Mizumadera (水間寺) is the head temple of the Tendai sect, nestled on the Ryukokusan mountain. It is located at 638 Mizuma, Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan.
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| Mizumadera |
Mizumadera details
According to temple lore, Mizumadera was established by Gyoki during the Tenpyo era (729-749) at the behest of Emperor Shomu. Gyoki, responding to Emperor Shomu's vision of Kannon Bodhisattva during illness, embarked southwest guided by a swan, which mysteriously vanished, leaving only feathers in Izumi Province. Heading northeast, Gyoki encountered 16 children believed to be manifestations of Kannon Bodhisattva. Led by one of these children, Gyoki reached Mizuma, where two rivers converge. There, as he followed the child's guidance toward a waterfall, a dragon god appeared, presenting a statue of Holy Kannon. The site of this miraculous encounter is marked by a board inscribed with "Waterfall of the Appearance of St. Kannon Bodhisattva."
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| Mizumadera - Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture |
Throughout the Middle Ages, Mizumadera enjoyed protection from samurai families. However, siding with Negoroji during Hideyoshi Hashiba's conquest of Kishu led to its destruction by Hidemasa Hori's forces in 1585. Despite a period of decline, the temple was reconstructed in the Genroku era (1688-1704) with support from the Okabe clan, rulers of the Kishiwada domain. Further destruction occurred in a fire in 1784, but reconstruction efforts, led by Nashin Oka, lord of the Kishiwada domain, culminated in the restoration of the main hall in 1811 and other halls in 1827.
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| Mizumadera ground map |
Mizumadera gained nationwide recognition following its mention as "Senshu Suigenji Toshio's coin" in Ihara Saikaku's "Nihon Eitaizou" published in 1688. In 1925 (Taisho 14), the Mizuma Railway Mizuma Line was inaugurated to facilitate pilgrimages.
Mizumadera Main Hall
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| Mizumadera's Main Hall |
Mizumadera's Three-Tier Pagoda
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| Mizumadera's Three-Tier Pagoda |
Advent Waterfall
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| The torii leading to the Advent Waterfall |
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| Advent Waterfall |
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| Sansho Gongen (三所権現) |
Recently, in homage to Juroku Doji, who guided Gyoki to the "Advent Waterfall" also called "Waterfall of Descent" where the Sho Kannon statue awaits, a protective road begins from Mizuma Railway Seiji Station, leading to Mizuma Kannon Station and onward to "Mizumadera Precincts." Along this path, pairs of pottery "Sixteen Dojis and Wakidoushi," crafted by "Tsuchinoko Tobo," a facility supporting individuals with disabilities, have been installed at 16 locations, offering a fresh form of pilgrimage entertainment.
What to see in Mizumadera grounds
At present Mizumadera houses the principal image of Sho Kanzeon Bodhisattva, it is renowned as Mizuma Kannon and recognized as the 4th temple among the 33 new Saigoku shrines. This revered site, along with its environs, has earned distinction as one of Osaka's top 100 green areas.
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| A wood panel painting in Mizumadera's Main Hall |
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| Mizumadera goshuin-cho for sale |
The Bridges of Mizumadera
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| Yakuyoke-bashi / Good Luck Bridge (厄除橋) |
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| The Yakuyoke-bashi crosses the Kogi River |
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| The Red Bridge over the Kibitani River |
Aside from that parts of Mizumadera are designated as tangible cultural properties by Kaizuka City. These include the main hall with its ridge plate, three-storied pagoda, Gyokido, and the Benzaiten Palace, while the Mizuma Senbon Mochi Tsuki (Mizuma Senbon Mochi Tsuki Wakaju Preservation Society) is designated as an intangible folk cultural property.
I visited Mizumadera during my solo backpacking trip to Kaizuka City from the town of Kumatori last December 29, 2022. It was my 423rd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. I have long wanted to visit this temple as it was on my first list of temples to visit in Osaka Prefecture, way back to our first visit in 2014. However, I would always skip or miss the chance to do so for different reasons. During this visit, I made sure to get the goshuin of the temple. I also explored its temple grounds together with the nearby Mizuma Park. Overall, it was a memorable trip. Hopefully, on my next visit, I will be able to bring my family for our usual pilgrimage trip.
Mizumadera Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Mizumadera grounds. However, make sure to bring cash if you want to get the goshuin or the omamori of Mizumadera. There is also a souvenir store nearby worth checking out.
Mizumadera Operating Hours
The grounds of Mizumadera are open 24/7. However, the temple office is open from 8:30 AM to 4 PM.
Why visit Mizumadera?
Mizumadera is one of the oldest temples in Kaizuka City. It’s a place to meditate and offer prayers. It’s a must-visit if you collect goshuin from historic temples. It’s also a nice place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Getting to Mizumadera
From Kansai International Airport, board the Airport Express Nankai-Namba train of the Nankai-Kuko Line and board down at Kaizuka Station.
Travel time: 25 minutes
Fare: 600 yen
From there, transfer to the Mizuma Railway at Kaizuka Station on the Nankai Railway Main Line, then get off at the final stop, Mizumakannon Station.
Travel time: 15 minutes
Fare: 330 yen
Walk through the Mizuma Shopping Street, and after about 10 minutes, you will see it on your right.
Ratings
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