Sacred Mountain Retreat
Perched on Mt. Horaiji in Shinshiro, Horaiji Temple is a sacred Shingon Buddhist site founded in 703 by the ascetic monk Rishu. Accessed via a 1,425-step stone staircase, the temple is nestled beneath dramatic cliffs and surrounded by ancient cedar forests. Adjacent to it, Horaisan Toshogu Shrine, established in 1651 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, honors his grandfather Tokugawa Ieyasu and features intricate carvings reminiscent of Nikko's Toshogu. In autumn, the mountain is renowned for its vibrant maple foliage, celebrated during the Mt. Horaiji Maple Festival held from November to early December. This area is designated a Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, offering visitors a blend of spiritual heritage and natural splendor.
