Ryukokuzan Mizuma Temple

Founded in 744 by Gyoki Bodhisattva under the imperial command of Emperor Shomu, Mizuma-dera Temple is worshipped throughout Osaka Prefecture as a Kannon deity who wards off evil. Its three-story pagoda is the largest in the prefecture, and the first tier's toad-legs are colorfully engraved with the twelve zodiac signs. On January 2nd and 3rd, pounding of 1,000 rice cakes is held, and on Setsubun, bean and rice cake throwing is also held. In the spring, the temple is bustling with people who come to view the cherry blossoms.