Shigisan Chogosonshiji

In Heguri Town, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture, Chogosonshiji stands midway up Mount Shigi. It is an old temple whose origin lies in the tradition that Prince Shotoku prayed to Bishamonten and won his battle against the Mononobe clan. Its principal image, Bishamonten, is deeply revered for blessings of victory, wealth, and business prosperity, and because the prince met Bishamonten in the year, day, and hour of the tiger, a giant papier-mache tiger called the Worlds Number One Lucky Tiger sits in the grounds. With sights aplenty such as the Zenigame Hall that invites wealth and the dark passage pilgrimage walked through darkness, it is one of the finest wealth and victory power spots in Nara.

Highlights

- Worlds Number One Lucky Tiger: A giant papier-mache tiger that shakes its head. The symbol of the temple and a popular photo spot. - Zenigame Hall: A hall enshrining the Zenigame Zenshin deity that invites wealth, bustling with those praying for business prosperity and good fortune. - Dark Passage Pilgrimage: A training experience of feeling your way through a pitch-dark corridor beneath the main hall, praying for the fulfillment of wishes. - View from the Main Hall: From the main hall on the rise spreads a refreshing view taking in the Yamato Plain.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings cherry blossoms to the grounds and autumn brings beautiful foliage, to be enjoyed along with the view from the main hall through the seasons. The foliage season in particular features illumination some years for a dreamlike scene. The New Year and tiger-related events draw many worshippers. As the broad grounds have several halls and sights scattered about, touring slowly with plenty of time is recommended.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 2280-1 Shigisan, Heguri Town, Ikoma-gun, Nara - Access: By bus from Shigisanshita Station (Kintetsu), or by bus from Oji Station (JR and Kintetsu) to the Shigisan stop - Hours: Grounds open all day (each hall and amulets about 9:00 to 16:30) - Admission: Free (the dark passage pilgrimage and some viewing are paid)

A Quick Tip

As it sits midway up the mountain with broad grounds and changes in elevation, comfortable shoes are recommended. If you are praying for wealth, be sure to worship at the Zenigame Hall. The dark passage pilgrimage is a unique experience of advancing through pitch darkness, so do try it. Tiger-related amulets and goods are plentiful and welcomed as travel souvenirs. Visiting it together with a drive through the Ikoma mountains is also recommended.