Horin-ji Temple, located on the hillside of Arashiyama, has long been affectionately known as “Saga no Kokuzo-san.”
This temple, which has a history of over 1,300 years since its founding, enshrines Kokuzo Bosatsu, the god who bestows wisdom and good fortune.
While it is famous for the “Juusan Mairi” ritual of growth, the shrine grounds also contain “Den Den Shrine,” which protects electricity and radio waves.
This ancient temple, which also appears in The Pillow Book and The Tale of the Heike, is filled with a mysterious charm where tradition and modern technology blend together.
Why not take in the magnificent view overlooking Togetsukyo Bridge and unravel its deep history?
What kind of place is Horinji Temple?
Located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Horin-ji is an ancient Shingon Buddhist temple with over 1,300 years of history.
It was founded by Gyoki Bodhisattva in the 6th year of the Wadou era (713) and is affectionately known as “Saga no Kokuzo-san.”
The principal image of the temple is Kokuzo Bosatsu, a Buddha who bestows wisdom and good fortune, and is particularly famous for the growth ritual known as “Juusan Mairi.”
There is a tradition that children who are 13 years old (by traditional Japanese age reckoning) visit the shrine to be granted adult wisdom, and there is also a legend that says that when crossing Togetsukyo Bridge on your way back, you should not look back.
A distinctive feature of the temple grounds is that they are located on a hilltop, making them a scenic spot from which you can get a panoramic view of Kyoto city.
Another modern element is the Denden Shrine, which enshrines the guardian deity of electricity and radio waves, and is unusual in that it even houses portraits of Edison and Hertz.
Traditional events such as needle memorial services and lacquer festivals are also held here, making it a temple with a unique atmosphere that blends the classic and the modern.
History of Horinji Temple
Horinji Temple is an ancient temple located in the scenic area of Arashiyama, Kyoto.
This temple has a history of over 1,300 years and has undergone many changes from the Nara period to the present day.
From its origins in founding to its connection with classical literature, and even its destruction during wars and reconstruction, Horinji Temple has walked alongside the history of Kyoto.
Let’s focus on three important periods and trace the changes that took place.
Founding and the Arrival of Kokuzo Bosatsu
The origins of Horinji Temple date back to the 6th year of the Wadou era (713).
At the request of Emperor Genmei, the high priest Gyoki Bodhisattva built the temple and pagoda, and it was originally called Kimogamisan Katsuragi-ji Temple.
This area was a center of culture and crafts developed by the Hata clan. A major turning point came in the 6th year of Tencho (829) during the early Heian period.
It is said that Dosho, a disciple of Kobo Daishi Kukai, had a vision of Kokuzo Bosatsu after 100 days of training, as the morning star shone down upon him.
Dosho himself carved the statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu, which became the origin of the current principal image.
It was later renamed Horin-ji, which means “Wheel of Buddhist Law,” and established as a Shingon Buddhist temple.
Famous temples featured in classical literature
By the mid-Heian period, Horin-ji Temple had become widely known among the people of the capital.
In the “Temples” section of Sei Shonagon’s essay “The Pillow Book,” the name of Horin-ji Temple is written as “a sacred temple. “
Furthermore, the tale collection Konjaku Monogatarishu contains stories about the miraculous powers of the principal deity, Kokuzo Bosatsu, which shows that faith in the deity was widespread among the general public.
Furthermore, in the Tale of the Heike, there is a scene in which Kogo no Tsubone, who was favored by Emperor Takakura, hides out in Sagano out of fear of Taira no Kiyomori and plays the koto on a moonlit night near Horin-ji Temple.
In this way, Horinji became more than just a temple; it also occupied an important place in the history of Japanese literature and became a cultural symbol linked to the picturesque scenery of Saga Arashiyama.
History of war and revival
Throughout its long history, Horinji Temple has suffered many wars and fires.
During the Onin War (1467-1477) in the Muromachi period, many buildings were burned down and the temple’s influence temporarily declined.
