Complete Guide to Horinji Temple: A Thorough Explanation of the Famous Temples of Kyoto Arashiyama, Nara Ikaruga, and Tokyo Waseda
There are several temples named “Horinji” throughout Japan, each with its own unique history and faith. This article provides a detailed explanation of the history, highlights, events, and access information for the particularly famous Horinji temples in Kyoto Arashiyama, Nara Ikaruga, and Tokyo Waseda.
The Charm of Horinji Temple (Kokuzo Horinji) in Kyoto Arashiyama
History and Origin
Located in Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City, Horinji Temple is a temple of the Shingon sect’s Gochi sect, and its mountain name is Chifukuzan. It is said to have been founded in 713 (Wado 6), making it an ancient temple boasting a history of over 1300 years.
It is believed to have been founded by Gyoki Bodhisattva at the behest of Empress Genmei. Originally called Kadono-dera, the temple was renamed Horin-ji in 829 (Tenchō 6) when Dōshō Sōzu, a disciple of Kūkai, enshrined a statue of Kūkai Bodhisattva.
During the Heian period, it attracted the faith of the aristocracy and appears in classical literature such as the *Konjaku Monogatari-shū*, *Makura no Sōshi*, and *Heike Monogatari*. Combined with its location on the slopes of the scenic Arashiyama, it has long been known as one of Kyoto’s representative sacred sites.
Kūkai Bodhisattva and its Beliefs
The principal image of Horin-ji, Kūkai Bodhisattva, is affectionately known as “Saga no Kūkai-san.” Kūkai Bodhisattva is revered as a bodhisattva possessing infinite wisdom and compassion, and is believed to bring benefits such as improved wisdom, artistic skills, and enhanced memory.
Along with Enzoji Temple in Aizu-Yanagizu, Mutsu Province, and Kongoshoji Temple on Mt. Asama in Ise Province, it is counted as one of the “Three Great Kokuzo Bodhisattvas of Japan,” and is particularly revered as the guardian deity for those born in the Year of the Ox and the Year of the Tiger.
The principal image of Kokuzo Bodhisattva is a hidden Buddha and is not usually open to the public, but its miraculous powers have been passed down through generations.
The Tradition of the Thirteen-Year-Old Pilgrimage
The most famous event at Horinji Temple is the “Thirteen-Year-Old Pilgrimage.” This is a traditional event where children who have turned 13 years old (by traditional Japanese age reckoning) visit Kokuzo Bodhisattva to receive wisdom and good fortune. In the Kansai region, it is an important rite of passage, comparable to Shichi-Go-San (a traditional rite of passage for children aged 7, 5, and 7).
The Thirteen-Year-Old Pilgrimage is held on the 13th day of the 3rd month of the lunar calendar (currently centered around April 13th in the Gregorian calendar), and it is said that after receiving prayers in the main hall, worshippers must not look back until they have crossed the Togetsukyo Bridge. It is believed that looking back will cause the wisdom bestowed upon oneself to revert to its original state.
In recent years, the Thirteen-Year-Old Pilgrimage has been held not only in spring but also in autumn, with many families visiting to celebrate their children’s growth.
Denden-gu Shrine and Modern Faith
Within the grounds of Horinji Temple, there is a “Denden-gu Shrine,” a rare shrine nationwide. This is a guardian shrine protecting electricity and radio waves, and it attracts fervent devotion from people in the power, telecommunications, and IT industries.
The origin of Denden-gu Shrine lies in the fact that “Myojo Tenshi,” another name for Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha Bodhisattva), was considered a being that governs radio waves and electricity. Since its formal enshrinement in 1956 as the guardian deity of those involved in electricity and radio waves, the number of people visiting to pray for the safety of electronic devices such as mobile phones and personal computers has increased.
Ema (votive tablets) and amulets related to electricity are also given out on the temple grounds, demonstrating a new form of faith in modern society.
Highlights and Temple Facilities
Main Hall The main hall, dedicated to Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha Bodhisattva), stands on the slopes of Arashiyama, offering a superb location with panoramic views of Kyoto city. Prayers and Buddhist ceremonies are held inside, creating a solemn atmosphere.
