sangimi no yado

An ancient temple on a hill overlooking the city.

“Chokei-ji Temple” is located on a small hill in Shindachimakino, Sennan – shi.
This temple, Izumi Saigoku Sanjusankasho No. 28, is the best hydrangea temple in Osaka Prefecture.
Here is an introduction to Chokei-ji, a temple full of attractions such as the area around the temple gate, the main hall, and the valley of hydrangeas.

“Chokei-ji Temple” was one of the ancient temples.

Chokei-ji Temple was founded as one of the ancient temples “Kaie-ji Temple”.

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• “Kaie-ji Temple”, an ancient temple, is said to have been founded in the late 7th century or in 724 by Gyoki as an imperial temple for Emperor Shomu.
  Chokei-ji Temple is said to have been founded as one of the Kaikaiji temples.
  The principal object of worship created by Gyoki himself, and the temple is opened to the public only once every 60 years.
  The entire temple was destroyed by fire in 1577 when Nobunaga Oda and Hideyoshi Hashiba attacked Kishu in 1585, but the Okuno-in Kannon-do was spared from similar destruction.
  During the Keicho era (1596-1598), Toyotomi Hideyori moved the Kannondo and the main deity, Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu, to the present location, and the temple was renamed “Chokei-ji Temple” after the reverse of the name of the year at that time.

The main hall and two pagodas are the solemn precincts of the temple.

The temple grounds include a magnificent main hall, two three-story pagodas of different styles, Gyoki Kaizando-Do (a pagoda with many treasures), and a bell tower. All of them have a magnificent appearance.
In addition, there is a hall enshrining the Kannon stone Buddha, the principal deity of the “Saigoku Sanjusankasho”, “Bando Sanjusankasho”, and “Chichibu Sanjuyonkasho”, making a stroll through the temple grounds feel like an excursion.
The Jizoson, a stone statue of a kannon that protects against blurred vision, is located in the back left of the main hall.
Don’t miss the A-Un statue at the temple gate, which combines majestic dignity and expressive charm.

• Sanpou-tou pagoda.
• Main hall of the temple.
• This Jizo-son has a blessing to ward off blur.

• Large bell tower and hydrangeas.
• Another three-story pagoda, the Kujaku(Peacock) houtou Pagoda.
• Kaizando, two-storied pagoda.

Let’s go see the beautiful hydrangeas that color early summer.

Stone steps leading to the temple gate to ward off bad luck.

The 100 stone steps in front of the temple gate (Niomon Gate) are called the “stone steps for warding off evil.” It is said that if you pray for good luck at the 33rd step for women and the 42nd step for men, you will be blessed.
Many hydrangeas are planted on both sides of the stone steps, creating a magnificent scene.
As you enter the path from the landing, you will see a small statue of the Kannon standing with hydrangeas.

• Stone steps to ward off bad luck.
• Niomon.
• Niou statue.

The pathway where the Kannon is enshrined is filled with hydrangeas!

A small Kannon statue stands with hydrangeas as you enter the path from the landing in the middle of the stone staircase.
Please look around the temple grounds to find your favorite Kannon image and hydrangea.

• A path where the Kannon is enshrined.
• Just after entering the path from the landing.
• Kannon and hydrangea.

• Shrines enshrining the Kannon stand side by side.
• There is also a pathway in the middle of the stone stairway, which leads to a hydrangea garden.
• Heart-shaped hydrangea encountered in the precincts of the temple.

A small hydrangea valley behind the temple.

The parking lot of Chokei-ji Temple is located on the opposite side of the main hall from the temple gate.
The valley of hydrangeas that appears when you visit Chokei-ji from that side is a hydrangea spot that comes into full bloom even later than the area around the main hall and the temple gate.
Because Chokei-ji Temple is located on a hill, there are inevitably uphill slopes and stairs to climb, but benches and tables are provided at this location, which can be reached directly by car.
We feel that this is a thoughtful way for those who are not confident with their legs and backs to enjoy the flowers at a leisurely pace.

• The hydrangea valley is located behind the temple.
• A sign for a small monk who will guide you around the Chokei-ji temple grounds. Look for it in other places.
• Cedar grove and hydrangea.

ACCESS

The nearest railroad station to Chokei-ji is Izumisunagawa Sta. on the JR Hanwa Line. The only means of transportation from the station is on foot.
It is about 1 km or 12 minutes from the west exit of the station. The road is a gentle uphill slope.
If visiting by car, please use the parking lot of Chokei-ji Temple.

 

Route from Izumisunagawa Sta. to Chokei-ji Temple

This is the route to the stone steps in front of the temple gate (Niomon Gate) to ward off bad luck.
From the Izumisunagawa Station side, cross over to the sidewalk on the side of the supermarket (Shogen) at the pedestrian crossing, and head north along the railroad tracks through the pedestrian walkway.　
Please enlarge the Google Map.
Please be careful of cars when walking in front of Izumisunagawa Station, as there is heavy traffic.

 

Chokei-ji Temple Parking Lot

We recommend that you use your own car to visit Chokei-ji Temple. The parking lot is spacious and ample parking is available even during the hydrangea and autumn foliage seasons.
The parking lot is also open during the “Kumano Kaido Shindachi-juku Fuji Festival,” and a marché and sales events are sometimes held here, taking advantage of the large space.

 

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