ABOUT
About this spot
Sagami-ji is a Koyasan Shingon temple in Hojo-cho, Kasai City, Hyogo Prefecture. Its principal image is the Eleven-Faced Kannon, and it stands in the town of Hojo. Its colourful multi-treasure pagoda (tahoto) is designated an Important Cultural Property. According to temple tradition, the monk Gyoki received a message from the deity Sagami Myojin in 745 and, with the approval of Emperor Shomu, built the temple as an imperial-vow temple. It also served as the administrative temple of the neighbouring Sumiyoshi Shrine. The buildings were damaged and rebuilt several times, and in the early Edo period the Ikeda and Honda families supported its restoration. The pagoda was rebuilt in 1662 and is unusual for its cypress-bark upper roof and tiled lower roof. The main hall dates from 1689 and houses the Eleven-Faced Kannon, the Romon gate from 1825 is designated by the city, and the bell tower by the prefecture. Visiting hours and fees could not be confirmed, so please check before you go. It is about a 15-minute walk from Hojocho Station on the Hojo Railway, and a visit to the grounds takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Last updated October 25, 2026