Mount Mitoku, Sacred mountain temple complex in Misasa, Japan.
Mount Mitoku is a sacred peak rising to about 900 meters within Daisen-Oki National Park, marked by steep cliffs and deep valleys covered in ancient forests. The site contains several Buddhist temples nestled into this dramatic granite landscape.
The mountain became an important religious center in the late 7th century when the mystic En no Gyoja founded temples here following Buddhist traditions. This early settlement established its foundation as a significant site of spiritual practice.
The name references three Buddhist virtues - wisdom, renunciation, and judgment - reflecting its role as a place where visitors come to meditate and seek spiritual connection.
The site is reached by bus from Kurayoshi Station, taking about 40 minutes, followed by roughly a 50-minute climb from Sanbutsu-ji Temple. The paths are steep and can be slippery, especially after rain, so good footwear and plenty of water are essential.
The mountain contains three hidden waterfalls named Fudō, Mahebi, and Ryūtokuin, concealed deep within dense forests and inaccessible to visitors. These remote waterfalls have remained part of the site's spiritual mystery for centuries.
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