An ancient shrine founded to worship Mt.Ikoma as a deity. (Now, it worships seven deities, two of them are gods of fire and other 5 are gods of war.)

The 3 hectares of the shrine’s grove have been designated a natural monument of Nara Prefecture as well as the traditional fire festival an intangible cultural asset. The annual fire festival, held every October, sees two men racing down the stone steps , in front of Takaza, carrying large torches on their shoulders.

The foundations for Chikurinji Temple were put in place by High Priest Gyoki (668-749) during the Nara period. Gyoki passed away at Sugaharadera Temple in Nara City at the age fo 82. He was cremated on Mt. Ikoma and laid to rest in Chikurinji Temple.

On the right hand side, towards the main hall, lies the tomb of Gyoki and to the left stands the five-ringed tower of the tomb of Ninsho. Ninsho greatly respected Manjusri (one of bodhisattvas associated with transcendent wisdom) and Gyoki and tried to continue his charitable work. In accordance with his last will, his remains were divided into three portions and they were entombed at Chikurinji Temple, Gokurakuji Temple in Kamakura City and Kakuanji Temple in Yamatokoriyama City.

According to temple records, Enpukuji Temple was constructed in the years between 749 and 757 by the High Priest Gyoki and is the ancient temple of the Shingon sect. the main hall, said to be of early Muromachi period architecture, has been designated an important cultural property. The appearance provides an aura of elegant simplicity.