Iwaya-ji

Iwaya-ji is a Buddhist temple complex built into steep cliffs in Yamashina, featuring wooden halls and structures integrated into the rocky terrain. Multiple buildings are connected by forest paths lined with stone steps and surrounded by moss-covered vegetation.

The temple was founded in 815 when the priest Kobo Daishi encountered a mountain hermit who offered this sacred location for construction. This founding shaped its role as an important spiritual site that developed over centuries.

This temple belongs to the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism, a branch known for its mountain sanctuaries and esoteric practices. The site holds religious artworks created by the priest Kobo Daishi that reflect the spiritual traditions still observed here.

The temple can be reached from parking areas near the river, followed by an uphill walk through forest paths to the main buildings. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the trails are uneven and sometimes steep.

A wooden ladder at the upper temple area provides access to cliff holes with views spanning the entire complex and surrounding valley below. These hidden vantage points reveal how the buildings nestle within the natural rock formations.