{"id":15638,"date":"2023-02-07T16:58:41","date_gmt":"2023-02-07T07:58:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/?p=15638"},"modified":"2023-05-02T16:13:46","modified_gmt":"2023-05-02T07:13:46","slug":"shigisan-temple-in-nara","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/2023\/02\/07\/shigisan-temple-in-nara\/","title":{"rendered":"Tigers, Tunnels, &#038; So Much More\u2014Day-trip to the Shigisan Temple"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Much like <a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/spot\/katsuoji-temple\/\" title=\"\u52dd\u5c3e\u5bfa\">Katsu\u014dji<\/a> in Minoh and K\u014dyasan in Wakayama, this is one of the most eye-catching unique destinations for a temple retreat near Osaka. And it\u2019s still somewhat under the radar for most travelers. Drawn in by the photogenic tiger statue, I decided to make a trip across up the mountains of Ikoma to this temple complex. Shigisan as it&#8217;s colloquially known\u2014Chogosonshiji Temple was well worth the visit. It&#8217;s something to consider for your trip to the Kansai region.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 10px; border-radius: 0px; background: #f7f7f7;\">\n<h2 style=\"color:#000088; margin: 10px 0 0;\">\uff3bContents\uff3d<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor1\">Shigisan Temple History<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor2\">Sights to See at Shigisan<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor3\">Things to Do at Shigisan<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor4\">Staying the Night\u2014Shukubo Temple Lodgings<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor5\">For Thrill-Seekers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor6\">Getting to Shigisan Temple<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor1\" style=\"color: #000088;\"><strong>Shigisan Temple History<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Approximately 1400 years ago Prince Sh\u014dtoku Taishi (574\u2013622) stopped at this mountain to pray on his way into battle. His prayers were answered by Bishamonten (Vaisravana), one of the Seven Deities of Good Fortune, who appeared before the prince at the hour of the tiger, on the day of the tiger, in the year of the tiger. Thus a strong relationship with the tiger was forged. It is believed that Prince Sh\u014dtoku Taishi\u2019s encounter with Bishamonten gave him the good fortune to win his battles and continue spreading Buddhism throughout the country.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_111017-scaled-e1675756901765.jpg\" alt=\"Shotoku Taishi statue at Shigisan Temple in Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15645\" \/><br \/>\n\u25b2Statue of Prince Sh\u014dtoku Taishi on horseback at Shigisan Temple<br \/>\nSome years later, a monk named Myoren who lived on Mt. Shigi prayed to restore the good health of Emperor Daigo (885\u2013930). His prayers were answered and the place was given an imperial title, Chogosonshiji, now colloquially called Shigisan, there is a main hall and a number of smaller auxiliary temples on the grounds. The main object of worship is a statue of Bishamonten. \u2028<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anchor2\" style=\"color: #000088;\"><strong>Sights to See at Shigisan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>\u25a0Byakko White Tiger<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>As you approach the temple, you\u2019ll notice a large white tiger statue. There is a clear resemblance to the figure&#8217;s Chinese origin and its long sleek body and wings almost resemble a dragon. The statue looks out over the West as the white tiger is the guardian deity of this direction.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan-white-tiger-e1675757614506.jpg\" alt=\"white tiger statue at Shigisan temple in nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15647\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>\u25a0Hariko Tiger Statues<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Just inside the temple gates, a large hariko tiger statue will greet you as you look up towards the Main Hall nestled on the side of the mountains.<br \/>\nHariko tigers were a paper-mache bobble head toy that became popular in Western Japan in the seventeenth century. They are a symbol of strength and also believed to have the ability to ward off epidemics. This larger than life hariko tiger is always ready for a selfie!<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_110654-scaled-e1675757050949.jpg\" alt=\"Hariko no Tora large tiger statue at Shigisan Temple\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15646\" \/><br \/>\n\u2028\u2028There are two smaller, and arguably cuter, hariko tiger statues right next to the large one at the temple gates.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_110804-scaled-e1675746946330.jpg\" alt=\"small hariko tiger statues at Shigisan Temple\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15635\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>\u25a0More Tigers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>And the tigers don&#8217;t stop there! Tigers are lurking all over the temple grounds. Ranging from the realistic looking to the incredibly adorable; there are even a pair of gold and silver tiger statues.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_114946-scaled-e1675757698237.jpg\" alt=\"pair of gold and silver tiger statues at Shigisan Temple in Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15648\" \/><br \/>\nSmall hariko tiger charms can be purchased at the temple shop and worshippers can return their tiger charms to the temple once their prayers have been answered.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_114443-scaled-e1675757824834.jpg\" alt=\"hariko no tora tiger amulets for sale at Shigisan Temple\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15649\" \/><br \/>\nAt the temple gate, a small shop sells freshly made tiger-head sweets that are filled with sweet bean paste and the region\u2019s famous Japanese mugwort (<em>yomogi<\/em>) mochi cakes.