Ne-no-Gongen Tenryuji

Standing atop a mountain at about 640 meters in Hanno City, Ne-no-Gongen Tenryuji is an old temple long revered as a guardian deity of the legs and feet. It is said to have been founded in the year 911 by the holy man Ne-no-Hijiri, and a torii gate at the entrance preserves the blend of Shinto and Buddhist worship to this day.

Those who wish for sturdy legs, or who hope to keep walking on their own feet for years to come, quietly make the journey here from across the country. From the summit you can take in the ranges of the Okumusashi hills.

Highlights

- The largest iron sandals in Japan, weighing about two tons, are a symbol of leg and foot protection, overwhelming in their towering size - The twin cedars, said to be around 800 years old, are a Saitama designated natural monument and sacred trees that have watched over the ages - Beyond the mountain gate spreads a sweeping view of the Okumusashi mountains - Amulets for the legs and feet are popular as gifts for athletes or elderly family members

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings mountain cherry blossoms and fresh green, summer offers cool mountain air, autumn blazes with red foliage, and winter lets you see distant peaks through clear air. Loved as a hiking destination, it offers the nature of Okumusashi in every season.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 704 Minami, Hanno City, Saitama - About 40 minutes by taxi from Hanno Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line - About a 90 minute walk from Nishiagano Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line via a hiking trail - About 60 minutes by car from the Sayama Hidaka interchange, with parking available

A Quick Tip

Because it is a mountaintop temple, visit in comfortable shoes and easy to move in clothing. A hiking course combining it with the nearby Takedera temple is popular. Go at your own pace and do not overdo it.