However, restoration progressed from the Azuchi-Momoyama period through to the early Edo period, and in particular in 1597, the temple complex was renovated with the support of Emperor Goyozei and the Maeda family, lords of Kaga domain.
An even greater trial came at the end of the Edo period, when the Kinmon Incident (1864) occurred, in which Horin-ji Temple was burned down in a fire that destroyed the main hall and all of its buildings.
The current temple complex was completed by 1914, beginning with the reconstruction of the main hall in 1884 (Meiji 17).
The pagoda was rebuilt in 1936 (Showa 11).
In this way, Horinji Temple has overcome many hardships and continued to exist to this day, attracting the faith of the imperial family, samurai, and the local community.
Highlights of Horinji Temple
Horin-ji Temple, located on the hillside of Arashiyama, has a variety of attractions that captivate all visitors.
With a history spanning more than 1,300 years, this temple is full of diverse attractions, ranging from traditional Buddhist elements to modern forms of faith.
Of particular note are the spectacular views from the stage, the unique Gohonzon and its faith, and the Denden Shrine, which combines modern technology.
Let’s take a closer look at the appeal of each.
- A spectacular view from the stage overlooking Arashiyama
- Jusan Mairi and the Faith in Kokuzo Bosatsu
- Guardian of Denden Palace and modern technology
A spectacular view from the stage overlooking Arashiyama
To the right of the main hall of Horin-ji Temple is an observation deck called the “stage.”
From here you can see the beautiful scenery of the Katsura River (Oi River), Togetsukyo Bridge, and Sagano below, and in the distance you can see the Higashiyama mountain range and Kyoto city.
This historically significant site is more than just an observation point; it has also served as a cultural gathering place.
It is especially open to the public on the night of the Gozan no Okuribi bonfires on August 16th every year, providing a rare opportunity to see both the “大” character of Higashiyama and the “三井型” (torii gate) of Okusaga at the same time.
This setting, which offers a panoramic view of the magnificent landscape created by the interweaving of nature and human activities, is known among photographers and tourists as a hidden scenic spot in Kyoto.
The scenery changes depending on the season and time of day, so you’re sure to discover something new no matter how many times you visit.
Jusan Mairi and the Faith in Kokuzo Bosatsu
The most distinctive attraction of Horin-ji Temple is its principal image, Kokuzo Bosatsu, and the tradition of “Juusan Mairi” associated with it.
Kokuzo Bosatsu is devoutly worshipped as a Buddha who bestows wisdom and good fortune, and the custom of “Juusan Mairi”, in which a child who turns 13 years old (by the traditional Japanese age reckoning) visits the shrine to pray for the wisdom of an adult, is an important cultural event in Kyoto.
It is mainly held in the spring (March 13th – May 13th) and autumn (October – November), and legend has it that children who have finished praying at the shrine should not look back until they have crossed Togetsukyo Bridge on their way home.
It is said that if one were to look back, one would be returning the wisdom that was bestowed upon them to Kokuzo Bosatsu.
Also, instead of the usual lion-dog statues in front of the main hall, there are unusual statues of an ox and a tiger, as these are the guardian deities for those born in the years of the ox and tiger.
This unique form of faith shows that Horinji is a living temple with deep ties to the local community.
Guardian of Denden Palace and modern technology
The most modern element in the Horinji temple grounds is the Denden Shrine, located midway up the stone steps leading to the main hall.
This unusual shrine originated as Myojosha, a shrine dedicated to the morning star that appeared when Dosho had a vision of Kokuzo Bosatsu. In 1956, it was officially rebuilt as Denden-gu Shrine with the purpose of protecting electricity and radio wave technology.
The enshrined deity is Denden Myojin, who is said to be the ancestor of electricity and radio waves, and is widely worshipped by modern core industries such as power companies, electrical equipment manufacturers, and IT companies.
Of particular note is the Electric Power Tower located next to the Electric Power Palace, which houses the surprising portrait reliefs of Thomas Edison, the inventor of electricity, and Heinrich Hertz, who proved the existence of electromagnetic waves.
