Shipporyuji Temple is the head temple of the Inunakisan branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture. The mountain is known as Mount Inunaki, and the temple’s principal object of worship is Kurikaradairyufudo Myoo, a powerful manifestation of Fudo Myoo.
Known since ancient times as a sacred center of Shugendo, the Japanese mountain ascetic tradition, Shipporyuji is also associated with Japan Heritage. Surrounded by forests, streams, and waterfalls, the temple combines religious history, legends, and a dramatic natural setting.
Shipporyuji Temple is included among Japan Heritage sites and has also been selected as one of the 100 Best Green Areas of Osaka.
During the medieval period, the temple played an important role at the intersection of major north-south transportation routes and the religious traditions of Shugendo.
In the mountains on the northern side of Mount Tomyo-ga-take are the Ryokai Waterfalls. According to tradition, the legendary ascetic En no Ozunu once buried Buddhist scriptures here.
The area was an important point where transportation routes and Shugendo intersected, and the role played by Shipporyuji during the medieval period has attracted scholarly attention.
The history of Shipporyuji is traditionally traced back to 661, the seventh year of the reign of Empress Saimei.
The temple is said to have been founded by En no Ozunu, a legendary ascetic traditionally regarded as one of the founders of Shugendo. Shipporyuji subsequently flourished as a major training center of Katsuragi Shugendo.
During the Heian period, a legend concerning prayers for rain became associated with the mountain and is traditionally connected with the origin of its name.
One of the best-known legends associated with the temple is the Legend of the Loyal Dog.
In 890, a hunting dog is said to have sacrificed its own life in order to save its master, a hunter. Deeply moved by the dog’s devotion, Emperor Uda is traditionally said to have named the mountain Inunakisan, meaning “Mount Dog Cry.”
From the Northern and Southern Courts period through the Muromachi period, Shipporyuji flourished as an important center of Shugendo.
During the Warring States period, however, the temple suffered considerable damage, including destruction associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign against Negoro-ji. The temple declined for a time before being restored during the Edo period and later in the modern era.
Today, Shipporyuji serves as the central temple of the Inunakisan branch of Shingon Buddhism.
The grounds of Shipporyuji contain numerous small shrines, Buddhist statues, and religious monuments associated with Shugendo.
Along the Inunaki River, waterfalls and traditional training sites are scattered through the forest. The landscape reflects the long history of Shinbutsu-shugo, the traditional blending of Buddhist and indigenous Japanese religious practices.
Main Hall: Rebuilt in 1720, the Main Hall houses the temple’s principal image, Kurikaradairyufudo Myoo.
Kannon Hall: Built in 1652, this hall is dedicated to Kannon.
Shugendo Hall: A facility that also serves as a museum introducing materials related to Shugendo.
Hakuunkaku: A lodging facility used as a shukubo, or temple lodging.
The temple grounds also include Chinju-do, Seiryu-do, a statue of En no Gyoja, Gyoja Waterfall, the temple kitchen and living quarters, Hotei-do, the Sanmon Gate, the Bell Tower, Shinoin, Shingyo-den, Migawari Fudo Myoo, statues of Kobo Daishi and En no Gyoja, the grave of Shizume, Oshizu Jizo-son, a statue of the loyal dog, Kokuzo Bosatsu Hall, Zuiryu-mon Gate, Tono Waterfall, Ryokai Waterfalls, and Iwaya Daikokuten.
The Inunaki River flowing through the temple grounds contains a total of seven waterfalls, including Gyoja Waterfall.
These waterfalls were used as Shugendo training sites, where ascetics practiced physical and spiritual discipline in the mountains.
The combination of rushing water, steep mountain terrain, and forest creates an atmosphere closely connected with the ascetic traditions that have been practiced here for centuries.
Shipporyuji preserves numerous valuable cultural properties. Among them are objects included in the Japan Heritage designation and cultural properties designated by Osaka Prefecture.
Colored Silk Painting of Fudo Myoo, Two Attendants, and 48 Messengers: A religious painting depicting Fudo Myoo together with his attendants and messengers.
Shipporyuji Sword with Gold-Inlaid Inscription “Kuniyoshi,” with Kurikara Waterfall Sacred Sword Mountings: A historic sword associated with the temple’s religious tradition.
Colored Silk Painting of the Victorious Mandala (Sonsho Mandala)
Fragment of the Lotus Sutra, Chapter 7, “The Parable of the Phantom City,” copied during the Heian period
Muromachi-period Boxed Portable Shrine (Hakue) with gilt-bronze fittings decorated with narcissus and Japanese iris motifs
Shipporyuji Temple can be conveniently reached from either Izumisano Station on the Nankai Main Line or Hineno Station on the JR Hanwa Line.
From either station, take a Nankai Bus bound for Inunakisan and get off at the Inunakisan bus stop.
Shipporyuji Temple is a place where visitors can experience both the history of Japanese religious culture and the beauty of the natural environment.
Walking through the temple grounds alongside the Inunaki River, waterfalls, religious monuments, and forested mountain paths offers a glimpse into the world of Shugendo and its traditions of mountain training.
With its ancient legends, historic buildings, cultural properties, and seven waterfalls, Shipporyuji provides an opportunity to experience a distinctive side of Osaka far from the city’s urban center.