Horaiji temple on mt horaiji (鳳来寺東照宮) by Paco Barberá

Tales of Mystic Mountain: The Legend of the LevitatingTales of Mystic Mountain: The Legend of the Levitating

Monk of MtMonk of Mt HoraijiHoraiji
Houraiji templo
Houraiji es un templo budista del budismo Shingon, una
importante escuela de budismo japonés, y se encuentra a
unos 30 km al noreste de la ciudad de Toyohashi.
El templo está cerca de la cima del monte Houraiji (684
metros de altura). Así las tierras son empinadas y
cubiertas de bosques.
Fue fundada en 702.
Y desde el 13 hasta siglo 19, este templo se había
desarrollado bajo la égida de los gobiernos.
En 1651, Toshoguu Santuario consagrar Ieyasu
Tokugawa, el fundador del gobierno de Edo, como un
dios, fue construido.
Así que la ruta rama para hacer una peregrinación desde
la ruta Tokaido fue creado, y muchos adoradores visitó
aquí.
A fnales del siglo 19, esta zona se convirtió en el
principal de la ermita por la política gubernamental.
Sólo se permitió una pequeña zona para el templo, pero
el templo había disminuido.
En 1915, el principal templo fue destruido por el fuego,
pero fue reconstruido en 1974.

En esta montaña, sólo hay Toshoguu Santuario, templo
principal reconstruida y algunos edifcios antiguos.
La ruta principal al templo es desde el pie al suroeste de
la montaña.
A lo largo del enfoque a través de la pequeña ciudad del
templo, hay algunos huéspedes japonesas y tiendas.
Pero tienes que subir 1425 escalones de piedra de allí al
templo.
Si viaja en coche de alquiler, la calle se llama Houraiji
Park Way lleva a los alrededores del templo, de Yuya
complejo de aguas termales al pie oriental de la montaña.
Una ruta de senderismo que pasa a través de los
templos, Toshogu, la cima del monte Houraiji y algunos
observatorios se establezca. La longitud es de unos 3
km, pero es el senderismo recorrido ondulado.
En el templo de la ciudad, hay Horaijisan Museo de
Ciencias Naturales.
Introduce los animales y plantas que habitan en el monte
Houraiji.
Desde tiempos antiguos, la gente había escuchado algún
canto de un pájaro "peros-pou-sou" alrededor del Monte
Houraiji.
En japonés, "peros" signifca menas "Buda", "hou" (pou)
"La enseñanza de Buda", y "sou" signifca "sacerdote".
Se les llama los tres tesoros del budismo.
En 1935, por fn, que resultó ser la canción del japonés
autillo.
Un autillo japonesa rellena se muestra en el museo.
Adicionalmente, se señala como el ave símbolo de la
Prefectura de Aichi.
Yuya complejo termal está a lo largo Hourai Gorge
formada por el río Ure.
Es un antiguo manantial abierto hace unos 1.300 años, y

hay una docena de hoteles y huéspedes japonesas.
¿Cómo llegar a aquí
Por ferrocarril
Para Houraiji (Ciudad de los templos), bajar en la estación
Hon-Nagashino en JR Iida Line. Desde Toyohashi, unos
38 minutos en limitada express "Inaji", alrededor de 1
hora en tren de cercanías.
Luego de autobús de ruta, de unos 8 minutos de la
estación Hon-Nagashino.
Para Yuya complejo de aguas termales, bajar en la
estación onsen-Yuya en JR Iida Line. Desde Toyohashi, a
unos 45 minutos en expreso limitado "Inaji", alrededor de
1 hora y 10 minutos en tren de cercanías.
En coche
Ejecutar en autopista Tomei, y salir en Toyokawa Salir.
Cerca de 28 km de allí.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/shritemp/horaiji.h
tml
Horaiji Temple on Mt Horaiji (鳳来寺東照宮)
It is said that 1,300 years ago, on the peaks of Mt Horai
lived an ascetic monk and hermit called Rishu. According
to temple tradition, Rishu founded the Horaiji Temple in
703. With the winding stone staircase temple approach of
1,425 steps and surrounding primeval wood of
cryptomeria cedars, and cypresses, the mountain is a
magnifcently mystical setting for mountain ascetic

practitioners. It has been a popular spot for pilgrimages,
especially during the Edo Period.
Mikawa Province, Horaiji Temple by Ando Hiroshige.
The Temple belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect, but its
founding by the obscure mystic Rishu inexplicably shows
dates that are earlier than the late 8th century origin of of
Shingon Buddhism usually attributed to the more famous
monk Kukai.
 Horaiji Temple (Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor)
Local legends cast a pall of mystery over the mountain
temple’s early background. Below is a confated story
from two accounts of the origins of the miracle hotsprings
of Yuya valley as well as the founding of Horaiji Temple.
The Legend of the Levitating Monk
Around 1300 years ago, a Buddhist monk named Rishu
was said to have happily discovered a natural hot spring
bubbling to the surface of the Yuya valley in what is
today’s Aichi prefecture. Rishu according to some
accounts, was at the time already residing in the
mountains when the 42nd Emperor of Japan whom we
know to be Emperor Mommu and who was very ill at the
time..
Trained in the Buddhist arts of healing, Rishu was called
upon to fnd a cure for the Emperor and supernaturally

