp Rally: A stamp rally is held for visitors touring all three mountains, with commemorative prizes available
During night illuminations, the National Treasure Main Hall, Three-Tiered Pagoda, and foliage are dramatically lit, revealing a different appearance from daytime viewing.
Photography Spots
Chojuji has numerous excellent photography spots:
- Foliage tunnel along the approach path: The most popular photography spot
- Main Hall and foliage: Collaboration between National Treasure architecture and foliage
- Three-Tiered Pagoda and foliage: Japanese landscape created by pagoda and foliage
- Temple grounds moss garden: Contrast between green moss and red foliage
When photographing, be considerate of other worshippers, and follow instructions in areas where tripod use is restricted.
Access: How to Get to Chojuji
Access by Public Transportation
Chojuji can be accessed using public transportation.
Using the JR Kusatsu Line:
- Get off at “Ishibe Station” on the JR Kusatsu Line
- Board community bus “Meguru-kun” East-West Line (approximately 15 minutes)
- Get off at “Chojuji” bus stop, then a short walk
Using the JR Tokaido Line:
- Get off at “Ishiyama Station” on the JR Tokaido Line
- Board Teisan Konan Transportation bus bound for “Ishibe Station” (approximately 30 minutes)
- Get off at “Chojuji” bus stop, then a short walk
Bus frequency is limited, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance. Particularly during foliage season, temporary buses may be operated.
Touring the Konan Three Mountains by Train and Bus
To efficiently tour the Konan Three Mountains, combining train and bus travel is recommended. Konan City proposes a model course called “Touring National Treasure Konan Three Mountains by Train and Bus,” with timescales publicly available.
Jyorakuji → Chojuji → Zenshuji route:
- Visit Jyorakuji in the morning
- Travel to Chojuji by bus (approximately 10 minutes)
- Lunch, then visit Chojuji
- Travel to Zenshuji by bus (approximately 15 minutes)
- Visit Zenshuji in the afternoon
Zenshuji → Chojuji → Jyorakuji route:
- Visit Zenshuji in the morning
- Travel to Chojuji by bus (approximately 15 minutes)
- Lunch, then visit Chojuji
- Travel to Jyorakuji by bus (approximately 10 minutes)
- Visit Jyorakuji in the afternoon
Access by Car
When accessing by car, the following routes are convenient:
- Meishin Expressway: Approximately 20 minutes from Ritto IC or approximately 25 minutes from Ryu-o IC
- Shin-Meishin Expressway: Approximately 15 minutes from Koka Tsuchiyama IC
Chojuji has a free parking lot for worshippers. Approximately 50 regular cars can be parked, but crowding is expected on weekends during foliage season, so arriving early is recommended.
From the parking lot to the Main Hall takes approximately 5 minutes on foot. The atmosphere of the temple grounds can be experienced while walking the approach path.
Using Rental Bicycles
Renting a bicycle is also convenient for touring the Konan Three Mountains. Rental bicycles can be obtained at Ishibe Station and Konan City Information Center.
The three mountains are relatively close, with bicycle travel between temples taking approximately 15-20 minutes. On fine days, touring while enjoying the peaceful rural landscape is also recommended.
Viewing Information: Practical Guide to Visiting Chojuji
Viewing Hours and Admission Fee
Viewing hours:
- 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (reception until 4:00 PM)
- Open year-round (though there may be days when viewing is unavailable due to services)
Admission fee:
- Adults: 600 yen
- Junior and senior high school students: 300 yen
- Elementary school students: 200 yen
During foliage season or special viewings, admission fees may change. Please check the latest information on the official website or by telephone.
Time Required
When leisurely viewing Chojuji’s temple grounds, approximately 40 to 60 minutes is required. The following viewing course is recommended:
- Walk the approach path to the temple grounds (5 minutes)
- Pay respect at the Main Hall (15 minutes)
- View the Three-Tiered Pagoda (10 minutes)
- Pay respect at Bentendo Hall (5 minutes)
- Stroll the temple grounds (15 minutes)
- Return along the approach path (5 minutes)
During foliage season or when taking photographs, it is advisable to allow additional time.
Konan Three Mountains Combined Viewing Ticket
When touring the Konan Three Mountains, a convenient combined ticket is available:
- Three Mountain Combined Viewing Ticket: 1,500 yen (normally 1,800 yen, saving 300 yen)
- Valid Period: One week from date of purchase
Combined tickets can be purchased at each temple’s reception. If you plan to visit all three mountains, please use the combined viewing ticket.
Etiquette for Worship
Chojuji is currently functioning as a place of worship. Please observe the following etiquette when visiting:
- Move quietly about the temple grounds
- No eating or drinking inside buildings
- Photography inside the Main Hall requires permission
- Do not touch Buddhist statues or cultural properties
- Take all trash with you
- Avoid entering restricted areas
Particularly during foliage season when many visitors throng the temple, please maintain a spirit of consideration for others.
