ABOUT
About this spot
Ichijoji is a Tendai Buddhist temple tucked into the hills of Sakamoto-cho in Kasai, Hyogo Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hokkesan and its main image is the Sho Kannon Bosatsu. It is Temple No. 26 on the Saigoku 33 Kannon pilgrimage. The main hall juts out from a cliff on a raised wooden frame, and the pagoda stands close by. According to temple tradition, the temple was founded by the ascetic Hodo Sennin in 650 at the request of Emperor Kotoku. The surviving three-story pagoda dates from 1171, and the priest Eison is recorded as visiting in 1285. The present main hall was rebuilt in 1628 with support from the lord of Himeji, Honda Tadamasa. After typhoon damage in 1998, it underwent partial dismantling and repair starting in 1999. The pagoda is a National Treasure, and an inscription on its finial bowl shows the exact year of construction. A set of ten painted scrolls of Prince Shotoku and Tendai high priests is also a National Treasure. Several buildings, including the main hall, are Important Cultural Properties. From the veranda of the main hall you can look down on the pagoda. The treasure hall is normally closed and opens only on April 4 and November 5. The temple is known for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. Expect stairs and slopes. Please check admission details with the temple before visiting.
Last updated October 26, 2026