Iseyama Iifukudenji Temple, a place where nature and history come together in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture

• Table of Contents
• Iseyama Iifukuda Temple: A place where nature and tradition come together
• The origins of Iseyama Iifukudenji Temple
• Let's challenge Mt. Ise!
• Bouldering on natural rocks!?
• Arrived at the top of Mt. Ise!
• Access information
• summary

Iseyama Iifukuda Temple: A place where nature and tradition come together

If you want to experience the beauty of Japan's ancient traditions and nature, why not visit Iseyama Ibutaji Temple in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture Prefecture? This temple has a long history, having been founded in 701 AD, and is known as a training ground for Shugendo. Why not experience a cleansing of the mind and body in this place where rich nature and historical background are in harmony?

▲Iifukudenji Temple

The origins of Iseyama Iifukudenji Temple

Iseyama Iifukudenji Temple is said to have been founded by En no Ozunu in 701, and is a temple with deep ties to Shugendo.

* Shugendo: A religion unique to Japan that combines Buddhism and Taoism with mountain worship as its foundation, and involves training through the mysteries and spiritual powers of nature.

Iifukudenji Temple has long been used as a training ground, and even today it attracts many people as a training site for Shugendo.

Let's challenge Mt. Ise!

The mountain trail on Mt. Ise is open to the public. However, this trail is not just a hiking trail; it is steep, involving climbing rock walls and crossing deep valleys. Therefore, a certain level of physical strength and equipment is required to climb. Before climbing, be sure to check in at Iifukudenji Temple and pay the 500 yen entrance fee.

Starting from Yakushido, after walking for about 5 minutes into the mountain, a large rock cliff appears. It is called "Abura Koboshi" because of its slippery surface. The slope is so steep that you have to climb using the chains provided, and you have to climb by catching your feet in the depressions in the cliff.

▲The first difficult part is the oil spill. We recommend wearing gloves.

Bouldering on natural rocks!?

After walking along the rocky area, you will arrive at the Iwaya Hondo Hall, which enshrines En no Gyoja. This hall was built on an eroded area created by the weathering of a large natural rock.

▲The main hall is placed on a large rock roof

Next to the main hall lies the next difficult section, Kanekake. You climb using your hands and feet to grab onto the protrusions and depressions in the rock face. After that, you climb up the chain attached at right angles to the top of the rock. It's a very dangerous route, but there is a detour if you turn back from the main hall, so don't push yourself too hard.

▲Natural bouldering "Kanekake"

▲Once you reach the top of the rock, a view of the carved mountain awaits.

Arrived at the top of Mt. Ise!

After climbing Kanekakeiwa Rock, the path continues on a gentle, easy path for a while. Finally, we arrive at Daitenjo, the highest point on Mt. Ise at 380m above sea level! It was a fairly hard climb up the rock face, so we felt a sense of accomplishment after reaching the top. Daitenjo is a flat, wide area, so we took a break there.

▲After the break, we head home.

On the way back, you will come across rocky areas at various points, so please proceed with caution to avoid falling off the mountain.

▲There are many great views on Mt. Ise!

After overcoming many difficult obstacles, we returned safely. When you return, please report your descent at the reception desk at Iifukudenji Temple.

▲Go down the stairs slowly.

Access information

Access to Iseyama is as follows:

[Access by car]

Approximately 40 minutes from Matsusaka IC on the Ise Expressway via Route 166. Free parking available.

[Access by public transportation]

From JR or Kintetsu Matsusaka Station, take the Sanko Bus bound for Yuzuhara and get off at Ukisatomura-mae, then walk for 60 minutes

*There are no direct public transportation services, so you will need to plan ahead and make arrangements.

summary

Iseyama Iifukudenji Temple is a place where the traditions of a place of training that have continued since ancient times, the spirit of Shugendo, and the blessings of nature come together. Here, you can experience not only the superficial pleasure of sightseeing, but also a sense of inner peace and elevation. A visit to this temple will be a special one for you, as it is an opportunity to experience the deep culture and history of Japan. We hope you too will enjoy an unforgettable, mystical experience at Iseyama Iifukudenji Temple.

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