Hozan-ji

Although, the temple complex was officially opened in 1678, Mount Ikoma was originally an object of worship for the ancient people in the region, and so this area was selected as a place for religious training. The training area is said to have opened in 655 by En no Gyōja. Many Buddhist monks, including Kūkai, are said to have trained in here.

To fully appreciate this temple, be prepared to walk up as high as you can and explore the many areas of this temple. Put aside a good half day (longer, if you're a keen photographer).

The temple has Goshuin (temple red stamp) available, and I bought an awesome keyring as a token of my gratitude.

I came at Saturday.. to Nara, actually.
But it was too crowded and I didn’t get the tranquility I seek from my temple visit so I ride the train home—
This is the temple that was near one of the station my train pass (Ikoma St.)
Look at the high review and that we can use the cable car (derpy looking train photo.. hahahaha!) I decided to go. I want to try the derpy train.
After riding the derpy cable car I walk up to the temple and.. finding an absolutely killer view of Ikoma. It was sunset.
The atmosphere is so calm that it feels a little scary (because it begins to darken) and I’m only alone in the stairways, but soon I find other visitors too. There’s quite a lot actually!
The temple is big. If you see the diorama photo, it was as high as it goes. I only reached the botton one where I can take my goshuin and go home afterwards.
Recommended to visit!

Hidden gem, a must visit for those who love Japanese temples.

Hozan-ji is the main temple in Japan for the cult of Kangiten, the Japanese Buddhist version of Ganesh, also named Shoten, one of the most important deities of Hinduism. Therefore, the site is frequently called Ikoma Shoten (or Shoden).

About halfway up the slopes of Mount Ikoma lies the beautiful temple complex of Hozan-ji.
A perfect place to visit if you want to avoid crowds.
To get there, take the very cute cat and dog cable cars up the mountainside

Lovely shrine with a lot to see. Busy at new years, but if you go in the evening during non-holidays you might be the only people there which makes it incredibly tranquil and the lighting makes it feel like another world.

The temple is dedicated to Kangiten, god of wisdom, joy and prosperity (usually depicted as an elephant figure, similar to the Hindu Ganesha), and is popular amongst merchants and entertainers.

Reaching the temple would demand you to climb 500+ stairs, but it's worth an experience. The other way to reach the temple is getting a cable car up the hill, but you would still need to climb 100 stairs. The place has an spiritual vibe to it, and not the miss an amazing view of the Ikoma city. Since it's up the hill, it's way cooler than the city and very green, which makes your experience pleasant!

It was quite a hike to this incredible temple, but it was well worth it. Be on the lookout for more stairs up to additional shrines and incredible views.

Incredible place, like frozen in time. It’s also part of a big hike around Ikoma mountain (including the park on top)
This is also a great place to visit on a foggy day for a mysterious moment.

Enchanting temple with a really enjoyable walking path up and around the mountain.

Fantastic temple. I fully recommend a visit. Lots of stairs but worth the climb.

Worth the long climb up. Such a spiritual and tranquil place.

Nice place to stop by! It's easy to go up until the top.

Started my hike at Ishikiri station on Osaka's side of the mountain, up to the summit and down to Ikowa station to finish it off. I stopped at this temple on my way down it's very clean and relaxing to walk through. I highly recommend stoping here and going up or down the stairs to the temple, it's great to see.

It's a nice temple that's about halfway to the top of Mt Ikoma. To my knowledge, it doesn't really close, as we often stop by when walking down the mountain at night. There's a shop inside that closes at night though. I occasionally buy incense there.

Hozanji is a very beautiful temple, spiritual, peaceful and tranquil, a hidden gem untouched by tourist traffic. The locals and monks were extremely welcoming and friendly. Made my stay at Ikoma 5 star and one of my favorite place during my visit to Kansai region. I am able to have a local japanese culture experience.

Well worth visiting. Easy half-day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Quite different to most temple complexes. Uncrowded when we went on a Tuesday morning. Take the cable car from Ikoma Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line, up one stop. You can use the Kintetsu Rail Pass on the cable car. Walk to the top of the temple complex. Saw and heard a woodpecker for the first time in my life. Walk back down to Ikoma via the stairs. Steep, but good exercise.

It’s been good I been here.

Really scenic location, more locals than tourist. Super relax and nice place to hike to! Definitely recommend

Beautiful temple. Lots of stairs lead to a very tranquil forest.