Tenjo-ji (Mount Maya) - Image 1
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Tenjo-ji Mount Maya

4.4
·635 reviews·Kobe, Japan

Historic mountain temple with serene zen gardens and breathtaking Kobe views, famous for autumn butterflies.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Tenjo-ji (Mount Maya) - Image 1

Tenjo-ji Mount Maya

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic mountain temple with serene zen gardens and breathtaking Kobe views, famous for autumn butterflies.

4.4
(635 reviews)

"A beautiful temple up in the mountains with a nice zen garden and wonderful views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Avoid Oji Station Walk

Take a bus or taxi to the Maya Ropeway to save energy for exploring the temple.

🦋 Butterfly Season

Visit in autumn for a chance to see the beautiful Asagimadara butterflies.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Mountain Views

Panoramic Mountain Views

Breathtaking vistas of Kobe and beyond await from this elevated temple sanctuary.

Zen Garden Serenity

Zen Garden Serenity

Find peace in the meticulously maintained Japanese stone garden, a haven of calm.

Asagimadara Butterflies

Asagimadara Butterflies

Witness the enchanting dance of Asagimadara butterflies amidst the temple grounds.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

To experience the serene atmosphere of Tenjo-ji Temple, aim for weekdays outside of peak tourist seasons. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best chance for solitude and to truly appreciate the mountain views and zen gardens.

Getting to the Mountain Temple

Reaching Tenjo-ji Temple involves a combination of transport. Consider a bus or taxi to the Maya Ropeway for a more comfortable ascent, as walking from Oji Station can be a strenuous 30-minute uphill trek.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, quiet
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn (Oct-Nov)
Why
Butterfly season, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

『摩耶山天上寺』 国立公園、標高700mの摩耶山上に位置する、摩耶山天上寺さま 大化2年(646年)、孝徳天皇の勅願により、インド僧法道仙人によって開創された古刹です お釈迦さまが自ら感成されたといわれる十一面観音さまを、法道仙人が中国を経て日本に伝来され御本尊とされました 全国で唯一、お釈迦様の生母である摩耶夫人(まやぶにん)を御本尊とされ、摩耶山の山名は摩耶夫人に由来すると言われています 女人守護、安産や子授けなどにご利益があり、安産腹帯発祥のお寺さまと伝えられています いつも見ていただきありがとうございます😊🙏 #摩耶山天上寺#仏母摩耶山#忉利天上寺#孝徳天皇勅願寺#花山天皇勅願寺#正親町天皇勅願寺#法道仙人#十一面観音#お釈迦さま#摩耶夫人#安産腹帯発祥#国立公園摩耶山#神社仏閣#御朱印#兵庫県#神戸市灘区
kumi_202
386 likes • 0 views

🚶‍♀️ Avoid Oji Station Walk

Take a bus or taxi to the Maya Ropeway to save energy for exploring the temple. Reddit

🦋 Butterfly Season

Visit in autumn for a chance to see the beautiful Asagimadara butterflies. Instagram+1

・ ・ 10月9日 フォロワーさんの投稿を見て、前から気になっていた天上寺のアサギマダラを見に行ってきた! ていうか今まで素通りしていた天上寺…こんなに立派なお寺だったんだね(展望も良い) そしてフジバカマの花の周りにマダラちゃんが沢山飛んでいる〜⭐︎ 今年は猛暑の影響で例年より数は少ないらしいけど、それでもひらひら可愛い子達を愛でることができて大満足でした♡ #六甲山 #摩耶山 #摩耶山天上寺 #アサギマダラ #アサギマダラのマーキング #urayamountainclub #カフェ702 森林植物園〜桜谷道〜掬星台〜天上寺〜シェール道〜植物園
sachirita07
312 likes • 0 views
#兵庫  #神戸  #摩耶山天上寺  #アサギマダラ  #藤袴  #キジョウロウホトトギス  #スズキ #hyogo  #kobe  #mayasantenjojitemple  #asagimadara  #susuki 神戸の、摩耶山天上寺に、行ってきました。藤袴に、数十匹の、アサギマダラが、飛来してました。これからの長い旅の、無事を祈りました。
hihiroshi0413
253 likes • 0 views

