Shipporyuji - Osaka

June 07, 2019

Located at 8 Ogi, Izumisamo-shi in Osaka Prefecture, Shipporyuji is a century-old temple that's tucked away in Mt. Inunaki.

Shipporyuji

Shipporyuji History
Shipporyuji was founded by the legendary mystic En-no-Gyoja in 661. It serves as the head temple of the Inunaki sect of Shingon Buddhism. The temple is home to the statue of the dragon deity that is coiled around a sword hence giving the temple its other name - Kurikara Dairyu Fudo Myo-o. This guardian deity is known to grant wishes and has connections to good fortune and longevity.

The part where one has to turn left from Fudao Road to reach the temple

The road would then narrow down to a one-lane road

The parking lot of Shipporyuji

Here's the map of the Shipporyuji temple vicinity

Here's the story of the dog and his master who gave the mountain its name.

The name Shipporyuji means "Seven-Treasures-Waterfall". Its name was drawn from the veneration of the bodhisattva Kobo Daishi of the seven most impressive of the 48 waterfalls in the mountain. He then gifted it with seven treasures including gold and silver. With it, the 53rd emperor of Japan graced it by giving it its name.

The pathway from the parking lot to the temple's Hondo

It's a straight path

The temple is famous for the nearby Gyojaga-taki waterfall which is used by monks and pilgrims to show devotion by standing under its cold gushing waters. if you're lucky, you may get a chance to see one doing this feat of endurance on your visit.

A few meters from the parking lot is an open area where the temple's cute mascot stands in a perpetual welcome pose.

The statue of Fudo Myo-o (不動明王)

Let me guess... This is a fertility statue... Please correct me if I'm wrong

The water used in the chozuya comes out of the dragon's mouth

Entering the Torii to reach the temple's Hondo

A few more steps up to reach the Hondo.

My family and I got to visit Shipporyuji during our 20th day in Japan. We got to visit early in the morning, which means there were only a handful of other visitors and pilgrims in the temple vicinity with us. This made us appreciate the quiet atmosphere and beauty of the nature surrounding the temple.

Shippuryuji's Hondo (front)

Inside Shipporyuji's Hondo

The back door of the Hondo that leads to the vermilion-colored shrine

Speaking of nature, Mr. Toshi and I did not miss checking out the Gyojaga-taki Waterfall. To get there, one has to enter the temple Hondo and go out on the other side. They charge a maintenance fee of 50 yen to see the said falls. It serves as a perfect backdrop for the vermilion-colored shrine which is probably the most famous image of Shipporyuji on the internet.

The first waterfall that I saw on the way to the shrine

The vermillion shrine - the most famous image of Shipporyuji

Shipporyuji

Here's what you'd see inside the vermilion shrine

Gyojaga-taki (waterfalls) also known as Gyoja Falls

Another one of 48 waterfalls of the mountain

Notice the chains? They say monks use it to climb up for meditation

We didn't stay long though as my wife suddenly had a very painful toothache and we had to bring her to the dental clinic. Luckily, I still managed to get a goshuin here before leaving.

Shipporyuji's goshuin

Shipporyuji Admission Fee:

You can explore Shipporyuji grounds for FREE but you can leave a donation in the coin box inside the famed vermilion shrine near the Gyoja Falls.

Shipporyuji Opening Hours:

Shipporyuji is open from 7AM to 5PM every day.

Why visit Shipporyuji?

Overall, Shipporyuji is a perfect place to visit if you want a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also a place to visit if you want to experience Shugendo or Japanese mountain worship.

Getting to Shipporyuji:

From Osaka City, head to Namba Station of Nankai Railways and ride a train going to Izumisano Station. From there, walk towards the south exit and hop on a Nankai Bus bound for Inunaki. The bus ride costs 470 yen and takes about 40 minutes. Board down at the final stop and then walk for about 25 minutes following the small road to the temple.

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