Chogakuji Temple

A Shingon Buddhist temple standing almost midway along Yamanobe no Michi, known as Japan’s oldest road. It is said to have been founded in 824, in the early Heian period, by Kobo Daishi Kukai at the imperial request of Emperor Junna. At its height, it flourished with 48 sub-temples and more than 300 monks.

This distinguished temple has a history spanning 1,200 years, and many temple treasures and cultural properties remain here. Five Buddhist statues, including the Amida Triad said to be Japan’s oldest Buddhist statues made with inset crystal eyes, and four buildings including the main hall that houses numerous temple treasures, have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

It is also counted among the Kansai Flower Temples 25 sacred sites, and seasonal flowers bloom across its vast 12,000-tsubo grounds throughout the year. Most striking are the Approx. 1,000 Hirado azalea bushes that bloom from late April to early May. The rabbit-ear iris blooming in the pond in front of the main hall from early to mid-May is also beautiful, as is the autumn foliage season, when the entire temple grounds turn fall colors. Seasonal flowers also brighten the Pure Land-style garden in front of the main hall, creating a wonderful contrast with the atmospheric buildings. In particular, the autumn leaves have been selected as one of the 100 Best Autumn Leaf Spots in Japan, and the view of the foliage from the main hall is especially beautiful.