History
The origins of Chōhōji Temple are traditionally traced to the Daido period (806–810).
According to the temple tradition, its founder was Sakanoue Haruko, also known as Jishin Daishi, the daughter of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and younger sister of Sakanoue Hiroyo, the lord of Hirano Manor.
Haruko had once been a consort of Emperor Kanmu. After the emperor died in 806, she became a devotee of Kukai, known as Kobo Daishi, shaved her head, and entered religious life as a Buddhist nun.
The temple is also traditionally said to have been established by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro during the Daido period.
During the Northern and Southern Courts period, Emperor Go-Daigo is said to have used the temple as a temporary imperial residence while traveling toward Yoshino in Yamato Province. On this occasion, the temple was granted the mountain name Oshazan.
Another tradition dates to the Genko period (1321–1324), when 61 wives of warriors who died during the fall of Kasagi Castle are said to have entered religious life at Chōhōji.
Although the temple once occupied extensive grounds with numerous halls and other buildings, many of them were destroyed by fire during the Genko War of 1331, conflicts during the Kenmu era, and the Summer Campaign of the Siege of Osaka in 1615.
Reconstruction of the Main Hall and Temple Traditions
The present main hall and priest’s quarters are believed to have been rebuilt during the Tenpo period (1830–1844), during the tenure of the temple’s 33rd head priest, Jigen Daishi.
Chōhōji also has a distinctive tradition in which women of the Sakanoue family have served successively as the temple’s head priests.
The Temple Grounds
The grounds of Chōhōji include the main hall and several other buildings associated with the temple’s religious traditions.
The main hall enshrines a statue of Juichimen Kannon, the Eleven-Headed Kannon, as the principal Buddhist image. The statue is opened to the public every year on May 18.
The statue is attributed to the Buddhist sculptor Kasuga and is traditionally regarded as the personal devotional image of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro.
A statue of Enma, the King of Hell, is also enshrined in the main hall and is likewise opened to the public on May 18.
Mitsusodo (Daishido Hall)
The Mitsusodo, also known as the Daishido Hall, enshrines an image of Kukai (Kobo Daishi), the founder of the Shingon tradition.
The hall was originally known as the Tamura Hall and once housed a statue of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. During the Meiji period, however, the government policy of separating Buddhism and Shinto led to the statue being transferred to Kumata Shrine.
Gomado Hall
The Gomado Hall houses a statue of En no Gyoja, the legendary ascetic associated with the origins of Shugendo.
The temple grounds also contain a stone purification basin associated with prayers to the water deity. The basin is carved in the shape of a gourd, and a distinctive local practice involves pouring water over the stone with a ladle while making a prayer.
Legends of Enma, the King of Hell
Chōhōji preserves a fascinating legend involving Enma, the King of Hell.
According to the Yomigaeri Zoshi, on June 6, 1439, during the Eikyo era, Enma caused a nun named Keishinbo to die suddenly.
The purpose was said to be to warn her that those who neglected Buddhist practice would fall into hell.
Enma also told her that a person possessing the official seal of Enma would not fall into hell. Keishinbo subsequently returned to life three days later.
Another mysterious event is said to have occurred in 1441. While Keishinbo was reciting Buddhist scriptures, she caught a blue spider, which then miraculously transformed into a shari, or Buddhist relic.
The wooden statue of Enma and the seal of Enma mentioned in these traditions are still preserved at Chōhōji. They are displayed to the public on May 18, when many worshippers visit the temple.
Cultural Properties
Chōhōji preserves several important cultural properties that reflect the temple’s long history.
Among the most notable are the colored silk painting of the Buddha’s Nirvana, created in 1335, and the temple bronze bell, cast in 1192.
These historic works have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan and represent valuable records of the temple’s religious and artistic heritage.
Annual Events
Various religious ceremonies and community events take place at Chōhōji throughout the year.
May 18
On May 18, the reliquaries containing the temple’s principal image, the Eleven-Headed Kannon, and Enma are opened. Buddhist services are conducted by the temple’s monks, and visitors come to worship and view the sacred images.
July 14
On July 14, a mikoshi procession takes place, bringing a festive atmosphere to the local community.
August 23–24
The traditional Jizo Bon observances are held on August 23 and 24. The event attracts local residents and visitors who come to participate in prayers and seasonal Buddhist traditions.
Access
Chōhōji Temple is conveniently located in central Hirano Ward and is easy to reach by public transportation.
The temple is approximately a 5-minute walk from either JR West Hirano Station or Hirano Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line.
A Temple Where History and Legend Remain Alive
Chōhōji Temple offers visitors a glimpse into more than a thousand years of religious history in Osaka. Its connections with the Sakanoue family, Emperor Go-Daigo, Kukai, and the traditions of Shingon Buddhism give the temple a distinctive historical character.
The temple is also notable for its legends of Enma, the King of Hell, historic Buddhist images, Important Cultural Properties, and annual ceremonies that continue to connect the temple with the local community.
Conveniently located just a short walk from two railway stations, Chōhōji is an accessible destination for travelers interested in Japanese Buddhism, traditional legends, historic temples, and the cultural heritage of Osaka.