🧘‍♀️ Seek Solitude

Weekdays offer a high chance of having the temple and its views to yourself. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Be prepared for walking and some uphill climbs around the temple grounds. :athletic_shoe:

アサギマダラの群れ 兵庫 摩耶山 天上寺 今年2回目の天上寺へ 過去の色々な方の投稿には及びませんが、やっと人生初のアサギマダラの乱舞が観れました🦋🌿✨ #アサギマダラ #旅する蝶 #摩耶山天上寺 #摩耶山 #神戸観光
sei.whitegold
184 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Avoid Oji Station Walk

Take a bus or taxi to the Maya Ropeway to save energy for exploring the temple. Reddit

🦋 Butterfly Season

Visit in autumn for a chance to see the beautiful Asagimadara butterflies. Instagram+1

🧘‍♀️ Seek Solitude

Weekdays offer a high chance of having the temple and its views to yourself. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Be prepared for walking and some uphill climbs around the temple grounds. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(635 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Tenjo-ji Temple for its stunning mountain views, peaceful zen garden, and the unique opportunity to see Asagimadara butterflies. The temple's secluded nature offers a tranquil escape, though reaching it requires some planning regarding transportation.

"Very beautiful temple up in the mountains. Once you take the cable car, getting to the temple is a 15-20 minute walk.

Careful you dont take express train and miss your stop (had to go back) and I would recommend to take a bus or a taxi up to the cable car. 30 minutes walking uphill from Oji station and by the time I reached the cable car I was almost dead."

Ahara Darkspear

"A temple with a nice zen garden. Since it's quite secluded, there's a high chance you'll find yourself alone in this place of peace and tranquility when you get there. When I arrived, no one was there, I've spent a while on the place and just one group of three people arrived and then left. There's also a beautiful view."

Marian Pekár

"We stopped here during our walk on Maya mountain. It's a great temple with beautiful views and zen gardens settled on the hill in the pure nature."

Tomáš Jenikovský

What People Like

Beautiful mountain views
Serene zen garden
Asagimadara butterflies

What People Dislike

Strenuous walk from Oji Station
Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common route involves taking the Maya Ropeway. From Kobe's Sannomiya Station, you can take a bus (e.g., #16 or #106) or a taxi to the Maya Cable Car station, then transfer to the ropeway. Walking from Oji Station is an option but is a steep 30-minute uphill hike. Reddit

While there might be limited parking near the Maya Cable Car station, it's generally recommended to use public transport due to the mountain location. Reddit

No, there isn't a direct train station. You'll need to combine train travel with a bus, taxi, or cable car/ropeway. Reddit

The Maya Ropeway is a cable car system that ascends Mount Maya, providing access to the temple and scenic viewpoints. It's a key part of reaching the temple. Instagram

After disembarking the Maya Ropeway, it's about a 15-20 minute walk to reach Tenjo-ji Temple. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding specific entrance fees for the temple itself is not widely detailed, but the Maya Ropeway and Cable Car will have separate fares. Instagram

Temple hours can vary, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local listings or inquire beforehand if you have specific timing needs. Instagram

Advance booking for the Maya Ropeway is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for any updates or special advisories, especially during peak seasons. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned in social media, temples often have seasonal events or ceremonies. Checking local event calendars closer to your visit might reveal opportunities. Instagram

Yes, if you're efficient with your transport, a visit to the temple, its garden, and the views can be done in a couple of hours. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors can admire the historic temple buildings, a beautiful Japanese zen garden, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Kobe. The temple is also known for the Asagimadara butterflies. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! The temple, its gardens, the mountain scenery, and the butterflies offer numerous picturesque opportunities. Instagram+2

Founded in 646 AD by an Indian priest, it's dedicated to Queen Mahamaya, Buddha's mother. It's known for its historical roots and spiritual significance. TikTokReddit

Yes, Tenjo-ji Temple is situated on Mount Maya, which offers hiking trails. Many visitors combine their temple visit with a hike. InstagramReddit

It's often described as secluded with few visitors, especially on weekdays, offering a peaceful experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a cafe called 'Chai Mill' near the temple that offers refreshments and a place to rest. Instagram

While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to have a picnic in designated areas on mountains, but be mindful of temple etiquette and cleanliness. Instagram