Nearby Tourism: Spots Worth Visiting with Chojuji
Jyorakuji (West Temple)
Jyorakuji, which shares Aboshi Mountain as its mountain name with Chojuji, is known as the “West Temple” and is one of the Konan Three Mountains. It possesses a National Treasure Main Hall and Three-Tiered Pagoda and, like Chojuji, is popular as an autumn foliage viewing spot.
Jyorakuji is said to have been founded by Shinjun, a high disciple of Jianzhen Wajoe, a follower of Roben, and has a brother-temple relationship with Chojuji. Its principal image is the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (secret Buddha image), believed to grant all wishes.
From Chojuji to Jyorakuji is approximately 10 minutes by bus or approximately 30 minutes on foot.
Zenshuji
The third temple in the Konan Three Mountains, Zenshuji, is known as a temple associated with Dengyo Daishi (Saicho). Its National Treasure Main Hall features architectural style different from Chojuji and Jyorakuji, demonstrating the diversity of Kamakura Period Japanese-style architecture.
Zenshuji’s name derives from a legend in which Dengyo Daishi healed an emperor’s illness using the temple’s sacred water. Its principal image is the Medicine Buddha, believed to provide relief from illness.
From Chojuji to Zenshuji is approximately 15 minutes by bus or approximately 20 minutes by bicycle.
Other Tourist Spots in Konan City
Konan City has attractive tourist attractions beyond the Konan Three Mountains:
- Ishibe Post Station: Historic townscape that flourished as a station on the Tokaido road
- Ameyama Culture Park: Natural park ideal for hiking and picnicking
- Konan City Ishibe Post Station Honjin Ruins: Historic site with remaining ruins of an Edo Period official lodging
Those with spare time may wish to visit these spots as well.
Tips for Maximizing Your Enjoyment of Chojuji’s Appeal
Optimal Visiting Season
Though Chojuji displays seasonal beauty throughout the year, particularly recommended periods are:
- Spring (Early to Mid-April): Cherry blossoms bloom and fresh greenery is beautiful
- Early Summer (May-June): Young maple leaves are refreshing, with relatively fewer visitors
- Autumn (Mid to Late November): Foliage is most beautiful, though crowding occurs
- Winter (Mid-January): The Oni-Bashiri festival can be viewed
Those wishing to avoid crowds may prefer visiting in spring or early summer outside foliage season.
Tips for Photography
Tips for taking beautiful photographs at Chojuji:
- Early morning visit: The soft morning light illuminating the temple grounds is particularly beautiful
- Using backlighting: Photographing foliage against the light creates a translucent effect
- Low angle shots: Photographing from ground level produces powerful compositions
- Including people: Including people provides scale perspective
Photography in the temple grounds is permitted, though photographing inside the Main Hall requires advance confirmation.
Collecting Temple Seals
Chojuji issues temple seals (stamps). Temple seals are popular as proof of worship and as travel mementos.
Seals can be obtained at the Main Hall reception (initial offering: 300 yen). A seal book can be brought or purchased on the spot.
Collecting seals from all three Konan Three Mountains provides a special sense of accomplishment.
Conclusion: The Value of Chojuji and the Konan Three Mountains
Chojuji Temple is a temple representative of Shiga Prefecture, possessing a National Treasure Main Hall and other valuable cultural properties, beautiful autumn foliage, and deep history continuing from the Nara Period. The Konan Three Mountains, comprising Chojuji, Jyorakuji, and Zenshuji, can be called a repository of cultural properties gathering the finest of Japanese Buddhist culture and architectural technique.
Known locally as East Temple, Chojuji has connections with historical figures such as Minamoto Yoritomo and Ashikaga Takauji, playing an important role in Japanese history. Its National Treasure Main Hall, a masterpiece of Kamakura Period Japanese-style architecture, a Three-Tiered Pagoda and Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties, and the temple’s sacred treasures including the Jizo Mandala all possess high artistic and historical value.
Particularly during the autumn foliage season, the approximately 200-meter approach path transforms into a tunnel of deep red, captivating all who visit. During the Konan Three Mountains Autumn Foliage Tour, night illuminations are held, allowing visitors to enjoy the National Treasure architecture and foliage in a mystical atmosphere.
Utilizing public transportation or rental bicycles allows for efficient touring of the Konan Three Mountains while enjoying the individual character and appeal of each temple. Using the combined viewing ticket allows for economical visits to all three temples.
Chojuji is a special place worthy of visiting for all—history enthusiasts, architecture fans, photography lovers, and those seeking peaceful moments. When visiting Shiga Prefecture, please visit Chojuji and the Konan Three Mountains to experience the wonder of Japan’s cultural heritage.
