Mitokusan Santokuji Temple

Mt. Mitoku is 900 meters above sea level and is a nature-rich mountain for ascetic practices, dotted with precipitous cliffs and large rock caves. It is surrounded by high mountains with beautiful valleys that change with the seasons.

Santokuji Temple stands at the foot of the mountain and houses the national treasure, Deutai-do. There are special rules for worshipping in the Deutai-do Hall, but they are connected with respect for this sacred place.

Deutai-do, the treasure of the inner sanctuary

Debito, the inner sanctuary of Mitokuzan Sanbutsudera, is a unique structure standing in the hollow of a precipice. The light warping of the roof and the composition of the pillars supporting the hall embody the ultimate in architectural beauty.

Its origin is a mystery, as is the legend of Yakuzumi Yakushokaku, who is said to have been the first to enter the temple. To get a close-up view of the hall, you need to follow a tough mountain path, but we recommend using a telescope to get a long-distance view from the Tadokido Far Worship Center.

The Ultimate Mountaineering Experience on Mysterious Mt.

Climbing Mt. Mitoku can be challenging, with narrow paths and slippery spots. The trailhead is located behind the main hall of Sanbutsu-ji Temple, and the trail is approximately 900 meters long and has a height difference of approximately 200 meters to the Deiri-do Hall.

Clothing that is easy to move in and allows both hands to work freely is recommended. Don’t forget to bring the necessary equipment such as gloves, towels, and water. Climbing is permitted from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and is prohibited in winter (December through March) and in stormy weather.

Mt. Mitoku was founded as an ascetic practice site by Enno Shokaku (En no Gyoja), a sorcerer of the Asuka period (710-794). Later, Jikaku Daishi Ennin enshrined the Three Buddhas and built Mitokuyama Santokuji Temple.

Mystery and history combine to form the charm of Mt.

Located in the center of Tottori Prefecture, Mt. Mitoku is a mountain temple 900 meters above sea level, and the entire area is within the precincts of Mitokuyama Santokuji Temple. In particular, the Deutai-do Hall is a building designated as a national treasure, and its appearance built on a precipitous cliff is unparalleled in beauty.

The name of the mountain derives from the fact that the three deities of Zao, Kosho, and Katsute were enshrined within the mountain. The mountain’s name is associated with the three virtues of “Fortune,” “Wisdom,” and “Longevity,” as well as with the three virtues of “Dharma Body (beauty),” “Prajna (purity),” and “Liberation (a mind with workings).

Mt. Mitoku itself is designated as a national scenic and historic site, and its blend of nature and history is an attraction. A visit to Santokusan Santokuji Temple will take you on a journey of mystery and excitement.