Hozan-ji Temple

Shishi-Kaku is the guesthouse of Hozan-ji Temple built in 1884. The Western-style exterior features windows, arches on the outside door and colored glass; however, the wooden building was constructed by a carpenter specializing in shrines and temples. The Western-style building has a tiled roof and stained glass, but also includes a Japanese-style room, creating a unique blend of Western and Japanese style in beautiful harmony. The Meiji Era (1868-1912) saw various pseudo-Western architectures built throughout Japan, but the Shishi-Kaku building stands out exceptionally, and was designated as an important cultural property in 1961.

When visiting Hozan-ji Temple, be sure to take the cable car. The Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Line opened in 1918 as the first cable car in Japan (Hozan-ji Line). The line was then extended to Mount Ikoma (Sanjo Line), making it the oldest and the longest (total length of 2 kilometers) cable car in Japan. Original cars from the time of its first opening were in operation until February 2000, but now cable cars in unique designs like dog (Bull) and cat (Mike) are gaining popularity. The year 2018 marked the 100-year anniversary of the line's opening.