Horinji Temple

Hōrin-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, famous as the temple for "Jūsan Mairi" (the traditional coming-of-age pilgrimage at age thirteen). It was founded in 713 when the monk Gyōki built halls and pagodas by imperial request, originally under the name Katsui-dera. Later, Dōshō—an apprentice of Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi)—enshrined Kokūzō Bosatsu and renamed it Hōrin-ji. In The Pillow Book (Makura no Sōshi), the temple is praised alongside Tsubosaka and Kasagi, and locals have long affectionately called it "Saga no Kokūzō-san." In Kyoto, the custom of Jūsan Mairi is cherished even more than Shichi-Go-San. Every April, children who have turned thirteen visit Hōrin-ji to pray to Kokūzō for wisdom, often dressed in their finest attire. The practice is said to relate to the 13-character mantra for complete wisdom and good fortune. The temple also houses Den Den-gū, a shrine dedicated to prayers for the development and safety of electricity-related industries such as power and communications, and many people from the electrical industry come to worship. Hōrin-ji is located on the south side of the Katsura River in Arashiyama; from Togetsukyō Bridge, walk about 5 minutes south and you will find the temple approach on your right.