Complete Guide to Choganji Temple (Tenri City, Nara Prefecture) | History, Highlights, Access, and Visiting Information
Choganji Temple (長岳寺), located in Yanagimoto-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, is an ancient temple blessed with history and cultural properties, situated at approximately the midpoint of the “Yamabe no Michi,” known as Japan’s oldest road. This Shingon Buddhist temple, founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai, was once a major temple complex with 48 subsidiary temples, but now conveys echoes of its former glory in a quiet mountainous setting. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to Choganji Temple’s history, highlights, visiting information, and access methods.
History of Choganji Temple | The Shrine Temple of Yamato Shrine Opened by Kukai
Founding and Origin
Choganji Temple is said to have been founded in 824 (the first year of Tencho) as a shrine temple of Yamato Shrine by Kobo Daishi Kukai at the imperial request of Emperor Junna. Its mountain name is Kamanosushi Mountain (釜の口山), and it is affectionately known locally as “Kama-guchi Daishi.” It belongs to the Koya Mountain branch of Shingon Buddhism and is also known as the Nineteenth Sacred Site of the Kansai Flowers Temple Pilgrimage.
From its founding through the Heian period, Choganji Temple played an important role as a shrine temple of Yamato Shrine. During the period of syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, it gathered faith as an integral part of the shrine and flourished as a religious center of the region.
Prosperity at Its Peak
From the Heian period through the medieval period, Choganji Temple prospered greatly. At its height, it is recorded as having been a major temple complex with forty-eight subsidiary monasteries and more than three hundred monks, commanding a vast temple grounds. Its favorable location along the Yamabe no Michi brought many pilgrims.
During this era, numerous temple structures stood in rows, functioning as a major center of Buddhist culture. It may be hard to imagine from its quiet appearance today, but it was once a vibrant major temple.
Decline Due to War and the Haibutsu Kishaku
The history of Choganji Temple was not always smooth sailing. During the medieval period of civil war, many structures were lost to the flames of war. The decisive blow came from the Haibutsu Kishaku (abolition of Buddhism) in the early Meiji period.
With the government-ordered separation of Shinto and Buddhism, Choganji Temple faced an existential crisis as a shrine temple. Many subsidiary temples were abandoned and temple lands were drastically reduced. The appearance of the former major temple was lost, and it was reduced to the scale we see today. However, overcoming such difficulties, Choganji Temple has continued to preserve the Buddhist law alongside valuable cultural properties to the present day.
Highlights of Choganji Temple | Important Cultural Properties and Four-Season Landscapes
Bell Tower Gate (Important Cultural Property) | Japan’s Oldest Bell Gate Architecture
The first thing that catches the eye when visiting Choganji Temple is the elegant bell tower gate from the Heian period. This gate is designated as a National Important Cultural Property as the only surviving structure from the founding era.
The bell tower gate has the rare structure of combining a tower gate and bell tower, making it the oldest bell gate architecture in Japan and an extremely important building in architectural history. It is a precious structure conveying Heian-period architectural style and its refined appearance captivates many visitors.
Passing through the gate, the temple grounds spread out enveloped in silence, where one can feel the air across time.
Principal Image: Amitabha Triad (Important Cultural Property) | Japan’s Oldest Buddha Image with Crystal Eyes
The principal image of the Amitabha Triad enshrined in the main hall of Choganji Temple dates from the late Fujiwara period (late Heian period) and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The greatest characteristic of this Buddha image is that it is the oldest in Japan to use gyokukan (crystal eyes).
Gyokukan is a technique of fitting crystal and other materials into the eyes of Buddha images to express a more lively expression. In the history of Buddha image sculpture transitioning from the previous carved eyes (chokugigan) to gyokukan, this Amitabha Triad represents a groundbreaking work.
In the three-image format with the central Amitabha Buddha flanked by Kannon Bodhisattva and Seishi Bodhisattva as attendants, one can appreciate the graceful Buddhist art of the Heian period.
Former Jizo-in Main Hall and Kitchen Building (Important Cultural Property)
The former Jizo-in Main Hall and kitchen building remain in the temple grounds and are also designated as National Important Cultural Properties. Registered in the Nara Prefecture Historical and Cultural Resources Database, these structures well convey the characteristics of Edo-period temple architecture.
The main hall is a dignified structure with an irimoya roof, with a beautifully designed inner sanctuary inside. The kitchen building was used as a living space for monks and is a precious relic evoking temple life of that era.
Gochi Hall (Important Cultural Property) | Rare Structure with a Single Central Pillar
The Gochi Hall in the temple grounds is also designated as an Important Cultural Property. The greatest characteristic of this building is its structure where most of the building’s weight is supported by a single thick central pillar. For this reason, it is sometimes called a single-story tower.
