Shippōryū-ji Temple

Overview

Shippōryū-ji Temple stands in Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture, and serves as the head temple of the Inunaki branch of Shingon Buddhism, with the mountain name Inunakisan. Its principal image is Kurikara Dairyū Fudō Myōō, and tradition holds the temple was founded in 661.

Highlights

• ●Enshrines Kurikara Dairyū Fudō Myōō as its principal object of worship
• ●Set in the mountains on the north side of Tōmyōgatake
• ●Historically linked to a route connecting the Izumi and Kii regions along a route used by mountain ascetics
• ●The nearby Inunakisan valley is listed among the 'Osaka Green 100'

History

Tradition dates the temple's founding to 661, and it has continued as the head temple of the Inunaki branch of Shingon Buddhism. Nearby lies the eighth sacred mound said to hold sutras buried by the ascetic En no Gyōja, and research suggests the area formed part of the Katsuragi Nijūhachi-shuku, a route long used by mountain ascetics. In the medieval period the location is thought to have been a junction on the north-south route linking the Izumi and Kii regions. In 2019, the temple was recognized as part of the Japan Heritage designation 'A Town Told Through Travel Records and Two Maps: Scenes of Medieval Hine-no-shō'.

Map

34.3385, 135.3874 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Walk the mountain approach path toward the temple grounds
2. 2Pay respects at the principal image, Kurikara Dairyū Fudō Myōō
3. 3Take in the natural scenery of the Inunakisan valley
4. 4Learn about the temple's role within the Japan Heritage designation

Did you know?

💡 The nearby Inunakisan valley is included among the 'Osaka Green 100' selections.

Nearby spots