Chorakuji was founded in 805 by Saicho on imperial command from Emperor Kanmu as a Tendai branch temple, with Juntei Kannon as its principal image. It is known as the place where Kenreimon-in Tokuko, from The Tale of the Heike, took the tonsure after the Battle of Dan-no-ura, and her memorial pagoda stands quietly in the precincts. The temple later converted to Jodo in the Kamakura period and subs…

Chorakuji is said to have been founded in 805 by the monk Saicho (Dengyo Daishi) by imperial decree of Emperor Kanmu as a branch temple of the Tendai sect, with Juntei Kannon enshrined as its principal image. The temple is perhaps best known historically as the place where Kenreimon-in Tokuko, conso…