This hall, which houses the Five Wisdom Buddhas, demonstrates advanced building techniques while conveying medieval forms of faith and is a valuable structure.
Gardens and Seasonal Flowers | Nineteenth Sacred Site of the Kansai Flowers Temple Pilgrimage
Choganji Temple is also known as the Nineteenth Sacred Site of the Kansai Flowers Temple Pilgrimage, where flowers of each season can be enjoyed. Beautiful gardens are arranged in the temple grounds, presenting different appearances with each season.
Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy various landscapes—cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn foliage in fall. Particularly during autumn’s foliage season, the temple grounds are wrapped in vivid colors, attracting many tourists.
The gardens of Choganji Temple, located in a quiet mountainous area, are ideal places to escape urban bustle and calm the mind.
Connection with Yamabe no Michi
Choganji Temple is located at approximately the midpoint of the “Yamabe no Michi,” said to be Japan’s oldest road. This ancient path runs north-south along the eastern side of the Nara Basin and has seen many travelers throughout history.
For those walking the Yamabe no Michi, Choganji Temple is an important rest point and a place of spiritual solace. Combining ancient road hiking with temple visiting allows for a deeper historical experience.
Visiting Information | Hours, Admission, and Closure Days
Basic Information
Address
508 Yanagimoto-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture
Visiting Hours
9:00～17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
Closure Days
Open year-round (However, there may be times when visits are not permitted due to religious services)
Admission Fees
- Adults: 500 yen
- High school students: 400 yen
- Junior high school students: 300 yen
- Elementary school students: 200 yen
- Preschoolers: Free
※Group discounts available (20 or more)
※Discounts available for those with disability certificates
Notes for Visiting
- Photography is permitted in the temple grounds, but is prohibited in certain areas such as inside the main hall
- Please refrain from loud conversation to maintain the serene atmosphere
- Please do not touch displayed artifacts to protect cultural properties
- Pets are not permitted (except guide dogs and service dogs)
Access Methods | Train, Bus, and Car Access
Train Access
Using JR Sakurai Line
- About 40-minute walk from JR/Kintetsu “Tenri Station”
- About 20-minute walk from JR Sakurai Line “Yanagimoto Station”
Access from Yanagimoto Station is shortest, and you can also reach the temple while walking along the Yamabe no Michi. While the distance from Tenri Station is considerable, walking and enjoying the Yamabe no Michi is also recommended.
Bus Access
From JR/Kintetsu “Tenri Station,” take Nara Kotsu Bus heading to “Sakurai Station,” get off at “Kamigaoka” bus stop, and walk about 7 minutes.
However, bus service is limited, so it is recommended to check the schedule in advance.
Car Access
From Major Roads
- About 15 minutes from “Tenri IC” on Seiname Expressway
- About 20 minutes from “Tenri-Higashi IC” on Meihan National Route
Parking
Free parking available (approximately 30 regular vehicles)
※Parking may be congested during tourist seasons and weekends, so please consider using public transportation.
Yamabe no Michi Walking Course
Walking the Yamabe no Michi including Choganji Temple is popular. We introduce representative courses.
Tenri Station～Choganji Temple～Sakurai Station Course
Distance: Approximately 16km
Required time: Approximately 5～6 hours
On this course, you can visit many historical spots including Ishikami Shrine, Emperor Sujin’s Mausoleum, Choganji Temple, and Omwa Shrine.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Around Choganji Temple
Yamato Shrine
Yamato Shrine, which served as the principal temple of Choganji and became the reason for its founding, is located about a 15-minute walk away. Said to be one of Japan’s oldest shrines, many visitors worship at both the shrine and temple.
Emperor Sujin’s Mausoleum (Andon-yama Kofun)
About a 10-minute walk from Choganji Temple, this is a 242-meter-long keyhole-shaped burial mound. It is believed to be the mausoleum of the 10th Emperor Sujin and is an important historic site along the Yamabe no Michi.
Ishikami Shrine
A representative shrine of Tenri City and one of Japan’s oldest shrines. Located about 3km north of Choganji Temple, approximately a 40-minute walk. It is also known for housing the National Treasure Seven-Branched Sword.
Omwa Shrine
Located about 5km south of Choganji Temple, with Mount Miwa as its sacred object, it is one of Japan’s oldest shrines. It is also known as the southern starting point of the Yamabe no Michi.
Recommended Times to Visit Choganji Temple
Spring (March to May)
Cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom in profusion, enveloping the temple grounds in a vibrant atmosphere. The mild climate makes it an ideal time for Yamabe no Michi hiking.
Early Summer (June)
Fresh greenery is beautiful, and on clear days between rainy season periods, you can enjoy refreshing air. Tourist numbers are relatively low, allowing for leisurely visits.
