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A trip to the sacred mountain where you can enjoy history and nature
A trip to Ikoma
- From the early 7th century, Mount Ikoma served as an important gateway connecting the ancient capital of Nara with neighboring countries such as China and Korai (modern-day Korea).
“Kuragaritogue” or the Dark, part of modern-day National Route 308, was a major route taken by Japanese envoys to Tang China during the Nara period.
From the Nara period to the present day, it is the shortest land route connecting Namba in Osaka City and the ancient capital of Nara City.
For anyone interested in Japanese history and culture, Ikoma is a must-see cultural tourist destination.
From Jomon Period settlements to legends of Emperor Jinmu, Japan's first emperor, and En no Gyoja, the founder of En no Gyoja, to the tomb of Gyoki, the monk who contributed to the construction of Todai-ji, and Takayama Chasen, which have been recognized for their 500 years of history and craftsmanship and designated as a traditional Japanese craft.
Currently, Takayama Town in Ikoma City accounts for almost all of the domestic production of Chasen.
Modern Ikoma City is known not only as a university town, but also for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
With well-developed roads and railways, and its proximity to Osaka's Namba and Nara City, traveling from Ikoma to the city center is extremely convenient for both work and leisure.
With its cool summer breezes and well-preserved natural environment, Ikoma offers fresher air than the urban areas of Osaka and Nara, and is an average of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius cooler. It has been a popular summer vacation destination since Edo Period.
nature and history together
【Hozan-ji Temple】
【Hozan-ji Temple】It is said that this Shugendo training ground was founded by En no Gyoja in the first year of En no Gyoja Empress Saimei (655 AD), and Kukai (Kobo Daishi) also trained here.
It was restored in Enpo by the monk Tankai, but at that time it was Mt. Toshida. "Daishomudoji Temple”
A temporary main hall was built, and later Daishokankiten was enshrined as the guardian deity.
In 1688 (Jokyo 5), the new main hall was completed and the temple complex was finished.
The temple's name has been changed to Hozanji Temple.
Kankiten is affectionately known as Ikoma Shoten.
As a god of business prosperity and a mysterious god who fulfills the wishes of this world,
Along with its principal deity, Fudo Fudo Myo-o, it is affectionately known as Ikoma Shoten and attracts widespread devotion.
Hozan-ji Temple is one of the few temples in Japan that is open 24 hours a day throughout the year.
【Hannya Cave】A cave in the steep rock face behind the main hall.
It is located on Asahidake.
It is said that En no Gyoja copied and enshrined the Sanskrit Prajnaparamita Sutra.
Miroku Bosatsu and Benzaiten are enshrined here.
【Iwayano Falls】Mount Ikoma was a power spot for Shugendo practitioners and mountain ascetics more than a thousand years ago.
The enchanting waterfall, which is in harmony with nature, was once a training ground for mountain priests.
One such place is Iwaya Falls, where there is a shrine to Fudo Myo-o).
It is also possible to walk there, but it takes about 15 minutes via a side street from Hozan-ji Temple.
Nowadays, ascetics come from not only Japan but from all over the world.
■Hozan-ji Temple Annual Events
Ikoma Shoten Equinox Lantern Festival is Ohigan ritual held annually on the autumnal equinox at Hōzanji Hozan-ji Temple, located on the slopes of Mount Ikoma.
From the approach to the temple grounds to the temple grounds, approximately 1,000 lanterns and 10,000 candles envelop Hozan-ji Temple in a fantastical atmosphere.We then offer gratitude for the four blessings of heaven and earth, our country, our teachers, and our parents, and pray for the repose of our ancestors and the safety of our families.
This festival is also popular with photographers, and the long approach to the shrine is lined with stalls selling miscellaneous goods and food, live music, and contemporary art exhibitions.- December 16th"Dedication of the Sacred Rope to the Great Torii of Hozan-ji Temple”
Hozan-ji Temple enshrines Kankiten as the guardian deity.
Every year on December 16th, there is a regular event called the "Replacement of the Giant Sacred Shimenawa Rope)".
【Ikomaniimasu-Ikomatsuhiko Shrine】
【Ikoma Shrine】
The history of Ikoma Shrine is very old, and although the exact date of its founding is uncertain, it has been enshrined in this area as the tutelary deity of The Seventeen Villages of the Ikoma Valley. It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, and like Omiwa Shrine and Isonokami Shrine, it enshrines Kannabi (Mount Ikoma) as its sacred object.
Additionally, the sacred forest that surrounds the shrine grounds has been designated a natural monument by Nara Prefecture, protecting and passing on the natural forest that has remained unchanged since ancient times.
The oldest written record of the shrine dates back to the third year of Emperor Yuryaku's reign (458 AD) in the "Sokoku-Fudoki(Topographical Records of All Provinces of Japan)). If we consider this year as the year of the shrine's founding, then in 2009 it celebrated its 1,550th anniversary.
Furthermore, records of it can be found in Shosoin Documents, indicating that it already had ties with the imperial court during Nara Period.
■Ikoma Shrine Annual Events
Held every year on the day before the sports day (second Monday in October),
The "Fire Festival," the biggest event of the year, will be held at Ikoma Shrine, which enshrines the god of fire.
This is a sporting event that helps young people maintain their health and foster friendships.
Participants will be divided into north and south groups.
The players light torches from the sacred fire and run down the stairs carrying the torches on their shoulders.
The first person to reach the bottom of the stairs is the winner.- August 15"Ikoma Taisha Thousand Lantern Festival”
On August 15th, the Sento Festival is held at Ikoma Shrine to pray for a bountiful harvest that year. 
Every year, the Galaxy Festival is held at Ikoma Shrine on the first Saturday of summer vacation in July.
On the day of the event, the stage will be livened up with a variety of performances including Japanese drums, dance, and music.
A flea market featuring handmade goods by local artisans, called "Komaichi," will also be held at the same time.
Enjoy summer festivals, a seasonal event that is a part of the Japanese summer season, with your family and friends!- June 30th"Ikoma Taisha Shrine Summer Purification Ceremony”
A summer tradition held on June 30th.
An event to pray for good health.
Crossing a ring made of straw, pilgrims write their names on paper dolls.
After blowing on it, the rice straw is washed away to pray for good health.
Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park