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_27887-e1675757883932.jpg\" alt=\"Tiger shaped sweets and tiger statue at Shigisan Temple in Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15650\" \/><br \/>\nIf you have any postcards to mail, pop them inside the tiger post! Mail is collected once a day.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_111251-scaled-e1675757964492.jpg\" alt=\"Tiger novelty mailbox at Shigisan Temple in Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15651\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>\u25a0View from the Butai Deck\u2028<\/h3>\n<p><\/strong><br \/>\nThe main hall is built atop a large butai-zukuri deck that allows you to look out over the Yamato Plain. The main hall is believed to have been rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1592, or perhaps by his son Hideyori in 1601, however the main hall that stands before you today is yet another reconstruction that was completed in 1958.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_112652-1-scaled-e1675758141687.jpg\" alt=\"butai at Shigisan Temple&#039;s main hall\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15653\" \/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_112629-scaled-e1675758081305.jpg\" alt=\"view of Yamato Plain from Shigisan butai deck\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15652\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anchor3\" style=\"color: #000088;\"><strong>Things to Do at Shigisan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>\u25a0Kaidan-meguri dark maze<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Although not very intricate, the path takes you down a set of stairs and around in a simple loop. The challenge is that you must pass through the passage in complete darkness. Inside, you will encounter a small display of 8 bodhisattva each labeled with different years of the zodiac. When you find the bodhisattva you are supposed to focus on the one representing your birth year, while giving thanks for your daily life.<br \/>\nAfterwards you move forward in search of the wish-fulfilling jewel, which is locked behind a door. If you are able to find the lock in darkness you may be granted one wish.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_113849-scaled-e1675758361489.jpg\" alt=\"map of maze under Shigisan Temple&#039;s main hall\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15655\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>\u25a0Buy charm to take home or write down your prayers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Write your prayers on a gourd and take it home with you. Place your miniature gourd at your home facing east.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_111759-scaled-e1675758258126.jpg\" alt=\"gourd shaped lucky items and ema votive plaques at Shigisan Temple\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15654\" \/><br \/>\nThe temple also sells fortunes encapsulated in small tigers or this year\u2019s zodiac animal. Plus there are a selection of votive plaques where you can write your special prayers to hang at the temple and all manner of <em>omamori<\/em> (good luck charms).<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_110833-scaled-e1675758446210.jpg\" alt=\"Lucky charms for sale at Shigisan Temple in Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15656\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>\u25a088 Temples of Shikoku<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dedicated followers of Buddhism may undertake the famous pilgrimage to all 88 temples on the island of Shikoku, which the famous monk and founder of esoteric Shingon Buddhism K\u016bkai aka K\u043e\u0304b\u043e\u0304 Daishi(774\u2013835) visited in his lifetime. The journey is approximately 12,000 kilometers.<br \/>\nAs the journey is too long and prohibitive for many, some temples have replicas of the objects of worship and stones for each of the temples. This alternative one-stop pilgrimage is known as <em>Shikoku hachij\u016bhachi kasho no osumifumi<\/em> and Shigisan has one! \u2028Just next to Jyofuku-in, you\u2019ll find an alley of 88 stones, which you can step on one-by-one and virtually visit each of the 88 temples.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_112047-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"stepping stones for 88 Temples of Shikoku\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_112047-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_112047-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_112047-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_112047-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>\u25a0Tiger Tunnel<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Next to the Senjyu-in building there is a long tiger-shaped tunnel with yet another line of stones for the 88 Shikoku temples. To reach the stones you walk in through a tiger&#8217;s mouth and come out the other side. Unlike the outdoor stones, there is a small fee to go through the tiger tunnel, but it\u2019s lots of fun for kids!<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_115110-scaled-e1675759496686.jpg\" alt=\"Tiger tunnel at Shigisan Temple in Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15659\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>\u25a0Sitting Stone<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Before you head into the tiger tunnel mouth, pop a squat on the <em>koshi kaki ishi<\/em> stone<br \/>\nto prevent yourself from becoming a burden to the younger generations. This one is great for those approaching old-age!