Nara: Hozan-ji Temple Guided Tour with Cable Car Ride
ID: GYG1034555-1598896
Category:
Country: Japan
Duration:
02:00 hours
Description
Explore the sacred Hozan-ji Temple on a guided tour from Osaka. Ride Japan’s oldest commercial cable car, visit meditation caves, and discover the temple’s history and significance.
Begin your journey by boarding the Kintetsu train from Osaka, a scenic ride that takes you through the Ikoma Mountain Range. Arrive at Ikoma Station and transfer to Japan’s oldest commercial cable car, which will take you up to the temple gate.
Once there, enter a serene world of stone lanterns and sacred halls. Explore the main hall, the ornate Shōten Hall, meditation caves once used by high monks, and the quiet Oku-no-in (inner sanctuary) lined with ancient stone Buddhas.
Learn about the temple’s history, which dates back to ancient times when it served as a sacred training ground for Buddhist monks. Discover how it was revived in the early modern era by a monk devoted to its spiritual power and gained fame for enshrining Shōten (Kangiten), a deity believed to bring worldly benefits—especially prosperity in business.
Hear stories of Osaka merchants who would climb the mountain by night to offer their prayers after closing their shops, seeking prosperity and success.
Highlights
- Feel the spiritual energy of Hozan-ji Temple, a sacred Buddhist site
- Enjoy a scenic ride on Japan’s oldest commercial cable car
- Explore meditation caves and the quiet Oku-no-in inner sanctuary
- Discover the history of the temple and its significance in the region
- Admire the ornate Shōten Hall and the main hall of the temple
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Hozan-ji Temple is located on the slopes of Mt. Ikoma
The temple is a sacred training ground for Buddhist monks
The temple enshrines Shōten (Kangiten), a deity believed to bring prosperity in business
The temple is accessible by Kintetsu train and cable car from Osaka
The meeting point is in front of the Central Ticket Gate at Ikoma Station.
Our guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign panel that says "DeepExperience".
For more details, please refer to the map.
INCLUDED
- Visit to Hozan-ji Temple
- Scenic ride on Japan’s oldest commercial cable car
- Guided tour of the temple grounds
- Visit to Oku-no-in (inner sanctuary)
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