The area around the Maya Ropeway and Cable Car stations might have some snack vendors or small eateries, but for a full meal, it's best to dine in Kobe city before or after your visit. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The zen garden, the temple architecture, panoramic city views, and the Asagimadara butterflies are prime subjects. Instagram+2

The butterflies are most active and visible during autumn, typically from October to November. Instagram+1

Photography rules can vary within active temples. It's best to look for signage or ask temple staff if photography is permitted inside sacred areas. Instagram

A versatile lens for landscapes and close-ups of butterflies would be ideal. A wide-angle lens is great for the views, and a telephoto can help capture butterflies. :camerawithflash:

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites and national parks. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid issues. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tenjo-ji Temple offers a unique outing for families. The Maya Ropeway ride itself is an adventure for children, providing exciting views of the landscape. Once at the temple, the serene zen garden can be a peaceful spot for kids to explore, and the chance to see butterflies adds an element of wonder. Instagram+1

Be prepared for some walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited to a cafe. The temple's historical significance and the natural beauty of Mount Maya can make for an educational and memorable family trip. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

For those who enjoy hiking, Mount Maya offers numerous trails that can be combined with a visit to Tenjo-ji Temple. The temple itself is nestled within a beautiful natural setting, providing a tranquil destination after a trek. InstagramReddit

Many trails lead to or pass by the temple, offering opportunities to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the mountain. The panoramic views from the temple are a perfect reward for your efforts. Remember to wear appropriate hiking gear and carry water. Instagram

🧘‍♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace

Tenjo-ji Temple is an ideal destination for solo travelers looking for tranquility and introspection. Its secluded location means you're likely to find yourself in peaceful solitude, allowing you to fully appreciate the temple's atmosphere and the stunning mountain views. Reddit

The zen garden provides a perfect space for quiet contemplation. The journey up Mount Maya via the ropeway is also an experience in itself, offering moments of reflection amidst the natural beauty. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Tenjo-ji Temple

Tenjo-ji Temple, located atop Mount Maya, boasts a rich history dating back to 646 AD. It was founded by an Indian priest and is dedicated to Queen Mahamaya, the mother of Gautama Buddha. The temple's name and dedication reflect its deep spiritual roots and connection to Buddhist traditions. TikTok

While the temple has ancient origins, it has undergone reconstructions, notably after a fire in the 1970s. Despite rebuilding, it retains its historical essence and continues to be a place of worship and contemplation. The temple is revered for its association with 'Maya-Bunin' (Queen Mahamaya), believed to reside in Toriten, the heaven of the 33 gods. TikTok

Visitors often come seeking blessings for women's protection, safe childbirth, and the well-being of children, highlighting the temple's enduring role in providing spiritual comfort and support to its devotees. TikTok

Experiencing the Asagimadara Butterflies

One of the most enchanting aspects of visiting Tenjo-ji Temple, especially in autumn, is the chance to witness the Asagimadara butterflies. These migratory butterflies are known for their long-distance flights, sometimes traveling over 1000 km. Instagram+1

The butterflies are attracted to the nectar of the flowers around the temple, creating a beautiful spectacle as they flutter amongst the blossoms and the temple grounds. Seeing them is considered a special treat, and their presence adds a magical element to the serene mountain setting. Instagram+2

While sightings can vary year to year due to weather conditions, visiting in October and November significantly increases your chances of encountering these delicate creatures. Their graceful dance is a highlight for many visitors, making the journey to Mount Maya even more rewarding. Instagram+1

Navigating the Ascent to Mount Maya

Reaching Tenjo-ji Temple requires a journey up Mount Maya, which can be approached in several ways. The most popular method involves using the Maya Cable Car and then the Maya Ropeway, which offers stunning views as you ascend. Instagram

Many visitors opt for public transport to reach the cable car station. Buses from Kobe city center are a convenient option, though some travelers recommend taking a taxi to save time and effort, especially if carrying luggage or if mobility is a concern. Reddit

It's important to note that walking from Oji Station directly to the cable car is a significant uphill trek, estimated at 30 minutes, which can be quite strenuous. Planning your transport in advance can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, allowing you to focus on the temple and its surroundings. Reddit

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