This unique space, where a Western scientist is honored in a traditional Japanese temple, symbolizes Horinji, where tradition and innovation coexist.
You will be able to get a glimpse of the temple’s flexible approach to adapting to today’s technological society.
What is the best season to visit Horinji Temple?
Horinji Temple has its own charm in all four seasons, but the most recommended seasons are spring and autumn.
In spring, from mid-March to May, the cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in the temple grounds bloom beautifully, and as this coincides with the “Juusan Mairi” period (March 13th to May 13th), you can also observe traditional events.
The view, along with Togetsukyo Bridge and the fresh greenery of Arashiyama, is exceptional.
In autumn, the best time to visit is from late October to the end of November when the leaves change color.
From the stage you can get a panoramic view of Kyoto’s cityscape and the colorful scenery of Arashiyama, and it is also the venue for events such as the Autumn Jusan Mairi and Urushi Day Memorial Service (November 13th).
It is also a popular spot for viewing the Gozan no Okuribi bonfires on August 16th, offering a special experience on a summer night.
If you want to visit the shrine at a leisurely pace without too many people, we recommend going early in the morning on a weekday.
Access to Horinji Temple
Horin-ji Temple, located in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most famous tourist destinations, can be accessed by various means of transportation.
It is relatively easy to access from major spots in the city, and can be visited efficiently using public transport.
We will introduce how to access the area from major tourist spots such as Kyoto Station and Kinkakuji Temple.
Access from Kyoto Station
There are several routes from Kyoto Station to Horin-ji Temple.
The most convenient way is to take the JR Sagano Line (Sanin Line). It takes about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, and then about 20 minutes on foot.
If you take the bus, take a city bus from Kyoto Station to the “Arashiyama” bus stop for about 45 minutes, then walk for about 3 minutes.
If you take a taxi, it will take about 30 minutes from Kyoto Station.
In addition, the “Arashiyama Torocco Train” operates from Kyoto Station for tourists heading towards Arashiyama, and is a popular means of transportation that also doubles as a sightseeing destination.
No matter which route you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy Kyoto’s charming cityscape along the way.
Access from Kinkakuji Temple
The most common way to get from Kinkakuji Temple to Horinji Temple is to take a city bus.
Take city bus route 205 from Kinkakuji-mae bus stop and get off at “Shijo-Omiya”. From there, transfer to the Arashiyama Line of the Keifuku Electric Railroad to “Arashiyama” station and walk for about 5 minutes to reach Horin-ji Temple.
The journey takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes.
If you take a taxi, you can arrive directly from Kinkakuji Temple in about 20 minutes.
Both Kinkakuji and Horinji are located in the west of Kyoto, so traveling between them will be relatively easy.
The sightseeing route around western Kyoto, which goes from Kinkakuji Temple to Ryoanji Temple to Ninnaji Temple to Horinji Temple, is also popular and allows you to efficiently tour the famous sites of Kyoto.
Horinji Temple admission fee and hours
The table below summarizes basic information about Horin-ji Temple.
| item | Contents |
|---|---|
| location | Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Nishikyo Ward, Arashiyama, Kokuzo-san-cho 68-3 |
| Visiting hours | 9:00-17:00 *Some sources state that the gates close at 16:00 or 16:30 |
| Admission fee | ■ Free entry to the grounds: Free ■ Special prayers such as Jusan Mairi: Separate fee required |
| parking | Available (approximately 20 spaces, fee applies/approximately 1,000 yen per day) *Usage restrictions may apply during peak periods and events. |
| Estimated travel time | About 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Nearest bus stop | 3-5 minutes walk from “Hankyu Arashiyama Station”, “Arashiyama Park” or “Nakanoshima Park” |
| Nearest station | ・A 5-minute walk from “Arashiyama Station” on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line ・A 10-15-minute walk from “Arashiyama Station” on the Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Main Line ・A 20-minute walk from “Saga-Arashiyama Station” on the JR Sagano Line |
| Official website | http://www.kokuzohourinji.com/ |
Recommended spots around Horinji Temple
When visiting Horin-ji Temple, you can experience the charm of Kyoto’s Arashiyama area more fully by also touring the surrounding tourist spots.