Stage In front of the main hall is a cantilevered stage reminiscent of the stage at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, offering breathtaking views of Arashiyama and the Katsura River. The views are especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season.
Needle Memorial Hall Horinji Temple is also known as a temple for needle memorial services. Every year on February 8th and December 8th, a needle memorial service is held, where broken or old needles are offered by sticking them into tofu or konjac.
Urushizo Shrine Within the temple grounds is the Urushizo Shrine, dedicated to the ancestral deity of lacquerware, attracting the faith of lacquerware artisans and those involved in crafts.
Sheep Statue
A sheep statue, believed to bestow wisdom, stands on the temple grounds. It is thought that visitors who touch it will receive blessings.
Events and Festivals
Jusan-mairi (Spring, centered around April 13th; Autumn, October-November)
A traditional event where children aged 13 (by traditional Japanese age counting) receive wisdom.
Hari Kuyo (February 8th, December 8th)
A traditional event to honor used needles.
Kokuzo Bosatsu Ennichi (13th of every month)
A memorial service is held on the day of the principal deity’s festival.
Hatsumode (January 1st-3rd)
Many people visit for New Year’s prayers.
Access and Visiting Information
Address
68-3, Kokuzozan-cho, Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 616-0006
Access
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Hankyu Arashiyama Line “Arashiyama Station”
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Main Line “Arashiyama Station”
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Sagano Line “Saga-Arashiyama Station”
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Togetsukyo Bridge, climb the stone steps
Visiting Hours
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)
Admission Fee
Free entry to the grounds (donation required for entry into the main hall)
Parking
Available (paid, limited number of spaces)
History and Three-Storied Pagoda of Horinji Temple in Ikaruga, Nara
History and Founding
Horinji Temple, located in Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture, is known as an ancient temple associated with Prince Shotoku. It is said to have been founded in the early 7th century during the Asuka period, built by Prince Yamashiro-no-Oe, son of Prince Shotoku, and his grandson, Prince Yoshi, to pray for Prince Shotoku’s recovery from illness.
Along with Horyu-ji Temple and Hoki-ji Temple, it is counted as one of the “Three Pagodas of Ikaruga” and was a central figure in Buddhist culture in the Ikaruga region. ### Reconstruction of the Three-Storied Pagoda
The three-storied pagoda, a symbol of Horinji Temple, was a valuable structure that preserved the architectural style of the Asuka period. However, it was destroyed by lightning in 1944. It was rebuilt in 1975 using ancient architectural techniques, and remains to this day.
The rebuilt pagoda is approximately 25 meters tall and preserves the elegant form of the Asuka style.
Myoken Bodhisattva Worship
Horinji Temple has a Myoken Hall where Myoken Bodhisattva is enshrined. Myoken Goma-ki prayers are held on the 1st and 15th of each month, attracting many worshippers.
Access Information
Address
1570 Mitsui, Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture 636-0101
Access
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Yamatoji Line “Horyuji Station”
- Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Kashihara Line “Tsutsui Station”
- Immediately after alighting at “Horinji-mae” bus stop (Nara Kotsu Bus)
Visiting Hours
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (until 4:30 PM in winter)
Admission Fee
Adults 500 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students 400 yen, Elementary School Students 200 yen
Modern Initiatives of Mannenzan Horinji Temple in Waseda, Tokyo
History and Sect
Mannenzan Horinji Temple, located in Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, is a Nichiren Buddhist temple with a history of over 400 years. Since its founding in the early Edo period, it has been cherished as a place of faith for the local people.
Modern Missionary Activities
Horinji Temple in Waseda is known for actively engaging in modern missionary activities while preserving tradition.
Sutra Copying Sessions
Regular sutra copying sessions are held, providing an opportunity to calm the mind and connect with the teachings of Buddha.
Yoga Classes
Yoga classes are held at the temple, creating an opportunity to become familiar with Buddhism through physical and mental health.
Goshuin (Temple Seals)
Goshuin are also given to visitors, and are popular among those who collect temple seals.
