Mount Horaiji

Mount Horaiji, located in Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture, is a sacred mountain whose highest peak, Ruriyama, rises to about 695 meters. It is said to have been opened in 703 by the ascetic Rishu, and for more than 1,300 years since, it has been revered as a holy site of mountain worship. The forested main approach and the solemn temple halls set on the mountainside quietly compose the hearts of those who visit, making it one of the finest power spots in deep Mikawa.

Highlights

• 1,425 Stone Steps: The long flight of steps along the main approach is a path of discipline that steels the spirit as you climb. Along the way towers the giant Kasa-sugi cedar, over 800 years old and about 60 meters tall, whose vitality is overwhelming.
• Horaisan Toshogu: A venerable Toshogu shrine begun in 1650 by order of Tokugawa Iemitsu and completed in 1651 under Ietsuna. Its vermilion halls stand out against the deep green, and it is known for blessings of victory and advancement.
• Horaiji Main Hall: From the main hall set on the mountainside, a fine view opens out over the mountain ranges of eastern Mikawa.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring, the fresh greenery is dazzling and so refreshing it makes you want to take a deep breath. In summer, you can enjoy a cool forest bath along the shaded approach. The greatest highlight is the autumn foliage: every November the Mount Horaiji Maple Festival is held, and the contrast of stone steps and red leaves is superb. In winter, you can worship in crisp air amid a tense stillness.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Horaiji, Kadoya, Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture
• Access: Take a bus from Hon-Nagashino Station on the JR Iida Line and get off at the Horaiji bus stop, where the stone-step approach begins. By car, the Horaijisan Parkway (opened in 1971) leads to a parking area near the summit, within walking distance of the Toshogu and main hall.
• Hours: Daytime (the stone-step route is best visited during daylight hours)
• Admission: Free (some facilities and parking charge a fee)

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: November, at the peak of the autumn foliage, is the finest time. Since the stone-step route demands stamina, it is safest to begin climbing during the bright morning hours.
• Time needed: Allow roughly 2 to 3 hours round trip to climb the steps and visit the main hall and Toshogu. Using the parkway, you can tour the sites in about an hour.
• Avoiding crowds: Parking fills up on autumn weekends, so an early-morning arrival is most comfortable. Weekdays allow for quieter worship.
• Nearby spots: Consider combining a visit with Yuya Onsen or the Nagashino-Shitaragahara old battlefield, pairing the historic sites and hot springs of deep Mikawa.
• Budget sense: Admission itself is free. Set aside a few hundred to around a thousand-plus yen for parkway tolls, parking, or bus fares.

A Quick Tip

The 1,425 stone steps are for the fit, but the sense of accomplishment waiting at the top is exceptional. Those unsure of their stamina can drive near the summit and focus on the Toshogu and main hall. In either case, visit in comfortable shoes and easy-to-move-in clothing, and take care after rain, when the steps become slippery.

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the public guidance from Horaiji temple and Horaisan Tosho-gu, Shinshiro city, and the Oku-Mikawa tourism association. The notices for the maple festival and the Horaijisan Parkway, and on-site information boards, are also useful references. Because the parkway toll, parking fees, and bus operation may change, please confirm the latest details with each facility or the tourism association before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: About 2 to 3 hours round trip if you climb the stone steps to pray at the main hall and Tosho-gu; about 1 hour is possible using the parkway.
• What to bring: The 1,425 stone steps and mountain path suit fit walkers. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, mind footing after rain, and keep cash for the parkway toll or bus fare.
• Suggested route: From Hon-Nagashino Station, take the bus to the main approach, climb the stone steps past the Kasa-sugi cedar to pray at Horaiji's main hall and Horaisan Tosho-gu; if stamina is a concern, use the parkway to reach near the summit.