The Arashiyama area is one of Kyoto’s most famous tourist destinations, and is visited by many people from both Japan and abroad, where you can enjoy the harmony of rich nature and historical buildings.
Here we will introduce three recommended spots that are easily accessible from Horinji Temple.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Located just below the Sanmon gate of Horin-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge is a tourist attraction that symbolizes Arashiyama.
This wooden bridge with a parapet is approximately 155 meters long and 11 meters wide and spans the Katsura River (Oie River) making it a great spot to view the spectacular views of Arashiyama.
The bridge’s name comes from when Emperor Kameyama, upon seeing the moon passing over the bridge, wrote, “It looks like the moon passing over the bridge.”
Interestingly, Togetsukyo Bridge was originally built when Dosho of Horin-ji Temple renovated the river, and was called “Horin-ji Bridge” until the Edo period.
You can enjoy the scenery of each season, such as cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves, and the scenery at night when it is lit up is particularly fantastic.
It can be accessed by a 5-minute walk downhill from Horin-ji Temple, and is also famous as a place to pass through after completing the Jusan Mairi pilgrimage.
Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple, located about a 10-minute walk from Horin-ji Temple, is a Rinzai sect temple founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to commemorate the soul of Emperor Godaigo.
It is an important spot registered as a World Heritage Site as one of the “Cultural Assets of Ancient Kyoto,” and a particular highlight is the Sogenchi Garden, created by Muso Soseki.
This garden features a stroll around a pond and makes use of the backdrop of Arashiyama and Kameyama, and is so valuable that it was the first in Japan to be designated a historic site and a special place of scenic beauty.
Many tourists visit the area because they can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the year, with cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves, and fresh greenery in summer.
The painting of a cloud dragon on the ceiling of the lecture hall is also a must-see attraction, and is open to the public on weekends and holidays.
If you visit early in the morning, you will be able to avoid the crowds and enjoy the gardens in peace and quiet.
Bamboo Forest Path
Located about a 15-minute walk northwest from Horin-ji Temple, the Bamboo Forest Path is a picturesque tourist spot that represents Arashiyama and Sagano.
This is a 300-meter long path that leads from Nonomiya Shrine to Okochi Sanso, and is lined with beautiful bamboo forests on both sides.
When the wind blows, the bamboo leaves rustle, creating a comfortable space. On sunny days, the sunlight filtering through the trees into the bamboo forest creates a magical sight.
This bamboo forest path has also been used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas, and is a popular spot with foreign tourists.
At the Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatoro, which is held around mid-December, the bamboo forest is lit up at night, allowing you to experience a mysterious beauty that is different from daytime.
After visiting Horin-ji Temple, you can extend your journey to this spot via Tenryu-ji Temple to fully enjoy the charms of Arashiyama.
Frequently asked questions about Horinji Temple
summary
Located on the hillside of Arashiyama in Kyoto, Horin-ji Temple is an ancient temple affectionately known as “Saga no Kokuzo-san” that boasts a history of over 1,300 years.
The coexistence of the faith in Kokuzo Bosatsu, known for the Jusan Mairi pilgrimage, and the modern Denden Shrine is symbolic of this temple’s unique characteristics.
From the stage of the main hall, you can get a panoramic view of Kyoto city, and it is a hidden scenic spot where you can also enjoy Togetsukyo Bridge and the Gozan no Okuribi bonfires.
It is especially beautiful in the spring with its cherry blossoms and in the fall with its colorful leaves, and the surrounding area is dotted with famous sites such as Tenryu-ji Temple and the Bamboo Forest Path.
Be sure to stop by when you visit Kyoto.
