Visitor's Guide
A guide to the sacred paths of Mt. Shigi
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours
The Main Hall of Mt. Shigi is
illuminated until 22:00
Admission
Some facilities and inner halls
may require a separate fee
Recommended Pilgrimage Routes
Senjuin offers four pilgrimage routes tailored to the type of prayer you wish to receive.
Please select the route that best suits your wishes and intentions.
Route 1 — Daihannya Prayer
A pilgrimage route in which the Daihannya Sutra is recited before Bishamonten in the Main Hall.
After the prayer, you may take your time visiting the notable sites within Mt. Shigi.
Route 2 — Daihannya Prayer with Goma Prayer
In addition to the Daihannya Prayer at the Main Hall, a Bishamon Goma Prayer is also performed
at the Senjuin Goma Hall, making this the most formal pilgrimage route.
Route 3 — Zenikame Prayer
A pilgrimage route centered on prayers to Zenikame Zenshin, the deity of financial fortune.
Recommended for those seeking wealth, career advancement, and business prosperity.
Route 4 — Memorial, Safe Delivery & Conception
A pilgrimage route designed for those seeking memorial services, safe delivery prayers, or conception prayers.
A solemn service will be conducted at Kannon-do Hall.
* Please return your talisman to Senjuin after one year as a thanksgiving visit.
* To apply, please call (0745-72-4481) or visit the Senjuin Temple Office.
Highlights of Mt. Shigi
Senjuin Goma Hall
The central hall of Senjuin, where the sacred Goma fire has been kept burning without interruption for over 1,100 years. Visitors are welcome to observe the Bishamon Goma Prayer.
Main Hall (Chogosonshiji Temple)
The Main Hall enshrining Bishamonten, the principal deity of Mt. Shigi. The Daihannya Prayer is solemnly performed here. Inside, you may also view the statues of the Twenty-Eight Attendants.
Great Tiger (Otora)
The symbol of Mt. Shigi. A magnificent six-metre papier-mache tiger welcomes all visitors. It commemorates the appearance of Bishamonten in the Year, Day, and Hour of the Tiger.
Kuuhachi Goho-do Hall
A hall dedicated to the Dragon God, situated at the summit of Mt. Shigi. The mountaintop commands a panoramic view of the Nara Basin, and on clear days, one can see as far as the Osaka skyline.
Treasure Hall
Home to the nationally designated treasure "Shigisan Engi Emaki" (Legends of Mt. Shigi Picture Scrolls) and other invaluable cultural properties. A masterpiece of Japanese painting history awaits you.
Kaizando (Founder's Hall)
A hall enshrining the Venerable Myoren, founder of Mt. Shigi. Many visitors come to honour his virtuous legacy. The hall offers a splendid view of the Main Hall.
Three Tigers & Tainai-kuguri
Walk through a tunnel formed by the father, mother, and child tigers to receive the blessing of the Three Tigers. A favourite attraction among children as well.
Bishamonten
The principal deity of Mt. Shigi. A heavenly guardian first perceived by Prince Shotoku at this mountain in the Year, Day, and Hour of the Tiger. Widely revered for blessings of good fortune, victory, and prosperity.
Zenikame-do Hall
The only hall in Japan enshrining Zenikame Zenshin, the deity of financial fortune. Visitors from across the nation come to pray for wealth, career advancement, and business prosperity.
Kannon-do Hall
A hall enshrining the Kannon (Avalokitesvara) received from Hasedera Temple in Nara. Renowned for miraculous blessings of conception and child-rearing, it is also visited for safe delivery prayers.
Binbogami-yoke Shrine
A unique shrine where visitors strike the statue of the Poverty God while exclaiming "Be gone!" — a rare practice found nowhere else in Japan. Frequently featured on television, it is an immensely popular attraction.
Sanmen Daikokuten
A rare deity combining Daikokuten, Bishamonten, and Benzaiten into a single three-faced form. It bestows the combined blessings of good fortune, victory, and financial prosperity.
Annual Events
A variety of events and ceremonies are held throughout the year at Mt. Shigi.
We warmly invite you to time your visit with a seasonal event.
Monthly Events
Saito Dai-Gomaku (Outdoor Goma Ceremony)
Held monthly
A stirring ceremony in which yamabushi (mountain ascetics) light a sacred fire outdoors to offer prayers. Entrust your wishes to the flames of the Goma.
Fortune Reading
Held monthly
Under the divine guidance of Bishamonten, your fortune for the days ahead will be read. All are welcome to participate.
Senshinkai (Meditation Gathering)
Every 4th Saturday
A session of seated meditation and Buddhist contemplation. Step away from the bustle of daily life and spend a tranquil moment calming the mind.
Bishamon Goma & Daihannya Prayer
Every morning
The Bishamon Goma Prayer, performed without fail every morning at the Senjuin Goma Hall, together with the Daihannya Prayer at the Main Hall.
Experiential Training
Anytime (reservation required)
Experience various forms of Buddhist training including sutra copying, Buddha drawing, and seated meditation. Please do not hesitate to enquire.
* Event dates may vary from year to year. Please check our announcements or call for details.
Access
Shigisan Daihonzan Senjuin
-
Address
2280 Shigisan, Heguri-cho,
Ikoma-gun, Nara 636-0923, Japan - Telephone 0745-72-4481
- FAX 0745-73-9686
- Reception Hours 8:30 - 17:00
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By Train
Take a bus from JR / Kintetsu "Oji" Station
and alight at the Shigisan stop -
By Car
Approx. 20 minutes south from
Ichibun IC on the Daini-Hanna Toll Road - Parking Available (free of charge)
Enquiries Regarding Your Visit
For questions about pilgrimage routes or prayer services, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Reception Hours: 8:30 - 17:00