NaraLeisure

Hozan-ji Temple on Mt. Ikoma (Ikoma Shotendo)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Ride the adorable cable car shaped like a dog "Bull" and cat "Mike." The perfect start to a trip that delights children

About 15 min from the previous stop

About 60 min here

About 30 min to the next stop

Next stop: Enjoy the Flying Tower and rides for young children at the summit amusement park at 642 meters elevation. Have lunch at the top

About this spot

Affectionately known as "Ikoma Shotendo," this is a great temple of the Shingon-Ritsu Buddhist sect and a sacred mountain revitalized in the Edo period by High Priest Tankai. Dedicated to the Kangiten (Joy Deity), known for bringing business prosperity, it attracts numerous visitors throughout the year who climb the stone-step approach. The towering cliff "Hannya Cave" behind the main temple building is said to be the meditation site of En no Gyoja and is a place of spiritual power with an impressive sight of temple buildings standing on the rocky face. Stone lanterns line the approach, and you can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the temple town with traditional inns and shops. Walking up the stone steps with your children while counting them adds a sense of adventure. The views overlooking Ikoma's townscape from the temple grounds are beautiful, making this a spot where you can experience both worship and light mountain hiking at once.

Tips

About 10 minutes on foot up the stone-step approach from Hozan-ji Temple Station on the cable car. With the long stone steps, a baby carrier is reassuring for young children (strollers are not suitable). If driving, there is parking near the temple buildings, but the road is narrow, so using the cable car is recommended. Entry is free.