Hoshakuji Temple is located on the south side of Mt. Tenno (270m) near Oyamazaki Town on the border between Kyoto and Osaka Prefectures. The temple is beautiful year round with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn. Every year on the third saturday in April, a large festival called "Oni Kusube" is held to smoke out bad demons and dispel disasters which culminates in the Fukumochi ceremony, which is said to grant health, wisdom, and wealth.
According to temple records, Hoshakuji was built by the monk Gyoki who received the decree from Emperor Shomu in 724 (Jinki 1), and the "Uchide" and "Kozuchi" enshrined at the temple were given to Emperor Shomu by the dragon god in a dream. In Japanese folk tales, these mallet like items are is said to create anything you want when used, and are often seen as a symbol of wealth. By praying with them, the worshipers hope to have good luck, making the temple known as the "Treasure Temple."
In addition, the temple hold many other treasures, such as the three-storied pagoda, which is said to have been built overnight by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Momoyama period, the eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva principal statue, and the Enma Daio sitting statue are powerful and overwhelming. This collection lead to the temple being designated as an “Important National Cultural Property.”
The area has also been a major transportation and military hub since ancient times. In 1582 (Tensho 10), the mountain was the stage of the "Battle of Yamazaki" where Hideyoshi Hashiba (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) and Mitsuhide Akechi fought and it is said that Hideyoshi's headquarters was located at Hoshakuji Temple. At the side of the main hall, there is a stone called "Syuuse-ishi" or "Success Stone", which is said to have been used by Hideyoshi to sit down and think about the unification of the world. Because of its importance you need permission to actually sit down.
- Address
- 〒618-0071
1 Zenihara, Oyamazaki-cho, Otokuni-gun, Kyoto Prefecture - Access
- Train: From "Yamazaki" station on the JR Kyoto line walk for 15 minutes
From "Oyamazaki" station on the Hankyu Kyoto line walk for 15 minutes
Car: Get off at the Oyamazaki IC and head toward Osaka on Route 171 - Business Hours
- Open 24 hours (Main Hall and Enma-do Hall are open from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. If there is a memorial service, the Halls will be closed to visitors)
Regular holidays : None - Price
- Adult: 400 yen (for Main Hall and Enma-do Hall)
Children: University and High School Students 300 yen / Junior High School Students and Under 200 yen (for Main Hall and Enma-do Hall)
*Group discount available - Parking
- Available
Free for worshipers
* Parking may not be avalible during events such as festivals and memorial services.