For centuries, travelers along the historic Yamanobe Road have found a place of quiet reflection at Chogaku-ji Temple. Located in Yanagimoto, Tenri City, the temple is traditionally said to have been founded in 824 by Kūkai under an imperial order from Emperor Junna, and it belongs to the Shingon Buddhist tradition.

Although many of its buildings were lost in a fire in 1503, the temple still preserves important reminders of its long history. The former Jizo-in Main Hall and kitchen are designated Important Cultural Properties, while the Kamakura-period gate and Gochidō Hall are also recognized as significant historic structures. The present Main Hall, completed in 1783, houses several Buddhist statues that are likewise designated Important Cultural Properties.

Today, Chogaku-ji is especially admired for its peaceful setting and beautiful seasonal scenery, particularly the vibrant autumn foliage that surrounds the temple grounds. For visitors walking the Yamanobe Road, it offers a rewarding place to experience the harmony of history, Buddhist art, and the natural landscape of rural Nara.