Designated Important Cultural Properties
Heian Period
Kukai (Saint Kobo)

Chogaku-ji Temple is said to have been founded in 824 by the founder of the Shingon sect, Kukai (Saint Kobo) (774-835) at the request of Emperor Junna. It belongs to the Koya school of the Shingon sect. Nicknamed "Kamakuchi no Odaishi-san," it is familiar to local people.
It holds many precious cultural assets such as the belfry gate and "Honzon Amida Sanzon-zo" (the principal three Buddhist images with the Amida image in the center), Japan's oldest figures with crystal eyes. The compound is well known as a place to view beautiful azalea blossoms.

Source: The Tenri municipal government