honzan tera

Honzanji is an ancient Tendai sect temple nestled in the mountains of northern Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture, with the mountain name Kitayama-san. According to tradition, it was founded in 651 CE by En no Ozunu, the founder of Shugendo. The principal deity is Bishamonten (Vaisravana). Together with Kurama-dera and Chogo Sonshi-ji, it is counted as one of the Three Great Bishamonten Temples of Japan. Located near the Kyoto border in a mountainous area, it has long attracted devotees seeking blessings from this syncretic mountain faith. Several Important Cultural Properties remain on the grounds, testifying to its long history.