History ofChogosonshi-ji.
Located at the base of Mt Shigisan (437m), Chogosonshi-ji (Map Location) was founded by Prince Shotoku (572-622), an important politician during the Asuka Period (538-710). He was the son of Emperor Yomei (518-587) and was deeply devoted to Buddhism. The history of the Main Hall is a bit vague. It is believed the main hall was reconstructed in 1592 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, or by his son, Hideyori in 1601. The Hall was completed in 1746 but was destroyed again by fire in 1951 and rebuilt in 1958.
I arrived at the complex after a grueling hike up a path that just seemed to go on-and-on but, once I stepped onto the temple grounds, the hard graft was well worth the effort.
As I approached the complex, I was greeted by this unusual monument and, as I wondered the many walkways throughout the temple, I encountered more statues of tigers; the temple is related to the tiger of the Chinese Zodiac, which is used for calender, time and direction.
As you enter the temple complex you are greeted with many icons related to Shintoism, like the concrete Torii & Toro. This is quite common at a Buddhist Temple and is known as Chinjusha, or a Tutelary Shrine that is a patron spirit that protects a given area.
After passing through the main entrance, you then encounter this character (the yellow & black-striped figure in the foreground) and your first sight of the Hondo, or the Main Hall. The tiger, Fukutora, is the largest paper-machet tiger in the world.
The Main Hall stands watch over the entire complex and is am impressive sight, regardless of the time of year. But, if the view from down here is impressive, you will be blown-away with the view from the veranda. . . . .
. . . . like in this image on the left. In the distance is another temple that makes-up Chogosonshi-ji. At this point I suggest you don't be in a hurry, spend time taking-in the scenery and the serenity of your surroundings.
Throughout the grounds are many photo-opportunities, as I was to discover. If you have the time, and energy, follow the concrete signs up the hill, behind one of the temples, to an avenue of vermilion-colored torii. It's quite a steep walk, but well worth your time.
I came here on foot, as part of a days hiking trip and, because of my itinerary, I didn't spend as much time as I wanted to. But I am already planning my return. I came here via the Kintetsu Shigisanshita Station but, if you want to take the more leisurely route, you can drive or travel by bus.
Now, the all important video. Hopefully this will go some way to convincing you to visit Chogosonshi-ji Temple.
Most of the images in this post were taken by Yours Truly. I would like to acknowledge the use of other images; Shigisan Chogosonshi-ji and Landscapememory.
Now, the all important video. Hopefully this will go some way to convincing you to visit Chogosonshi-ji Temple.
Most of the images in this post were taken by Yours Truly. I would like to acknowledge the use of other images; Shigisan Chogosonshi-ji and Landscapememory.