Community Involvement
Located in the student district of Waseda, the temple actively interacts with the younger generation and operates as an open temple visited by many people throughout the year.
Access Information
Address
1-1-15 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0051
Access
- Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Waseda Station on the Toden Arakawa Line
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Takadanobaba Station on the JR Yamanote Line
Comparison and Characteristics of Horinji Temples in Various Locations
Horinji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto
- Features: Faith in Kokuzo Bodhisattva, Thirteen Pilgrimage, Denden-gu Shrine
- Attractions: Spectacular views of Arashiyama, faith in granting wisdom
- Era: Founded in the Nara period (713 AD)
Horinji Temple in Ikaruga, Nara
- Features: Associated with Prince Shotoku, Three-Storied Pagoda, Myoken Bodhisattva
- Attractions: Asuka architectural style, one of the three pagodas of Ikaruga
- Era: Founded in the Asuka period (7th century)
Horinji Temple, Waseda, Tokyo
- Features: Nichiren Buddhism, modern missionary work, sutra copying and yoga
- Attractions: Open temple management, easy access to the city center
- Era: Founded in the Edo period (17th century)
Points to remember when visiting Horinji Temple
Visiting Manners
- Purify yourself at the water basin: Cleanse your hands and mouth before praying.
- Pray in the main hall: Quietly put your hands together and pray.
- Offering a donation: Offer a donation with sincerity.
- Photography: Take photos only in permitted areas.
Recommended time to visit
Horinji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto
- Spring (March-May): The season of the Thirteen Pilgrimage and cherry blossoms
- Autumn (November): Spectacular Autumn Foliage
Nara Ikaruga Horinji Temple
- Spring (April-May): Fresh Greenery and the Three-Storied Pagoda
- Autumn (October-November): Autumn Atmosphere
Tokyo Waseda Horinji Temple
- Year-Round: Days when sutra copying sessions and yoga classes are held
Tourist Spots Around Horinji Temple
Kyoto Arashiyama Area
- Togetsukyo Bridge: Symbol of Arashiyama
- Tenryuji Temple: Zen Temple, a World Heritage Site
- Bamboo Grove Path: A Mystical Bamboo Grove
- Arashiyama Monkey Park: Meet Wild Japanese Macaques
Nara Ikaruga Area
- Horyuuji Temple: The World’s Oldest Wooden Building
- Hokiji Temple: One of the Three Pagodas of Ikaruga
- Chugu-ji Temple: National Treasure, the Half-Seated Statue of Miroku Bosatsu
Tokyo Waseda Area
- Waseda University: A Historic Place of Learning
- Anahachimangu Shrine: God of Wealth
- Kansen-en Park: Edo Period Garden
Goshuin and Amulets of Horinji Temple
Horinji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto
- Goshuin of Kokuzo Bodhisattva
- Goshuin of Denden-gu Shrine
- Amulet for Wisdom
- Amulet for Electrical Safety
- Commemorative Item for the Thirteen-Year-Old Pilgrimage
Horinji Temple, Ikaruga, Nara
- Goshuin of the Three-Storied Pagoda
- Goshuin of Myoken Bodhisattva
- Amulet Associated with Prince Shotoku
Horinji Temple, Waseda, Tokyo
- Goshuin of the Nichiren Sect
- Amulet for Academic Success
- Amulet for Protection Against Evil
Summary
Each temple bearing the name Horinji has cultivated its own unique history and faith. Horinji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is known for Kokuzo Bodhisattva and the Thirteen-Year-Old Pilgrimage, functioning as a sacred site that bestows wisdom and good fortune, as well as a modern place of worship with Denden-gu Shrine. Horinji Temple in Ikaruga, Nara, is an ancient temple associated with Prince Shotoku, preserving the Buddhist culture of the Asuka period. Horinji Temple in Waseda, Tokyo, while maintaining its traditions, makes Buddhism more accessible to many people through modern initiatives such as sutra copying sessions and yoga classes.
By learning about the unique charms of each Horinji Temple, you can appreciate the diversity and depth of Japanese Buddhist culture. When visiting, why not quietly offer your prayers while reflecting on the history and traditions of each temple?