<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_115213-scaled-e1675760292420.jpg\" alt=\"sitting stone for good luck at Shigisan Temple\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15660\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>\u25a0Tiger Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\u2028The Tiger Festival (Tora Matsuri) is held on the last Saturday &#038; Sunday of February, the month of the tiger. In addition to special prayers, there will be a parade of people born in the year of the tiger, festival stalls, live music, and more. <\/p>\n<p>There is also a small waterfall \u201cBenzaiten no Taki\u201d and Shigisan Castle Ruins nearby. <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anchor4\" style=\"color: #000088;\"><strong>Staying the Night\u2014Shukubo Temple Lodgings<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Three different monasteries in Shigisan offer <em>shukubo<\/em> (temple lodgings) which can be booked at: <a href=\"https:\/\/gyokuzo.com\/en\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Gyokuzo-in<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/jyofukuin.jp\/visitanddorter\/dorter\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Jyofuku-in<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.google.com\/view\/senjuin\/\u5bbf\u574a?authuser=0\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Senjyu-in<\/a>.<br \/>\nGuests stay overnight at the temple and may choose from traditional kaiseki cuisine or the vegetarian Buddhist meals (<em>sh\u014djinry\u014dri<\/em>). The temples also offer guests a chance to participate in morning rituals like the burning of homa prayer sticks and praying the Sutra.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anchor5\" style=\"color: #000088;\"><strong>For Thrill-Seekers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re feeling brave, why not jump off a bridge? Directly connected to the temple grounds, Kaiun Bridge (\u958b\u904b\u6a4b) is Japan\u2019s oldest cantilever bridge and a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Plus it&#8217;s got a bungee jump platform on top!<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_121403-scaled-e1675760669610.jpg\" alt=\"bungee jumping platform at Shigisan temple bridge in Nara\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15661\" \/><br \/>\nThe drop is 30 meters and you\u2019ll be plunging straight towards a calm reservoir surrounded by lush scenery. Should you be so inclined, the fee is \u00a512,000 per person and you must be at least 13 years of age and between 40\u2013100kg. For more details see the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bungyjapan.com\/kaiun\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Bungy Japan Site<\/a>.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_120115-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Kaiun bridge near Shigisan Temple in Nara\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_120115-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_120115-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_120115-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_120115-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anchor6\" style=\"color: #000088;\"><strong>Getting to Shigisan Temple<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Shigisan is located just on the other side of the Ikoma Mountain Range, which forms a border between Osaka and Nara Prefectures. And unless you have access to a car, your best option is to take a bus up to the temple. Like many Buddhist retreats, it is located far up on a mountain which not only physically separates it from worldly affairs, it also means there\u2019s a great view and it&#8217;s cold enough to get snow.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Shigisan_20230130_111924-scaled-e1675760768317.jpg\" alt=\"monk statue at Shigisan Temple\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15663\" \/><br \/>\nDepending on your point of departure and your train preference there are a few different routes to consider. But don\u2019t despair, it\u2019s pretty simple&#8230;<br \/>\n\u2028\u2028From JR (Namba or Tenn\u014dji), head to \u041e\u0304ji Station on the Yamat\u014dji Line. From there, hop on the #42 bus for 8 stops and get off at Shigiohashi Bus Stop. The temple is a short walk from there.<\/p>\n<p>On the Kintetsu Railway, head to Shigisanshita Station and then take the #42 bus for 6 stops to Shigiohashi Bus Stop. The temple is a short walk from there.<\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, if you want to spend a little more money, you could take the more complicated route that includes a cable car ride. This route is recommended if you\u2019re a train person. From Shigisanguchi Station on the Kintetsu Railway take a 7 minute ride up the mountains range on the Kintetsu Nishi-Shigi Cable. At the first and final stop, transfer to the bus headed for Shigisanmon. Get off at the final stop, Shigisanmon Bus Stop.<\/p>\n<p>Whichever route you take, it&#8217;s approximately 1.5 hours from the center of Osaka. The location is perfect for a day-trip from Osaka and a night in temple lodgings would make your trip that much more memorable. It&#8217;s probably not on your itinerary yet, but it definitely should be!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Much like Katsu\u014dji in Minoh and K\u014dyasan in Wakayama, this is one of the most eye-catching unique destinations for a temple retreat near Osaka. And it\u2019s still somewhat under the radar for most travelers. Drawn in by the photogenic tiger statue, I decided to make a trip across up the mountains of Ikoma to this [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":15650,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[135,158,143,181,142],"tags":[],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"author_id":"","author_name":"","author_image":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15638"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/28"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15638"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15638\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16661,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15638\/revisions\/16661"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15650"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15638"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15638"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15638"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}