carried away by a phoenix to the royal palace. At the
palace, the monk worked hard for 17 days and the
Emperor successfully made a full recovery.
As a reward for his work, the monk was allowed to
establish the Horaiji Temple (which means ‘Phoenix Come
Temple’) in the mountains above the Yuya hotsprings. 
 This photo of Horaiji Temple is courtesy of TripAdvisor 
Now, dwelling on the peak of Mt Horai didn’t make it
particularly convenient for Rishu to visit the hotsprings
that he so favored. So he levitated his way down the
mountain.
Swooping powerfully down from the peaks of 684m-high
Mt. Horaiji like a kyarobinga, and yet gracefully poised
like an apsara with his robes gracefully fapping around
him and all the while playing his fute, was how Rishu
would visit the hot spring waters near the Ure River. This
unusual method of travel and the holy monk’s frequent
dips made such an impression on the locals, that they
thought it opportune to open bathhouses there, in the
belief that these would be waters with magical healing
powers.
Now there’s a tale that could have given a movie such
as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon a run for their money.
Modern pilgrims today still visit the mysterious mountain
maybe supposing the place to be still infused of magic
and the supernatural … locals say the local birds
(Japanese scops owls) chant paeans to Buddhism in the
late spring and summer: “Bu!” (Buddha), “Po!” (sutra),
and “So!” (priest). And tourists and pilgrims still visit as

well the hotsprings in Yuya Valley for its medicinal waters
that are reputed to cure everything from rashes to cancer.
Buddhist steles that guide and protect travelers on their
pilgrims up the mountain
***
Was there really a hermit monk Rishu?
According to tradition, the founding of the Horaiji Temple
is associated with Shingon Buddhism and with the
historical fgure 42nd Emperor Mommu (683–707), as well
as the fact that Yakushi mystic cults were proliferating
(see pp. 564-567 Ancient Buddhism in Japan), and
temples tended to be associated with Yakushi-cults
exactly around this time … all appear corroborate the
existence of an ascetic hermetic monk such as Rishu
around the turn of the 8th century.
The more fanciful embellishments of Rishu’s character,
and the crediting him with wizard-like powers, appear to
be consistent with the activity of the popular Yakushi
Cults in an Age of Mysticism.
The account of the founding at 703 of a Yakushi-Nyorai
venerating temple squares well with historical events thus
in recorded in (see pp. 564-567 Ancient Buddhism in
Japan | Sutras and Ceremonies in use in the seventh and
eighth centuries A.D. and their history in later times:

“In A.D. 702 (XII 13), when the Emperor Mommu was ill, a
great amnesty was granted throughout the Empire, a
hundred men were caused to become monks, and order
was given” for the monks to be sent to the provinces.
During A.D. 702 (2nd year of Mommu Tenno, II 20)
“Provincial Masters” (kokushi, were appointed in all the
provinces…, in A.D. 685 (10th month), this sutra was
expounded in the Palace, evidently in order to cure the
Emperor Temmu, who died the following year (IX 9). Other
sutras used for this purpose were the Yakushikyo (686, V
24), the Konkwomyokyo (686, Vlll 8) and the Kwannongyd
(686, VII 28, VII 2); vegetarian entertainments of monks,
penitential services (kekwa), offerings, dedication of a
hundred Kwannon images general amnesty, everything was
done in vain to save the Emperor’s life.
As seen above (Ch. I, § 10), in A.D. 686 (V 24) “the Emperor
Temmu’s body was ill at ease. Accordingly the Yakushikyo
was expounded in the Temple of Kawara, and a retreat
(ango) was held within the Palace”.’ As to the Yakushi-
kekwa or “Rites of Repentance in worship of the Healing
Buddha” not only Yakushi-kekwa were practised in all
Nihongi, Ch. xxix, p. 541; Aston II, p. 376.
Shoku Nihongi, Ch. vhi, p. 123.Yakushi-kekwa. 559
Buddhist temples of the Capital and Home provinces and in
all “pure places of renowned mountains”, but also seven
Yakushi images, 6 shaku 3 sun high, and seven copies of
the Yakushikyo (each of one chapter) were made in the
capital and in all the provinces. … The son of Emperor
Mommu – “Shomu Tenno was also a devout worshipper of
Bhaishajyaguru, We learn from the above facts that in the
eighth century and in the frst half of the ninth the Hosso