Fall (October to November)
The autumn foliage season is one of Choganji Temple’s most beautiful times. The temple ground’s trees turn red and yellow, further enhancing the ancient temple’s charm. However, tourist numbers also increase during this period.
Winter (December to February)
Tourist numbers decrease, and you can visit in a quiet atmosphere. The temple’s dignified appearance in clear winter air also has its charm. However, cold-weather preparation is essential.
Accommodation Around Choganji Temple
Hotels in Tenri City
Various accommodations from business hotels to traditional inns are available around Tenri Station. Staying in Tenri City is recommended for those wanting to start walking the Yamabe no Michi early the next morning.
Main accommodations:
- Various business hotels near Tenri Station
- Tenrikyo-related accommodations
Hotels in Nara City
Diverse accommodations are available in Nara City, and combinations with other tourist spots such as Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple are possible. Tenri Station is about 30 minutes by train from Nara Station.
Inns in Sakurai City
If basing yourself on the southern side of the Yamabe no Michi, accommodations in Sakurai City are also recommended. Located near Omwa Shrine, there are many traditional inns with calm atmospheres.
Ways to Enjoy a Visit to Choganji Temple
Temple Seal (Goshuin)
You can receive a goshuin (temple seal) at Choganji Temple. The goshuin of the Nineteenth Sacred Site of the Kansai Flowers Temple Pilgrimage is also popular. If you have a goshuin book, please be sure to get it as a memento.
Photography Tips
- Bell tower gate: Photographing from the front is standard, but reverse shots after passing through the gate are also recommended
- Gardens: Compositions combining seasonal flowers with buildings are beautiful
- Foliage season: The sight of the entire temple grounds turning colors is spectacular
Taking Your Time
The appeal of Choganji Temple lies in being able to slowly feel history and culture in a quiet environment. Rather than rushing through, it is recommended to visit with time to spare.
Enjoy at your own pace—sitting on a bench in the temple grounds gazing at the garden, contemplating ancient times beneath the bell tower gate, and more.
Conclusion | An Ancient Temple on the Yamabe no Michi Blessed with History and Cultural Properties
Choganji Temple is an ancient temple with 1,200 years of history located along the Yamabe no Michi in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. Founded by Kukai and once flourishing as a major temple, its scale was reduced by war and the Haibutsu Kishaku. However, it conveys valuable Important Cultural Properties to the present, including Japan’s oldest bell tower gate and the earliest Amitabha Triad with crystal eyes.
Known as a Kansai Flowers Temple where seasonal flowers can be enjoyed, particularly during spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage seasons, it attracts many tourists. Combined with Yamabe no Michi hiking, a more fulfilling Nara sightseeing experience can be enjoyed.
Please experience touching eternal history and Japanese traditional culture at Choganji Temple standing quietly in the mountainous landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: How long does it take to visit Choganji Temple?
A1: When leisurely viewing the temple grounds, about 30 minutes to 1 hour is the standard. Including photography and garden rest, allocating 1 to 1.5 hours allows for a relaxed experience. If combining with Yamabe no Michi hiking, please plan for additional time.
Q2: Can Choganji Temple be visited by wheelchair?
A2: While there are steps from the parking lot to the temple grounds, it is possible to visit with assistance. However, some areas including the main hall interior have stairs, so it is recommended to contact the temple office beforehand. Please note that barrier-free accommodations are limited.
Q3: Can I receive a goshuin (temple seal) at Choganji Temple?
A3: Yes, you can receive a goshuin. The temple office handles this, and in addition to the standard goshuin, the goshuin of the Nineteenth Sacred Site of the Kansai Flowers Temple Pilgrimage is also available. If you do not have a goshuin book, you can purchase one on-site.
Q4: Are there places to eat near Choganji Temple?
A4: The area around Choganji Temple is mountainous, so dining options are limited. More dining options are available if you move to areas around Tenri Station, Yanagimoto Station, or Sakurai Station. Many people bring packed lunches when hiking the Yamabe no Michi.
Q5: Is a reservation required to visit Choganji Temple?
A5: Reservations are not required for individual visits. You can freely visit during visiting hours (9:00～17:00). However, for group visits or special viewing, it is smooth to contact ahead. Also, there may be days when visits are not permitted due to religious services, so confirming in advance if concerned is recommended.
Q6: What courses are recommended for walking the Yamabe no Michi?
A6: For first-time visitors, the southbound course from JR Yanagimoto Station via Choganji Temple to Omwa Shrine (approximately 8km, 3～4 hours) is recommended. For those confident in their fitness, try the full course from Tenri Station to Sakurai Station (approximately 16km, 5～6 hours). Since Choganji Temple is at the midpoint, it is a perfect rest stop.
