Chohoji is a Tendai Sect temple located in Shimotsu-cho, Kainan City, Wakayama Pref. Most of the main structures of this temple are nationally designated cultural properties. The temple is said to have been built in 1000 by the priest Shoku, a disciple of the priest Ennin, under the direct order of Emperor Ichijo. Later in 1017, the seven main buildings and twelve bo (living quarters of Buddhist priests) were completed. The designated National Treasures of the Main Hall, the Tahoto Pagoda, and the Dai-mon Gate were built from the Kamakura period (1192-1333) through the Nanbokucho period (1336-1392). In the Edo period, Tokugawa Yorinobu, the first domain lord of the Kishu domain, designated this temple as the family temple. In the eastern part of the precinct lies the huge graveyard of the successive heads of the Kishu Tokugawa clan. It is also known as the temple of flowers, where visitors can enjoy various flowers such as azalea and winter camellia from season to season.