Hodoji Temple is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism located in Minami Ward, Sakai City, Osaka. Its history dates back to the middle of the 7th century. The temple’s mountain name is Hachimine-san, and its principal object of worship is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing. It is also known as Hachigamineji.
Hodoji is particularly notable for its collection of important cultural properties, which provide valuable insight into the history and artistic traditions of Japanese Buddhism.
The history of Hodoji is traditionally traced back to the middle of the 7th century. According to temple tradition, the Buddhist ascetic Hodo (Kuhatsu)仙人 founded the temple here in 670, during the Hakuho era. The name Hachimine is said to derive from the legend that Hodo placed his sacred begging bowl at this location.
Hodo is also associated with the Buddhist practice known as Hihachi-no-Ho, or the miraculous flying-bowl practice. His spiritual powers were said to have reached Emperor Tenji, leading to the establishment of the temple as Kandani Chofukuji by imperial decree. The temple subsequently developed in memory of Hodo’s reputed spiritual achievements.
Originally known as Chofukuji, the temple once had numerous subsidiary temples. During the early Heian period, prominent Buddhist monks including Kukai (Kobo Daishi), Saicho, and Ennin are said to have stayed here for religious practice, helping the temple become an important center of Buddhist learning.
Although the temple later declined after being affected by warfare, it was revived during the Edo period. When Chofukumaru, the eldest son of the eighth shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune and later the ninth shogun Tokugawa Ieshige, became the designated successor, the temple’s name was changed from Chofukuji to Hodoji to avoid using the same name as the heir.
Hodoji is renowned for the many important cultural properties preserved within its grounds. Among the most significant are the Jikido dining hall from the Kamakura period and the Tahoto pagoda from the Northern and Southern Courts period. Both are rare examples of historic Buddhist architecture in Osaka.
The Jikido was built in the late Kamakura period. It served as a dining hall where monks ate meals during Buddhist ceremonies and gatherings. Together with the Jikido at Kongoji Temple, it is regarded as a particularly valuable surviving example of this type of Buddhist architecture in Osaka Prefecture.
The Tahoto Pagoda was constructed in 1368. Its upper level follows the Chinese-influenced karayo architectural style, while the lower level uses the Japanese wayō style.
The roof structure includes a distinctive kamebara, or turtle-belly-shaped base, with decorative kaerumata brackets placed above it. This unusual combination makes the pagoda an especially valuable example of medieval Japanese architecture.
The Sixteen Arhats are paintings in the Chinese-style tradition and are considered copies based on Song Dynasty paintings. They provide an important glimpse into the Buddhist artistic culture preserved at Hodoji.
The Kongorikishi guardian statues housed in the temple gate are also historically significant. Records indicate that the two wooden statues were created in 1283, during the late Kamakura period.
The grounds of Hodoji contain numerous historic buildings and cultural treasures.
Kondo Hall – The main hall serving as the principal place of worship.
Tahoto Pagoda – An Important Cultural Property dating from the Northern and Southern Courts period, featuring karayo architecture on the upper level and wayō architecture on the lower level.
Jikido Dining Hall – An Important Cultural Property from the late Kamakura period.
Daishido Hall – A hall dedicated to the great masters of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist tradition.
South Gate – One of the entrances to the temple grounds.
Romon Gate – A stately temple gate where the two Kongorikishi guardian statues are enshrined.
Kitchen and Abbot’s Quarters – Buildings associated with the daily life and administration of the temple.
Hodoji preserves a number of nationally designated Important Cultural Properties as well as cultural properties designated by Sakai City.
Sixteen Arhats, color on silk – An Important Cultural Property depicting the sixteen Buddhist arhats, or enlightened disciples.
Seated Wooden Statue of Amida Nyorai – A wooden sculpture depicting Amida Buddha.
Two Wooden Kongorikishi Statues – Wooden guardian figures created in 1283, during the Kamakura period.
Painting of Amida Triad, color on silk – A Goryeo Buddhist painting characterized by rich colors and the use of gold pigment.
The temple grounds also contain an Inumaki tree designated as a preserved tree by Sakai City. It forms part of the natural and cultural heritage preserved at Hodoji.
Hodoji Temple can be reached from Semboku Rapid Railway Izumigaoka Station. From the station, take a Nankai Bus and get off at the Hachigamine Bus Stop.
The surrounding area is also suitable for walking, with other sightseeing destinations and hiking routes nearby.
Free parking is available for visitors arriving by car, with space for approximately 50 passenger vehicles.
Hodoji Temple is a remarkable historic temple where centuries of Buddhist history, architecture, sculpture, and painting have been preserved. Its Tahoto Pagoda, Jikido Dining Hall, and Sixteen Arhats are particularly valuable cultural treasures.
For visitors interested in Japanese Buddhist history and traditional architecture, Hodoji offers an opportunity to encounter the cultural heritage of the Sakai region in a peaceful temple setting.