Hotoji Temple (宝塔寺)

Hotoji Temple is located south of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Sekihoji Temple. Few tourists visit here. When visiting Fushimi Inari, be sure to make time to visit Sekihoji Temple and Hotoji Temple.

According to temple legend, Fujiwara no Mototsune, the Kanpaku (highest ranking officer) of the time, founded the temple in the early Heian period (late 9th century). At that time, it was Gokurakuji temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Gokurakuji temple is mentioned in “Fujino Uraba,” the 33rd chapter in the Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari).

The temple was converted to Nichiren School Buddhism in 1307 at the end of the Kamakura period. This was due to the fact that the abbot at the time had lost a debate with Nichijou Shonin, a grandson and disciple of Nichiren Daishonin. The abbot was so strongly inspired that he joined Nichiren School of Buddhism and converted Gokurakuji Temple to Nichiren School.

Source: Temple’s official WEB site

Hotoji Temple architecture

The ground of the Hotoji temple is located in the middle of Mt. Shichimenzan. There are the oldest main hall of Nichiren Shoshu in Kyoto, the main gate, the oldest pagoda in the city, and these are important cultural properties. It also contains the vermilion Niomon Gate, Shichimen Daimyojin Shrine on the mountain, and seven sub-temples.

Nearby spots

Famous Fusimi Inari Taisha Shrine is easily accessible.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (伏見稲荷大社)

If you are interested in the works by Ito Jakuchu (one of the most famous painters of the Edo period), don’t miss the Sekihoji Temple. It is the place where Ito Jakuchu built a hamlet and spent the last years of his life. You can find his cemetery in the temple ground.

Sekihoji Temple (石峰寺) Temple associated with Ito Jakuchu

Walking along the canal to Fujimori Jinja Shrine during cherry blossom season, you will enjoy beautiful scenery. Fujimori means wisteria forest, and as the name implies, a visit during the wisteria flower season is also recommended.

Fujimori Jinja Shrine (藤森神社)