The mountain itself is unique with unusual geological features, rocks, and mineral formations. Rare birds, such as the Japanese scops owl can be found here, which is regarded as sacred as its hooting call, sounding like “buposo”, is said to represent the Japanese meanings of "bu", or "Buddha"; "po, or "sutra"; and "so", or "priest". Flying squirrels also make their home on the holy mountain while rare ferns, lilies, and other vegetation growing among the dense, ancient forest of giant cedar and Japanese cypress trees add to the natural paradise.
There are 1,425 uneven and rustic winding stone steps leading to cliffside Horaiji Temple, the source of Mt. Horaiji's name. The mountainside and path to the top are dotted with small shrines and statues of various deities as well as the remains of former buildings which once served the Horaiji Temple complex.
Steeped in other worldly energy
Built halfway up the mountainside below a massive sheer stone cliff face are the temple and its precincts. Founded in the year 703 by hermit priest Rishu, Horaiji Temple has long been patronized by monumental persons like the mighty 16th-century warrior Minamoto no Yoritomo, feudal lord Takeda Shingen, 17th-century ruler of Japan Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and his grandson Iemitsu. The wandering poet, Matsuo Basho is also said to have visited the mountain on his travels.
Dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the healing Buddha able to cure diseases and illness, Horaiji Temple received many pilgrims seeking cures for their physical and mental ailments and spiritual enhancement, particularly during the Edo period. Even to this day, the temple and mountain attract many seeking inner peace and amazing views. Indeed, the view from the top is stunning with a panoramic view across the Mikawa Bay and the Mikawa region. Autumn dyes the mountain and outlying areas in beautiful fall colors.
As a spot steeped in other worldly energy, it is said that you can gain strength and spiritual power from the sun being reflected off the cliff face simply by standing in front of it.
Just east of the Main Hall is Horaisan Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the final unifier of Japan, built by the third shogun and his grandson, Iemitsu. The walls of the Toshogu Shrine feature gorgeous, intricate carvings like those at the original Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture. The Nio Gate, which too was constructed by Iemitsu, is a national important cultural property.
The holy mountain and its precincts are said to share intersecting points with a number of important shrines, temples, and castles around Japan—and even Mt. Fuji—adding to the mysticism of Horaiji Temple. Tokugawa Ieyasu’s parents are said to have prayed here prior to his conception, and many claim miraculous cures following their pilgrimage to the temple and the hot spring below.
The legend of Horaiji Temple
Legend says that the mystic monk Rishu discovered a natural hot spring in the Yuya Valley below the mountain. At the time, Emperor Mommu was said to have been very ill, and so Rishu, trained in the Buddhist art of healing, was called upon to find a cure. Rishu was carried to the Imperial Palace by a phoenix, and spent 17 days and nights praying until the emperor made a recovery. In gratitude, Emperor Mommu established the temple of Horaiji. The temple's name actually translates to Temple of the Coming Phoenix.
The temple was built in the auspicious location below the cliff face, which made it a little inconvenient for Rishu to visit the medicinal hot spring below, and so with his holy robes flapping in the wind, he would levitate down the mountain while playing his flute. Stories of the supernatural priest’s visits to the hot spring prompted locals to establish inns and bathhouses at the site which are still in business to this day.
Come for the views, come for the history and legends, and come for your own spiritual awakening. Just come for the experience and see for yourself, the beauty of Horaiji Temple on holy Mt. Horaiji.