Shigisan Chogosonshiji

On the mid-slope of Mt. Shigi in Heguri Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture, stands Chogosonshiji Temple. This ancient temple traces its origin to a legend that Prince Shotoku prayed to Bishamonten and won his battle against the Mononobe clan, and it is the head temple of the Shigisan Shingon sect. Its principal image, Bishamonten, is revered for victory, wealth, and business prosperity. Because the prince met Bishamonten in the year, day, and hour of the tiger, a giant papier-mache tiger, the World's Greatest Fortune Tiger, sits in the precincts. With the Zenigame-do hall that draws wealth and the pitch-dark Kaidan-meguri passage, it is one of Nara's foremost power spots for wealth and victory.

Highlights

• World's Greatest Fortune Tiger: A giant papier-mache tiger that nods its head. It is the temple's symbol and a popular photo spot.
• Zenigame-do: A hall enshrining Zenigame Zenjin, who draws wealth, busy with visitors praying for prosperity and good fortune.
• Kaidan-meguri: An ascetic experience of feeling your way through a pitch-dark corridor beneath the main hall. Proceeding along the wall, you can touch a lock and pray for your wish.
• View from the main hall: From the elevated main hall spreads a refreshing panorama over the Yamato Plain.

Best Seasons

Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are beautiful, enjoyable together with the view from the main hall. The autumn season is especially magical, with illuminations held in some years. New Year and tiger-related events draw many worshippers. Since the spacious precincts contain many halls and sights, it is best to tour slowly with time to spare.

Access & Basic Information

• Location: 2280-1 Shigisan, Heguri Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture
• Sect: Shigisan Shingon (head temple) / Principal image: Bishamonten
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from the Shigi-ohashi bus stop, reached by Nara Kotsu bus from JR or Kintetsu Oji Station
• Hours: Precincts open freely; halls and offices generally around 9:00-16:30
• Fees: Free to enter the precincts (the Kaidan-meguri and Treasure House require fees) / parking 500 yen

Practical Travel Notes

• Parking: A paid parking lot is available for 500 yen, making a visit by car convenient.
• Kaidan-meguri: Proceed through the pitch-dark corridor beneath the main hall with your right hand along the wall. Touching a lock along the way is said to grant a wish, a popular experience (fee required).
• Founding legend: Temple tradition dates its founding to 587, linked to Prince Shotoku's vision of Bishamonten in the tiger year, month, day, and hour. Tiger-themed items are plentiful.
• Nearby: Close to the Ikaruga area including Horyuji, making it easy to plan a combined itinerary.

A Word of Advice

The temple sits on the mountainside with spacious, hilly grounds, so comfortable shoes are recommended. If you pray for wealth, do not miss the Zenigame-do. The Kaidan-meguri is a unique experience of walking through total darkness. Tiger-themed charms and items are abundant and make fine souvenirs. Combining a visit with a drive through the Ikoma mountains is also recommended.

📚 Sources

This article is based on public information from Chogosonshiji, guidance published by local tourism associations such as those of Heguri and Sango, and on-site information boards. Admission fees and hours may change, so please confirm with Chogosonshiji or the local tourism association before setting out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about one to two hours for the mountainside temple grounds.
• What to prepare: Easy-walking shoes for the slopes and steps.
• Getting there: It sits on Mount Shigi, so a car or bus is convenient.
• How to tour: Take time to explore the halls scattered across the grounds.
• Before you go: Confirm admission fees and hours in advance, as they may change.