When you feel too bored with the crowded, bustling atmosphere in the center of Osaka, want to leave the city to go to a peaceful, quiet place, find peace for yourself, this is a very good choice for you - Hozan-ji Temple.
The temple is situated on Mount Ikoma, a mountain straddling the border between Nara and Osaka cities, and is just 20km east of Namba, Osaka's busiest shopping district.
The area around Hozan-ji was originally used as a training ground for Buddhist monks. The temple was originally known as Daisho-Mudo-ji (大聖無動寺).
The temple was founded in 1678 and became one of the most renowned Buddhist temples in the region during the Edo period.
To reach Hozan-ji, you first need to go to Ikoma Station, then transfer to a cable car (a special type of train pulled by cables, designed for tourist destinations in high mountain areas). This is Japan's first, oldest, and longest cable car, which has been in operation since 1918, making it 105 years old!
Or if you prefer hard core, climbing mountains like all the ancient monks, you will have to climb about 3km to reach this temple. The distance is not long, but it will be quite a challenge for those who are not used to climbing mountains. In return, this is a really very beautiful road, exactly like what you see in Anime movies. You can see more photos of that road here .
The lens accompanying me today is the Fujinon XF 16-80mm F4. Be sure to click on the photos to view them in high quality!
The road leading to the Hozan-ji gate is also truly beautiful. In late April and early May, the temple holds a special ceremony by lighting up lamps on both sides of the road in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere.
People come here to pray for luck, peace, and especially prosperity.
One unique feature I've never encountered at any other temple in Japan is that most of the coin donation boxes for good luck are shaped like large money bags. This symbolizes the bringing of luck and fortune to those who come to pray.
The architecture of the temple is also quite unique and distinctive.
Climbing up the stairs to the top, you can see in the distance a Buddha statue set against the cliffside.
As you venture deeper, you'll find a path lined with numerous Buddha statues and sculptures of ancient monks on both sides.
At the end of this path, we arrive at the main hall of the temple.
You can check the temple address here: https://goo.gl/maps/kocFHReB5Xm3Tq5X6
Follow the path to Hozan-ji here: https://travelwithminh.com/con-duong-dan-den-hozanji-nhu-trong-anime/
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