Inunakiyama refers to the entire mountainous area surrounding the Inunaki River Gorge in Ogi, Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture. There is no single mountain officially named “Inunakiyama”; instead, the name collectively refers to the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Tomyo-ga-take, which rises to 558 meters.
With its beautiful natural scenery and long religious history, Inunakiyama is a popular scenic destination. The area is also designated as part of the Kongo-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park.
Inunakiyama is deeply loved by local residents and has been selected as one of the Osaka Midori 100, a selection of notable green spaces in Osaka Prefecture.
A walking trail along the mountain stream leads toward Shipporyuji Temple, offering beautiful views of the gorge along the way. Around the valley are approximately 48 waterfalls of various sizes, including the famous Gyōja Falls.
Gyōja Falls is particularly well known as a place of Shugendo mountain asceticism. Visitors can also experience waterfall meditation here, although advance reservations are required and a fee applies.
At the foot of the mountain is Inunakiyama Onsen, known as the only hot spring resort in Osaka Prefecture. Several traditional inns stand quietly along the river in this peaceful mountain setting.
The spring water is a sodium bicarbonate spring, often described as a pure sodium bicarbonate spring associated with benefits for the skin. Traditionally, the waters have also been enjoyed for conditions such as rheumatism, neuralgia, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin ailments.
The name Inunakiyama is said to come from the mountain name of Shipporyuji Temple, “Inunakisan.” According to legend, during the reign of Emperor Uda, a hunting dog suddenly began barking loudly and warned its master of a giant snake approaching nearby.
The dog ultimately lost its life while protecting its master. Regretting what had happened, the hunter is said to have become a Buddhist monk and prayed for the repose of his loyal dog.
According to the legend, Emperor Uda was deeply moved by the story and named the mountain Inunakiyama, meaning “Dog-Barking Mountain.”
Inunakiyama is a major religious site associated with Shipporyuji Temple, the head temple of the Inunaki school of Shingon Buddhism. The temple is traditionally said to have been founded in 661 by En no Gyoja, the legendary founder of Shugendo.
The mountain became one of Japan’s important centers of Shugendo, attracting many mountain ascetics. It once played a major role as a center of the Katsuragi 28 Sacred Sites, a network of Shugendo pilgrimage sites.
Inunakiyama flourished particularly during the Northern and Southern Courts period. However, the area temporarily declined during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign against Negoro-ji and surrounding forces. It later recovered and developed into the religious and scenic destination seen today.
Inunakiyama is conveniently accessible from Kansai International Airport and is also known as the hot spring resort located closest to the airport. Parking facilities are available for visitors arriving by car, while the area can also be reached by public transportation.
Visitors can enjoy walks along clear mountain streams and the approach to Shipporyuji Temple, as well as relaxing in the hot springs at the foot of the mountain.
With waterfalls, deep valleys, beautiful forest scenery, and a long history of Shugendo, Inunakiyama offers a distinctive opportunity to experience both the natural beauty and spiritual traditions of the Kansai region.
The combination of tranquil mountain scenery and legends passed down through generations makes Inunakiyama a memorable destination for travelers interested in Japan’s nature, history, and traditional religious culture.