priests, and thenceforward during many centuries those of
the mystic branch of the Tendai sect were the principal
worshippers of Yakushi Nyorai.”
Sacred to the worship of Horaiji Temple is the Yakushi-
Nyorai (the Healing Buddha) a.k.a. the Buddha of the
Master of Medicine). Yakushi-Nyorai was among the frst
of the Buddhist forms or representations to arrive (the
other being Miroku) in the 6th century from the mainland
continent, and he quickly became popular throughout
Japan as a powerful deity who could cure sickness and
eliminate earthly suffering– Yakushi remains one of the
most cherished Buddhist fgures in Japan today.
Yakushi’s full name is Yakushirurikō 薬師瑠璃光, which
means Medicine Master of Lapis Lazuli Radiance.
The practice of venerating the “Medicine Buddha” in
Japan is traceable to Northwest India, via China which
had practised a sinifed form of Bhaiṣajyaguru, an Indian
bodhisattva who had achieved Buddhahood, to become
the Buddha of the eastern realm of Vaidūryanirbhāsa, or
“Pure Lapis Lazuli”*. The Medicine Buddha is often
depicted with a lapis-colored jar of medicine nectar in his
left hand and in the related sutra, he is also described by
his aura of lapis lazuli-colored light. Sanskrit manuscripts
of the Bhaiṣajyaguruvaiḍūryaprabhārāja Sūtra have been
found at Gilgit, Pakistan prior to the 7th century and
also at a Bamiyan monastery, Afghanistan, in the 7th
century CE – attesting to the popularity of the Medicine
Buddha in the ancient northwest Indian kingdom of
Gandhāra as well as in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The
same mystical tendencies seen in India, Tibet and China
were also evident in Japan with Yakushi cults.

Beginning in the 7th century in Japan, Yakushi, the
Medicine Buddha, became the center of the devotion of
the earliest temples, (most belonging to the Tendai and
Shingon sects), around Kyoto, Nara and the Kinki region.
Devotees recite the mantra of the Medicine Buddha to
overcome mental, physical and spiritual sickness Yakushi
was prayed to not only for relief from illness and suffering,
but also invoked often in the traditional memorial services
for the dead. The Bhaiṣajyaguruvaiḍūryaprabhārāja Sūtra
states:
“ Wherever this sutra circulates or wherever there are
sentient beings who hold fast to the name of the Medicine
Buddha [Yakushi Buddha] and respectfully make offerings
to him, whether in villages, towns, kingdoms or in the
wilderness, we [the Twelve Generals] will all protect them.
We will release them from all suffering and calamities and
see to it that all their wishes are fulflled
The Yakushi Buddha was venerated by many powerful
men including Takeda Shingen, a daimyo of the 16th
century, as well as Tokugawa Ieyasu, powerful shogun of
the 17th century.
Toshogu shrine
Apart from Horaiji Temple, the Toshogu Shrine also stands
venerated on the slopes of the Horaiji mountain, a Tosho-
gu Shrine built in the 17th century by the third shogun
Tokugawa Iemitsu for his father, Ieyasu, to the east of the
main temple. The interior walls of Tosho-gu are decorated

with elaborate carvings that resemble those in Tosho-gu
Shrine in Nikko, Tochigi.
The religious site is said to have been particularly
venerated by the Tokugawa family, upon Tokugawa
Ieyasu’s mother’s conception of her son after praying
there. But the infuence of the temple declined after the
mid-19th century with the end of the samurai rule of
Japan.
The main building of Horaiji burnt down many times, the
extant building was completed in Showa 49.
Nio-mon (“Deva King Gate”
Today, the main historic relics that remain of the sacred
site are the sanctuary, Nio-mon (“Deva King Gate”), bell
tower, Okuno-in (inner shrine), Ko-do (small hall), and two
small annexes.
However, the discovery of ancient ritual relics such as an
old mirror is thought to substantiate the actual antiquity
of the site as a historical spot for pilgrims’ and ascetics’
rituals and provide evidence of human inhabitation on the
mountain since early times.  This photo of Horaiji Temple is
courtesy of TripAdvisor
Geology and environs of the mountain
Mt Horaiji, located on the southern edge of dormant
volcanos in Okumikawa, Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture.

Formed by volcanic lava 20 to 15 million years ago, the
mountain consists of dacite, pitchstone and so on. The
mountain is famous as a habitat for scops owls, and at
the end of a rigorous climb to the top of the mountain,
the panoramic view of the forested hills of the East
Mikawa Plain stretching all the way to Mikawa Bay.
Visitors will combine their temple pilgrimage with a visit to
the Yuya Onsen, a popular rustic hotspring resort in the
18th century 5 km. Or they will want to hike the beautiful
prefectural park and for the spectacular autumn colours
of the Aichi Kenmin no Mori in early November, all within
easy walking distance of JR Yuya Onsen station.
Many campsites are to be found (eg. the Kenmin no Mori
campground nearby the Yuya Onsen station) as well as
the Youth Travel Village at the base of Mt. Horaiji (which
offers tents and bungalows, as well as auto camping
sites).
Visiting Mt Horai and Horaiji Temple
Location and address:
Horai-ji located in Horai-cho, Aichi Prefecture. 
Address: 1 Horaiji, Kadoya, Shinshiro-shi, Aichi
(Kadoyama Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture, 441-1944,
Shinshiro Sightseeing Association) 
Admission Fee: Free in the temple precincts
Directions From Tokyo : 
[Rail] 2h 15 min to Toyohashi Station by JR Tokaido
Shinkansen Line. 35 min from Toyohashi to Hon-
Nagashino-jo Station by JR Iida Line (limited express),

and 10 min from the station to Horaiji by bus. From
the Horaiji Stop, a 40-min. walk
From Osaka : 
[Rail] 1h 20 min from Shin-Osaka to Toyohashi Station by
Shinkansen. From Toyohashi Station, southeast of
Nagoya on the Tokaido main line, take the JR Iida line to
Yuya Onsen station (about 70 minutes by local train, or 46
minutes on the Inaji limited express). For Horaiji, exit at
Honnagashino station instead, then board the (infrequent)
Toyotetsu bus to either the Horaiji stop (an easy 15-
minute walk to the temple) or the village at the base of the
Horaiji staircase.
* Note on the signifcance of Lapis Lazuli:
“The most distinctive feature of this Medicine Buddha is his
color, the deep blue of lapis lazuli. This precious stone has
been greatly prized by Asian and European cultures for
more than six thousand years and, until relatively recently,
its ornamental value was on a par with, or even exceeded,
that of the diamond. An aura of mystery surrounds this
gemstone, perhaps because of its principal mines are
located in the remote Badakshan region of northeast
Afghanistan, an all-but-inaccessible area located behind the
Hindu Kush. One commentator has written, “the fnest
specimens of lapis, intensely blue with speckled waves and
swirls of shining gold-colored pyrite, resemble the night
aglow with myriads of stars.” Traditionally this beautiful
stone was used to symbolize that which is pure or rare.”
– Medicine Buddha and Tibetan Medicine
Sources and references:

鳳来寺山　Houraiji-san　Mt Horaiji (NIPPON-KICHI)
Horaiji Temple (Japan National Tourist Organization)
Tenryu-Oku-Mikawa Quasi-National Park 鳳来寺山と湯谷
温泉 by Daniel Simmons
What’s Up Aichi : The Healing Waters of Yuya, The
Healing Issue 26, Autumn 2012 is a Publication of The
Aichi Prefectural Government San Francisco Offce
Bhaiṣajyaguru (Wikipedia)
Horaiji Toshogu National Treasure
Shingon Buddhism (Wikipedia)
Shingon Buddhism by David Moreton
Ancient Buddhism in Japan | SUTRAS AND CEREMONIES
IN USE IN THE SEVENTH AND EIGHTH CENTURIES
A.D. AND THEIR HISTORY IN LATER TIMES by Dr. M. W.
De Visser
Shingon-shu (Shingon Buddhism)
The Adhyardhasatika Prajnaparamita is one of the most
infuential and revered scriptures in East-Asian esoteric
Buddhism. Known as the RishukyM, this sktra, in its
Chinese version by Amoghavajra, has been for centuries
been at the core of the Shingon liturgy in Japan. Its Sanskrit
text, however, was known until recently only through a
fragmentary Central-Asian manuscript studied by Ernst

Leumann in early twentieth century. This volume presents a
critical edition of the Adhyardhasatika based on the a newly
available photocopy, kept at the China Tibetology Research
Center (Beijing), of a newly available Sanskrit manuscript
from Tibet. Also edited in this volume is the Tibetan version
of the text, Zes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa’i tshul brgya lna
bcu pa, using fourteen exemplars of Kanjur and a
Dunhuang manuscript. The introduction to the edition
includes a survey of previous studies of on the
Adhyardhasatika, a description of the materials used, as
well as remarks on the distinctive features of the Sanskrit
text. See (source: Austrian Academy of Sciences)
of Sanskrit Texts from the Tibetan Autonomous Region
5 2009, ca. XVIII+100 Seiten, 24×15,5cm, broschiert
Tales of Mystic Mountain: The Legend of the LevitatingTales of Mystic Mountain: The Legend of the Levitating
Monk of MtMonk of Mt HoraijiHoraiji
Horaiji Temple on Mt Horaiji (鳳来寺東照宮)
It is said that 1,300 years ago, on the peaks of Mt Horai
lived an ascetic monk and hermit called Rishu. According
to temple tradition, Rishu founded the Horaiji Temple in
703. With the winding stone staircase temple approach of
1,425 steps and surrounding primeval wood of
cryptomeria cedars, and cypresses, the mountain is a
magnifcently mystical setting for mountain ascetic
practitioners. It has been a popular spot for pilgrimages,
especially during the Edo Period.

Mikawa Province, Horaiji Temple by Ando Hiroshige.
The Temple belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect, but its
founding by the obscure mystic Rishu inexplicably shows
dates that are earlier than the late 8th century origin of of
Shingon Buddhism usually attributed to the more famous
monk Kukai.
 Horaiji Temple (Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor)
Local legends cast a pall of mystery over the mountain
temple’s early background. Below is a confated story
from two accounts of the origins of the miracle hotsprings
of Yuya valley as well as the founding of Horaiji Temple.
The Legend of the Levitating Monk
Around 1300 years ago, a Buddhist monk named Rishu
was said to have happily discovered a natural hot spring
bubbling to the surface of the Yuya valley in what is
today’s Aichi prefecture. Rishu according to some
accounts, was at the time already residing in the
mountains when the 42nd Emperor of Japan whom we
know to be Emperor Mommu and who was very ill at the
time..
Trained in the Buddhist arts of healing, Rishu was called
upon to fnd a cure for the Emperor and supernaturally
carried away by a phoenix to the royal palace. At the
palace, the monk worked hard for 17 days and the
Emperor successfully made a full recovery.
As a reward for his work, the monk was allowed to

establish the Horaiji Temple (which means ‘Phoenix Come
Temple’) in the mountains above the Yuya hotsprings. 
 This photo of Horaiji Temple is courtesy of TripAdvisor 
Now, dwelling on the peak of Mt Horai didn’t make it
particularly convenient for Rishu to visit the hotsprings
that he so favored. So he levitated his way down the
mountain.
Swooping powerfully down from the peaks of 684m-high
Mt. Horaiji like a kyarobinga, and yet gracefully poised
like an apsara with his robes gracefully fapping around
him and all the while playing his fute, was how Rishu
would visit the hot spring waters near the Ure River. This
unusual method of travel and the holy monk’s frequent
dips made such an impression on the locals, that they
thought it opportune to open bathhouses there, in the
belief that these would be waters with magical healing
powers.
Now there’s a tale that could have given a movie such
as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon a run for their money.
Modern pilgrims today still visit the mysterious mountain
maybe supposing the place to be still infused of magic
and the supernatural … locals say the local birds
(Japanese scops owls) chant paeans to Buddhism in the
late spring and summer: “Bu!” (Buddha), “Po!” (sutra),
and “So!” (priest). And tourists and pilgrims still visit as
well the hotsprings in Yuya Valley for its medicinal waters
that are reputed to cure everything from rashes to cancer.

Buddhist steles that guide and protect travelers on their
pilgrims up the mountain
***
Was there really a hermit monk Rishu?
According to tradition, the founding of the Horaiji Temple
is associated with Shingon Buddhism and with the
historical fgure 42nd Emperor Mommu (683–707), as well
as the fact that Yakushi mystic cults were proliferating
(see pp. 564-567 Ancient Buddhism in Japan), and
temples tended to be associated with Yakushi-cults
exactly around this time … all appear corroborate the
existence of an ascetic hermetic monk such as Rishu
around the turn of the 8th century.
The more fanciful embellishments of Rishu’s character,
and the crediting him with wizard-like powers, appear to
be consistent with the activity of the popular Yakushi
Cults in an Age of Mysticism.
The account of the founding at 703 of a Yakushi-Nyorai
venerating temple squares well with historical events thus
in recorded in (see pp. 564-567 Ancient Buddhism in
Japan | Sutras and Ceremonies in use in the seventh and
eighth centuries A.D. and their history in later times:
“In A.D. 702 (XII 13), when the Emperor Mommu was ill, a
great amnesty was granted throughout the Empire, a
hundred men were caused to become monks, and order
was given” for the monks to be sent to the provinces.
During A.D. 702 (2nd year of Mommu Tenno, II 20)

“Provincial Masters” (kokushi, were appointed in all the
provinces…, in A.D. 685 (10th month), this sutra was
expounded in the Palace, evidently in order to cure the
Emperor Temmu, who died the following year (IX 9). Other
sutras used for this purpose were the Yakushikyo (686, V
24), the Konkwomyokyo (686, Vlll 8) and the Kwannongyd
(686, VII 28, VII 2); vegetarian entertainments of monks,
penitential services (kekwa), offerings, dedication of a
hundred Kwannon images general amnesty, everything was
done in vain to save the Emperor’s life.
As seen above (Ch. I, § 10), in A.D. 686 (V 24) “the Emperor
Temmu’s body was ill at ease. Accordingly the Yakushikyo
was expounded in the Temple of Kawara, and a retreat
(ango) was held within the Palace”.’ As to the Yakushi-
kekwa or “Rites of Repentance in worship of the Healing
Buddha” not only Yakushi-kekwa were practised in all
Nihongi, Ch. xxix, p. 541; Aston II, p. 376.
Shoku Nihongi, Ch. vhi, p. 123.Yakushi-kekwa. 559
Buddhist temples of the Capital and Home provinces and in
all “pure places of renowned mountains”, but also seven
Yakushi images, 6 shaku 3 sun high, and seven copies of
the Yakushikyo (each of one chapter) were made in the
capital and in all the provinces. … The son of Emperor
Mommu – “Shomu Tenno was also a devout worshipper of
Bhaishajyaguru, We learn from the above facts that in the
eighth century and in the frst half of the ninth the Hosso
priests, and thenceforward during many centuries those of
the mystic branch of the Tendai sect were the principal
worshippers of Yakushi Nyorai.”
Sacred to the worship of Horaiji Temple is the Yakushi-

Nyorai (the Healing Buddha) a.k.a. the Buddha of the
Master of Medicine). Yakushi-Nyorai was among the frst
of the Buddhist forms or representations to arrive (the
other being Miroku) in the 6th century from the mainland
continent, and he quickly became popular throughout
Japan as a powerful deity who could cure sickness and
eliminate earthly suffering– Yakushi remains one of the
most cherished Buddhist fgures in Japan today.
Yakushi’s full name is Yakushirurikō 薬師瑠璃光, which
means Medicine Master of Lapis Lazuli Radiance.
The practice of venerating the “Medicine Buddha” in
Japan is traceable to Northwest India, via China which
had practised a sinifed form of Bhaiṣajyaguru, an Indian
bodhisattva who had achieved Buddhahood, to become
the Buddha of the eastern realm of Vaidūryanirbhāsa, or
“Pure Lapis Lazuli”*. The Medicine Buddha is often
depicted with a lapis-colored jar of medicine nectar in his
left hand and in the related sutra, he is also described by
his aura of lapis lazuli-colored light. Sanskrit manuscripts
of the Bhaiṣajyaguruvaiḍūryaprabhārāja Sūtra have been
found at Gilgit, Pakistan prior to the 7th century and
also at a Bamiyan monastery, Afghanistan, in the 7th
century CE – attesting to the popularity of the Medicine
Buddha in the ancient northwest Indian kingdom of
Gandhāra as well as in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The
same mystical tendencies seen in India, Tibet and China
were also evident in Japan with Yakushi cults.
Beginning in the 7th century in Japan, Yakushi, the
Medicine Buddha, became the center of the devotion of
the earliest temples, (most belonging to the Tendai and
Shingon sects), around Kyoto, Nara and the Kinki region.

Devotees recite the mantra of the Medicine Buddha to
overcome mental, physical and spiritual sickness Yakushi
was prayed to not only for relief from illness and suffering,
but also invoked often in the traditional memorial services
for the dead. The Bhaiṣajyaguruvaiḍūryaprabhārāja Sūtra
states:
“ Wherever this sutra circulates or wherever there are
sentient beings who hold fast to the name of the Medicine
Buddha [Yakushi Buddha] and respectfully make offerings
to him, whether in villages, towns, kingdoms or in the
wilderness, we [the Twelve Generals] will all protect them.
We will release them from all suffering and calamities and
see to it that all their wishes are fulflled
The Yakushi Buddha was venerated by many powerful
men including Takeda Shingen, a daimyo of the 16th
century, as well as Tokugawa Ieyasu, powerful shogun of
the 17th century.
Toshogu shrine
Apart from Horaiji Temple, the Toshogu Shrine also stands
venerated on the slopes of the Horaiji mountain, a Tosho-
gu Shrine built in the 17th century by the third shogun
Tokugawa Iemitsu for his father, Ieyasu, to the east of the
main temple. The interior walls of Tosho-gu are decorated
with elaborate carvings that resemble those in Tosho-gu
Shrine in Nikko, Tochigi.
The religious site is said to have been particularly

venerated by the Tokugawa family, upon Tokugawa
Ieyasu’s mother’s conception of her son after praying
there. But the infuence of the temple declined after the
mid-19th century with the end of the samurai rule of
Japan.
The main building of Horaiji burnt down many times, the
extant building was completed in Showa 49.
Nio-mon (“Deva King Gate”
Today, the main historic relics that remain of the sacred
site are the sanctuary, Nio-mon (“Deva King Gate”), bell
tower, Okuno-in (inner shrine), Ko-do (small hall), and two
small annexes.
However, the discovery of ancient ritual relics such as an
old mirror is thought to substantiate the actual antiquity
of the site as a historical spot for pilgrims’ and ascetics’
rituals and provide evidence of human inhabitation on the
mountain since early times.  This photo of Horaiji Temple is
courtesy of TripAdvisor
Geology and environs of the mountain
Mt Horaiji, located on the southern edge of dormant
volcanos in Okumikawa, Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture.
Formed by volcanic lava 20 to 15 million years ago, the
mountain consists of dacite, pitchstone and so on. The
mountain is famous as a habitat for scops owls, and at
the end of a rigorous climb to the top of the mountain,

the panoramic view of the forested hills of the East
Mikawa Plain stretching all the way to Mikawa Bay.
Visitors will combine their temple pilgrimage with a visit to
the Yuya Onsen, a popular rustic hotspring resort in the
18th century 5 km. Or they will want to hike the beautiful
prefectural park and for the spectacular autumn colours
of the Aichi Kenmin no Mori in early November, all within
easy walking distance of JR Yuya Onsen station.
Many campsites are to be found (eg. the Kenmin no Mori
campground nearby the Yuya Onsen station) as well as
the Youth Travel Village at the base of Mt. Horaiji (which
offers tents and bungalows, as well as auto camping
sites).
Visiting Mt Horai and Horaiji Temple
Location and address:
Horai-ji located in Horai-cho, Aichi Prefecture. 
Address: 1 Horaiji, Kadoya, Shinshiro-shi, Aichi
(Kadoyama Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture, 441-1944,
Shinshiro Sightseeing Association) 
Admission Fee: Free in the temple precincts
Directions From Tokyo : 
[Rail] 2h 15 min to Toyohashi Station by JR Tokaido
Shinkansen Line. 35 min from Toyohashi to Hon-
Nagashino-jo Station by JR Iida Line (limited express),
and 10 min from the station to Horaiji by bus. From
the Horaiji Stop, a 40-min. walk
From Osaka :

[Rail] 1h 20 min from Shin-Osaka to Toyohashi Station by
Shinkansen. From Toyohashi Station, southeast of
Nagoya on the Tokaido main line, take the JR Iida line to
Yuya Onsen station (about 70 minutes by local train, or 46
minutes on the Inaji limited express). For Horaiji, exit at
Honnagashino station instead, then board the (infrequent)
Toyotetsu bus to either the Horaiji stop (an easy 15-
minute walk to the temple) or the village at the base of the
Horaiji staircase.
* Note on the signifcance of Lapis Lazuli:
“The most distinctive feature of this Medicine Buddha is his
color, the deep blue of lapis lazuli. This precious stone has
been greatly prized by Asian and European cultures for
more than six thousand years and, until relatively recently,
its ornamental value was on a par with, or even exceeded,
that of the diamond. An aura of mystery surrounds this
gemstone, perhaps because of its principal mines are
located in the remote Badakshan region of northeast
Afghanistan, an all-but-inaccessible area located behind the
Hindu Kush. One commentator has written, “the fnest
specimens of lapis, intensely blue with speckled waves and
swirls of shining gold-colored pyrite, resemble the night
aglow with myriads of stars.” Traditionally this beautiful
stone was used to symbolize that which is pure or rare.”
– Medicine Buddha and Tibetan Medicine
Sources and references:
鳳来寺山　Houraiji-san　Mt Horaiji (NIPPON-KICHI)
Horaiji Temple (Japan National Tourist Organization)

Tenryu-Oku-Mikawa Quasi-National Park 鳳来寺山と湯谷
温泉 by Daniel Simmons
What’s Up Aichi : The Healing Waters of Yuya, The
Healing Issue 26, Autumn 2012 is a Publication of The
Aichi Prefectural Government San Francisco Offce
Bhaiṣajyaguru (Wikipedia)
Horaiji Toshogu National Treasure
Shingon Buddhism (Wikipedia)
Shingon Buddhism by David Moreton
Ancient Buddhism in Japan | SUTRAS AND CEREMONIES
IN USE IN THE SEVENTH AND EIGHTH CENTURIES
A.D. AND THEIR HISTORY IN LATER TIMES by Dr. M. W.
De Visser
Shingon-shu (Shingon Buddhism)
The Adhyardhasatika Prajnaparamita is one of the most
infuential and revered scriptures in East-Asian esoteric
Buddhism. Known as the RishukyM, this sktra, in its
Chinese version by Amoghavajra, has been for centuries
been at the core of the Shingon liturgy in Japan. Its Sanskrit
text, however, was known until recently only through a
fragmentary Central-Asian manuscript studied by Ernst
Leumann in early twentieth century. This volume presents a
critical edition of the Adhyardhasatika based on the a newly
available photocopy, kept at the China Tibetology Research
Center (Beijing), of a newly available Sanskrit manuscript

from Tibet. Also edited in this volume is the Tibetan version
of the text, Zes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa’i tshul brgya lna
bcu pa, using fourteen exemplars of Kanjur and a
Dunhuang manuscript. The introduction to the edition
includes a survey of previous studies of on the
Adhyardhasatika, a description of the materials used, as
well as remarks on the distinctive features of the Sanskrit
text. See (source: Austrian Academy of Sciences)
of Sanskrit Texts from the Tibetan Autonomous Region
5 2009, ca. XVIII+100 Seiten, 24×15,5cm, broschiert
Houraiji temple
Houraiji is a Buddhist temple of Shingon Buddhism, a
major school of Japanese Buddhism, and is located
about 30 km northeast of Toyohashi city. 
The temple is near the top of Mount Houraiji (684 meters
high). So the surrounging lands are steep and covered
with forests.
It was founded in 702. 
And from the 13th to the 19th ceturies, this temple had
developed under the aegis of the governments. 
In 1651, Toshoguu Shrine enshrining Ieyasu Tokugawa,
the founder of Edo government, as a god, was built. 
So the branch route to make a pilgrimage from Tokaido
route was set up, and many worshippers visited here.
In the late 19th century, this area became the main one of
the shrine by government policy. 
Only a little area for the temple was permitted, but the
temple had declined. 
In 1915, the main temple was destroyed by fre, but it was

rebuilt in 1974. 
In this mountain, there are only Toshoguu Shrine, rebuilt
main temple and a few old buildings.
The main route to the temple is from the southwest foot
of the mountain. 
Along the approach through the small temple town, there
are some ryokans and shops. 
But you must walk up 1,425 stone steps from there to the
temple.
If you travel by rental car, the road called Houraiji Park
Way leads to around the temple, from Yuya hot spring
resort at the eastern foot of the mountain.
A walking trail passing through the temples, Toshogu, the
top of Mount Houraiji and a few observatories is set up.
The length is about 3 km, but it is hilly hiking course.
In the temple town, there is Horaijisan natural science
Museum. 
It introduces the animals and plants inhabiting Mount
Houraiji.
Since old times, people had listened to any bird singing
"buts-pou-sou" around Mount Houraiji. 
In Japanese, "buts" means "Buddha", "hou" (pou) menas
"teaching of Buddha", and "sou" means "priest". They are
called the three treasures of Buddhism. 
In 1935, at last, it turned out to be the song of Japanese
scops owl. 
A stuffed Japanese scops owl is displayed in the
museum. 
Additionally, it is designated as the symbol bird of Aichi
Prefecture.

Yuya hot spring resort is along Hourai Gorge formed by
Ure River. 
It is an old hot spring opened about 1,300 years ago, and
there are about a dozen hotels and ryokans.
How to get to here
By railroad
•To Houraiji (Temple town), get off at Hon-Nagashino
station on JR Iida Line. From Toyohashi, about 38
minutes by limited express "Inaji", about 1 hour by
local train. 
Then by route bus, about 8 minutes from Hon-
Nagashino station.
•To Yuya hot spring resort, get off at Yuya-onsen station
on JR Iida Line. From Toyohashi, about 45 minutes by
limited express "Inaji", about 1 hour and 10 minutes
by local train.
By car
Run on Tomei Expressway, and exit at Toyokawa Exit.
About 28 km from there.
http://japanesemythology.wordpress.com/tales-of-an-
ascetic-mountain-the-legend-of-the-levitating-monk-of-
mt-horaiji/
Houraiji templo
Houraiji es un templo budista del budismo Shingon, una
importante escuela de budismo japonés, y se encuentra a
unos 30 km al noreste de la ciudad de Toyohashi.
El templo está cerca de la cima del monte Houraiji (684
metros de altura). Así las tierras son empinadas y
cubiertas de bosques.
Fue fundada en 702.

Y desde el 13 hasta siglo 19, este templo se había
desarrollado bajo la égida de los gobiernos.
En 1651, Toshoguu Santuario consagrar Ieyasu
Tokugawa, el fundador del gobierno de Edo, como un
dios, fue construido.
Así que la ruta rama para hacer una peregrinación desde
la ruta Tokaido fue creado, y muchos adoradores visitó
aquí.
A fnales del siglo 19, esta zona se convirtió en el
principal de la ermita por la política gubernamental.
Sólo se permitió una pequeña zona para el templo, pero
el templo había disminuido.
En 1915, el principal templo fue destruido por el fuego,
pero fue reconstruido en 1974.
En esta montaña, sólo hay Toshoguu Santuario, templo
principal reconstruida y algunos edifcios antiguos.
La ruta principal al templo es desde el pie al suroeste de
la montaña.
A lo largo del enfoque a través de la pequeña ciudad del
templo, hay algunos huéspedes japonesas y tiendas.
Pero tienes que subir 1425 escalones de piedra de allí al
templo.
Si viaja en coche de alquiler, la calle se llama Houraiji
Park Way lleva a los alrededores del templo, de Yuya
complejo de aguas termales al pie oriental de la montaña.
Una ruta de senderismo que pasa a través de los
templos, Toshogu, la cima del monte Houraiji y algunos
observatorios se establezca. La longitud es de unos 3
km, pero es el senderismo recorrido ondulado.
En el templo de la ciudad, hay Horaijisan Museo de
Ciencias Naturales.
Introduce los animales y plantas que habitan en el monte
Houraiji.

Desde tiempos antiguos, la gente había escuchado algún
canto de un pájaro "peros-pou-sou" alrededor del Monte
Houraiji.
En japonés, "peros" signifca menas "Buda", "hou" (pou)
"La enseñanza de Buda", y "sou" signifca "sacerdote".
Se les llama los tres tesoros del budismo.
En 1935, por fn, que resultó ser la canción del japonés
autillo.
Un autillo japonesa rellena se muestra en el museo.
Adicionalmente, se señala como el ave símbolo de la
Prefectura de Aichi.
Yuya complejo termal está a lo largo Hourai Gorge
formada por el río Ure.
Es un antiguo manantial abierto hace unos 1.300 años, y
hay una docena de hoteles y huéspedes japonesas.
¿Cómo llegar a aquí
Por ferrocarril
Para Houraiji (Ciudad de los templos), bajar en la estación
Hon-Nagashino en JR Iida Line. Desde Toyohashi, unos
38 minutos en limitada express "Inaji", alrededor de 1
hora en tren de cercanías.
Luego de autobús de ruta, de unos 8 minutos de la
estación Hon-Nagashino.
Para Yuya complejo de aguas termales, bajar en la
estación onsen-Yuya en JR Iida Line. Desde Toyohashi, a
unos 45 minutos en expreso limitado "Inaji", alrededor de
1 hora y 10 minutos en tren de cercanías.
En coche
Ejecutar en autopista Tomei, y salir en Toyokawa Salir.
Cerca de 28 km de allí.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/shritemp/horaiji.h

tml
Uno lee la información de internet y como casi siempre te
llevas un chasco, después de hacer un viaje por la nueva
autopista de Nagoya Tokyo nos adentramos en carreteras
estrechas de montañas y súper peligrosas para ir solo a
visitar este templo, cuando leo siglo 7 piensa uno
encontraras algunos vestigios de los siglos en la historia del
templo Horaiji, luego ves la realidad con mucha pena actual
de Japón aquello esta se cae a pedazos , en ruinas , las
casas abandonas el viaje costoso sobre todo el peaje de
autopista unos 7.000 yenes, el aparcamiento 500 yenes,
mas gasolina (menos mal el auto es eléctrico,suma y todo
cuesta un ojo de la cara y luego te encuentras un lugar
precioso en cuanto al paisaje donde esta situados los
recintos de los templos (destruidos por el paso del tiempo
en incendios ...) triste ve tantos templos de esa forma....
Nagoya 28 mayo 2014 Paco Barberá

Horaiji temple on mt horaiji (鳳来寺東照宮) by Paco Barberá

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