Iwaya-ji, Mountain temple in Kumakogen, Japan.
The temple structures, including the main hall and Daishido, stand at 700 meters elevation among enormous rocks that form natural caves in the mountain.
Kukai established Iwaya-ji in 815 after encountering a female hermit who practiced meditation in the caves and subsequently donated the mountain land.
Temple number 45 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage features two Fudo Myo-o statues, with a wooden one in the main hall and a stone version in the Okunoin cave.
Visitors reach the temple complex via stone steps from the parking area, passing through the Nio-mon Gate before arriving at the main hall and Daishido.
The temple buildings integrate with the natural rock formations, making it the only temple in the Shikoku pilgrimage route inaccessible by direct vehicle approach.
Location: Kumakogen
Inception: 815
Founders: Kūkai
Part of: Shikoku Pilgrimage
Website: https://shikoku88-iwayaji.com
GPS coordinates: 33.65867,132.98072
Latest update: May 12, 2025 17:39
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