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Mount Horaiji
A mysterious mountain wrapped in legends of hermits.
A mysterious 2,280-foot mountain made up of rhyolite and other remnants of a volcano from 14 million years ago. It is also known as a sacred mountain for Shugendo mountain asceticism.
Horaiji Temple on the mountainside is a Shingon Buddhist temple said to have been founded Approx. 1,300 years ago (703 AD) by an ascetic named Rishu. A legend says that when Emperor Monmu (683-707) fell ill, Rishu rode a phoenix to the capital and healed the emperor through seven days of prayers and rituals. Horaiji Temple is said to have been built in gratitude for this.
To reach Horaiji Temple, visitors climb 1,425 stone steps along the main approach. Towering old cedars line both sides of the path, and you can feel the power of nature. Another highlight is the “Kasa-sugi” (Umbrella Cedar) that appears around the area past the Niomon Gate.
Just east of the Horaiji Temple Main Hall sits Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), the first shogun of the Edo shogunate. It’s a must-see spot for history lovers.
From the trailhead, the round trip takes Approx. 4 hours, including time to visit the Horaiji Temple Main Hall and Toshogu Shrine. If you drive and use the Horaijisan Parkway, you can shorten the trip.
Highlights
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Horaiji Temple on the mountainside is a Shingon Buddhist temple founded Approx. 1,300 years ago.
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Be sure to also visit Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
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In addition to the Approx. 4-hour hiking route, there is also a route that uses a car partway.
Photos
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Rugged Mount Horaiji with exposed rock faces. Legends of hermits remain here.
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Horaiji Temple, said to have been founded by the ascetic Rishu.
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Toshogu Shrine, built by order of Tokugawa Iemitsu (1604-1651), the third shogun of the Edo shogunate.
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Climb 1,425 stone steps to worship.
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The fall foliage is especially beautiful.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
No.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Q
Are there restrooms?
A
Yes.
Q
Are there smoking areas?
A
No.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 鳳来寺山
- Postal Code
- 441-1944
- Address
- Horaiji, Kadaya, Shinshiro, Aichi
- Phone
- 0536-21-0015 (Shinshiro Tourism Association)
- Closed on
- Open year-round
- Hours
- Open year-round
- Admission
- Free admission
- Access
- Approx. 10 min by S-Bus (Horaijisan Mokkuru Shinshiro Line) from Hon-Nagashino Station (JR Iida Line) to “Horaijisan Sancho,” then a short walk
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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