Panduan
Ichojoji is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect located in Kasai City, Hyogo Prefecture. Known as Mt. Hokka, it serves as the 26th station of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. The temple grounds are home to many precious cultural assets, including a pagoda designated as a National Treasure. Mt. Hokka has long been poetically described as a 'mountain of the eight-petaled lotus,' and it is a place where the dramatic shifts of the four seasons are vividly displayed. The landscape changes its expression with every season: cherry blossoms in spring, tachibana blossoms in summer, and chrysanthemums in autumn, offering a unique view each time you visit.
The history of this temple is ancient, with its founding said to date back to 650 AD. It was established as a temple under the imperial decree of Emperor Kotoku and founded by the monk Hodo Sennin. The primary deity is the Sho Kanzeon Bosatsu. During the medieval period, a powerful Ritsu institute of the Shingon Ritsu sect was also attached to the temple, making it a significant center for Buddhist propagation in the Harima region. The history of Prince Shotoku and high-ranking Tendai monks is deeply etched into the grounds, and many of the cultural assets preserve the architectural styles of the Heian period and its surrounding eras.
The most iconic symbol of Ichojoji is the three-story pagoda, a National Treasure. This structure is a representative example of 'Wayō' (Japanese style) architecture from the late Heian period and is one of the oldest pagodas in Japan. Another treasure is the 'Ten Silk-painted Portraits of Prince Shotoku and Tendai High Priests,' which features exquisite colorful depictions. A unique feature of the architecture is the view from the veranda of the Main Hall (Hondo), which allows visitors to look down upon the three-story pagoda, creating a seamless harmony between the building and the natural landscape. Other important cultural properties, such as the Goho-do and Benten-do, are also scattered throughout the grounds.
While Ichojoji is beautiful year-round, the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season are particularly spectacular. In spring, the blossoms color the temple grounds, while in autumn, the vibrant leaves complement the ancient structures and stone steps. As mentioned in traditional poems, the beauty of the seasonal flora—such as summer tachibana and autumn chrysanthemums—is also a major draw. For the most peaceful experience, we recommend visiting in the early morning when the air is clear and the atmosphere is quiet. If you wish to receive a Goshuin (temple stamp), please ensure you visit during the reception hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
As the 26th station of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, visitors can participate in the sacred journey of the pilgrimage. The temple grounds feature well-maintained walking paths and stone steps, allowing you to walk through a space where nature and architecture exist in perfect harmony. Walking the path toward the inner shrine dedicated to Hodo Sennin offers a profound sense of traditional Japanese temple structure. Additionally, visiting the Treasure Hall (separate admission fee) provides a deep-dive experience into the history of the temple through its curated exhibits.
The area around Kasai City is dotted with many historical temples and shrines. Accessing Ichojoji by car is quite convenient, located approximately 5km (about 10 minutes) from the Kako Kita IC on the Sanyo Expressway, making it an excellent stop on a driving tour. It is common for travelers to visit Ichojoji as part of a larger pilgrimage route that includes other nearby historical sites.
Because the temple grounds include many long stone steps, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. If you intend to receive a Goshuin (temple stamp), please check the reception hours (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM). As this is a sacred Buddhist site, please maintain a quiet demeanor and respect the rules regarding photography, especially in designated no-photo areas.