Hozan-ji Temple

A Sacred Mountain Retreat

of Esoteric Buddhism and Ancient Faith

Nestled on the forested slopes of Mt. Ikoma, Hozan-ji Temple is one of Nara’s most atmospheric spiritual sanctuaries—an esoteric Buddhist complex whose origins date back to 1678, when the revered monk Koben (Tenkai) revitalized the site as a major center of Shingon ritual practice. Though its formal founding is early modern, the mountain itself has been regarded as a sacred place since the 8th century, long revered for ascetic training and worship of Kangiten, the deity of prosperity, harmony, and new beginnings.

Visitors will find themselves drawn into a vividly spiritual world: lantern-lined stone paths, dramatic cliffside halls, and an impressive sacred stage overlooking the Nara Basin. Hōzan-ji is also famous for its mysterious Kangiten iconography, often linked to good fortune, business success, and personal transformation—a reason it remains a beloved pilgrimage site for locals and travelers alike.

For those seeking a blend of breathtaking mountain scenery, esoteric Buddhist tradition, and centuries-old spiritual devotion, Hozan-ji Temple offers one of the most enchanting cultural experiences in the Ikoma region.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Hozan-ji Temple to life.

Stone steps leading up to a Shinto shrine entrance with a large torii gate at the top, surrounded by trees and traditional lanterns on the sides.
Stone steps leading up to a traditional Japanese shrine entrance, surrounded by trees and lanterns.
A row of small traditional Japanese shrine structures and stone tablets with inscriptions, set against a background of tall trees and greenery.
A stone monument with Japanese inscriptions at a traditional Japanese temple, with trees and a building with a tiled roof in the background.
Entrance gate of a traditional Japanese shrine with white fabric drapes featuring black floral designs and Japanese characters, wooden structure, and stone steps, with visitors walking up in the background and trees overhead.
Buddhist altar with stone statues, candles, incense, and colorful flowers under a golden curtain.
Series of small stone statues of Buddhist monks or deities seated and standing, arranged on a stone ledge in a traditional Japanese setting with a wooden roof and green foliage in the background.
Traditional Japanese temple with people praying, colorful banners, and a mountain in the background.
Roof of a traditional Japanese temple with ornate tiles and decorations, set against a rocky hill with green foliage and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
A detailed black wooden statue of a female deity with ornate headgear, surrounded by swirling carved wood, holding a flute and vases, with colorful fabric banners in the background.
A stone sculpture of a reclining bull with curved horns, situated on a granite pedestal in a traditional Japanese setting, with other statues, a stone monument, and a green and black decorative urn in the background.
A traditional Japanese altar with statues of warriors, one holding a sword and another holding a book, in front of a bamboo fence and trees. There are small potted trees, a water basin with water ladles, and Japanese signs.
A collection of small, dark brown animal sculptures resembling mice or rats in a wooden display box.
A traditional Japanese shrine with colorful flags hanging in front, ropes with tassels hanging from the roof, and lanterns, set against a blue sky.
Colorful traditional lanterns hanging under a wooden temple roof with purple, white, red, green, and yellow fabrics.
A tree with pink blossoms growing on a rock wall, with part of a house or building with a tiled roof and white wall in the background.
Multiple stone Buddhist statues and memorials with flowers and cloth offerings in a wooded outdoor setting.
Two small, red Chinese guardian lion statues on a mossy rock, surrounded by scattered red berries and green plants.
A traditional Japanese pagoda painted in red with colorful accents, situated under green foliage with sunlight filtering through the trees.
Stone statue of a Buddhist monk with mossy hair, wearing a yellow cloth and holding a staff with prayer beads, in a forest setting.
A wooded forest with tall trees and a staircase leading up. Along the sides of the stairs are small shrine structures and statues, some with flowers and offerings. People are walking up the stairs.
A small traditional Japanese shrine with a wooden structure, tiled roof, and white curtains decorated with black symbols, surrounded by trees and foliage.
A traditional Japanese temple with ornate rooftops, stone lanterns, and colorful banners, set against a backdrop of green trees and a rocky hillside under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of a valley with houses, trees, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky