Virtual New Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #24 Hoon-ji Temple

 

     Hoon-ji Temple was founded by Priest Jishin in 713 at the foot of Mount Innami (near the Innamisan No. 2 Tumulus). Interestingly, this coincides exactly with Jishin’s founding of Choraku-ji Temple (#20 of the Innami County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage). It remains a historical mystery why Jishin established two separate temples in the same year.

     If Jishin is indeed a legendary figure rather than a strictly historical one, a provocative question arises: What motivated the selection of Jishin over the more ubiquitous Hermit Hodo? Given that Hodo is credited with founding the vast majority of ancient temples across Harima Province, his name carried immense prestige and "brand power."

     Perhaps the choice of Jishin was a deliberate attempt to create a distinction. While Hodo represents a foreign, continental lineage—often linked to immigrant clans (toraijin)—Jishin appears to be a more domestic or local figure. By attributing these temples to Jishin, the founders may have been asserting a unique identity, potentially contrasting themselves with the foreign-influenced networks associated with the Hodo legend.

Address: Yamakado−466-1, Heisocho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-1221

Phone: 079-428-0045

Heinoso Shrine

Address: Yamakado-478 Heisocho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-1221

Phone: 079-428-0073

Mount Innami

Address: Yamakado Heisocho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-1221