Iwaya-ji, Mountain temple in Kumakogen, Japan.
Iwaya-ji is a mountain temple located at 700 meters elevation within a natural rocky landscape dotted with caves and enormous boulders. The buildings of the complex, primarily the main hall and Daishido, are integrated directly into this rock formation.
A priest named Kukai founded the temple in 815 after meeting a female hermit who practiced meditation in the caves. She entrusted him with the mountain land, which led to the creation of this sacred location.
The temple holds two representations of Fudo Myo-o that pilgrims encounter during their visit: a wooden statue in the main hall and a stone version in the Okunoin cave. These two figures demonstrate how different materials and artistic techniques have been used over time to express the same spiritual presence.
Access is gained via stone steps from a parking area, passing under the Nio-mon Gate before reaching the main hall. The climb is steady but manageable for most visitors who are comfortable walking uphill.
The sanctuary is notable for being the only temple on the Shikoku pilgrimage route that cannot be reached directly by vehicle. This characteristic preserves the remoteness of the site and requires visitors to walk the final stretch.
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