Shipporyuji Temple

Shipporyuji Temple stands on the sacred slopes of Mount Inunaki in Izumisano City, ranking among Japan's oldest centers of Shugendo, the distinctive mountain ascetic tradition. Founded in 661 by En no Gyoja, the legendary founder of Shugendo himself, the temple predates even the famous Mount Omine by six years, earning it the title "Motosanjo" or original mountain top. Kobo Daishi Kukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism, also practiced at this temple, adding to its spiritual significance. The temple receives its evocative name from seven waterfalls on the mountain, likened to gold, silver, and the Seven Treasures in Buddhism.

The principal deity enshrined is Kurikara Dai-ryu Fudo Myo-o, depicted as a powerful dragon coiled around a sword and revered as a guardian of wish fulfillment, good fortune, and longevity. The temple serves as the head temple of the Inunaki sect of Shingon Buddhism and remains an active training ground where Yamabushi mountain ascetics continue their rigorous spiritual practices. The mountain itself earned its name from an imperial legend: in 890, a hunter's loyal dog barked to warn of a snake attack, prompting the emperor to name the location Inunakisan, meaning "barking dog mountain."

Visitors experience a challenging yet rewarding journey to reach the temple. From the Main Gate, located about 3 minutes walk from the Inunaki-san Bus Stop, the steep mountain trail to the Main Hall takes approximately 40 minutes. Along the pilgrimage path, walkers encounter Japan's largest bronze statue of Miga-wari Fudo Myo-o, a protective deity believed to absorb people's hardships. The trail passes through a sacred primeval forest dotted with small shrines and stone lanterns.

Beyond the Main Hall, the Gyoja Waterfall serves as a training site for practitioners. Visitors can participate in Shakyo (sutra copying) and Shabutsu (Buddha drawing) at the Heart Sutra Hall without advance reservation. The temple complex is part of the Katsuragi Shugendo 28 Sacred Sites, with the 8th Sutra Mound marking an important milestone in Shugendo history.

Entrance to the temple is free. From Nankai Izumisano Station on the Nankai Railway Line or Hineno Station on the JR Hanwa Line, take the Nankai Wing Bus Nanbu Line 21 or 23 bound for Inunakiyama. The bus journey costs 470 yen and takes about 40 minutes to reach the terminal stop. The site combines spiritual heritage with natural beauty, particularly stunning during autumn foliage season when the maple leaves create vivid color displays throughout the mountain valley.