The origins of Kasagidera Temple are astonishingly ancient. Already 2000 years ago, the giant boulders of Mount Kasagi were objects of worship. Over its long history, this place has been known as a training ground for mountain worship, too.
Today, the temple is famous especially for its enormous Magaibutsu (Buddhist figures carved into boulders). The temple’s principal object of worship is Maitreya (Miroku Bosatsu). There is a fascinating story behind it.
When Emperor Tenmu was still known as Prince Oama, he went hunting deer. While chasing a deer, he almost fell off a steep cliff with his horse. He prayed to the mountain deity for help and was saved. When he prayed, he vowed that if he survived, he would carve a statue of Maitreya into the large boulder. It is said that a celestial being descended to assist him in carving the image.
Unfortunately, the image was nearly obliterated by fire. However, even today, you can still feel its mystical atmosphere.
During the Nara Period (710-794), the Shogatsu-do hall was built. This is a place that is said to be the origin of the “Omizutori (drawing of water)” held at the Nigatsu-do hall in Todaiji Temple. Time passed, and Emperor Godaigo came to Mount Kasagi. Then the entire mountain turned into a battlefield, and was burned down. The temple was later rebuilt to its present form.
- Tel
- 0743-95-2848
- Address
- 29 Kasagi Kasagiyama, Kasagi Town, Soraku-gun, Kyoto
- Access
- Train: From Kasagi Station (JR Kansai Line), it's about 400m to the trailhead, and about 2.1km (about 40 min. hike) to the Kasagidera Temple on Mt. Kasagi. You can also drive almost to the temple; paid parking is available.
Car: From Kamikoma Shichomachi intersection (at Fukujuen Yamashiro Higashi Teabag Factory) on National Route 24, it’s about 24 min. (14km) via National Route 163.
- Business Hours
- 9:00am - 4:00pm
Open year-round
- Price
- General (high school students or older): 300 yen (500 yen from April 1, 2025)
Junior high school students: 100 yen
Elementary school students and younger: Free
