Sacred place Ise Mt.Iifukudaji Temple
- A temple in the mountains surrounded by steep rocks
- Ibutaji Temple, located on Mt.Ise, was built in 701 by En no Gyoja, a sorcerer, who spent 100 days in the shade of a huge rock cave. A place where I practiced in seclusion.
The summit of Mt. Ise is not very high at 390 meters above sea level, but there are steep rocks that stand in the way, making it a difficult journey.
- The unknown history of Iifukudaji Temple
- Iifukudaji Temple, which was once the prayer temple of the Kitabatake family, received 500 koku as temple territory.
As a result, the Kitabatake family fell to ruin, although it was extremely prosperous. Moreover, the temple was destroyed by fire during the war.
After that, it was revived by Nobuo Oda, but with the extinction of the Oda family, it once again went into decline.
- Repeated protection and destruction...
- It is said that because of this situation, Ujisato Gamo demolished this temple and used it as material for Matsuzaka Castle.
However, in the early modern period, under the patronage of the Todo family of the Tsu domain, the temple was rebuilt and the place of worship was repaired.
A cycle of protection and destruction...I wonder if the rocks at the place of worship have also carved out that history.
- “Oil Spill” Climbing with Chains
- It is said that before the Meiji era, only those who practiced asceticism were allowed to enter the mountain climbing area on Mt. Ise, but now anyone can go there.
The first barrier to entry is ``Aburokoboshi''.
There are chains hanging from large rocks here, which is scary.
However, the rough rocks make it surprisingly easy to climb.
- ``Kanagake'' that trembles with fear on the cliff
- Next is the difficult part, the bell hanging.
Climb up next to the Iwaya main hall and onto the round rock above it, but before you know whether you can make it or not, there are some people who are too scared to move their legs due to the sheer cliffs.
but it's okay!
There are detours, so it's your responsibility to decide what to do. Part of your training is not to push yourself too hard, so please keep this in mind.
- Being apathetic is part of training.
- There are many places to climb with unique names such as Kurakakeiwa, Kojirigaeshi, Ant-no-Towatari, and Tobiishi, and rock climbing, which used to be scary, will become more and more fun.
If you say it's fun, isn't it training? But being innocent will show you a new world.
Let's take it one step at a time here.
-
Before entering the mountain, go to the reception desk at Iifukuda-dera Temple, register on the mountain registration list, and pay the entrance fee. According to the explanation, recently there are some people who climb using rock climbing tools and damage the rocks. This is a place steeped in history, so it is important to climb with care. -
There are two sides to the practice area, one on the front and one on the back, both of which have unique rock shapes. It's fun to climb while thinking about how the rocks got their names, such as ``Aburokoboshi'', ``Hairodaniwa'', and ``Shishigahana''. -
During the seasons of fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and cherry blossoms, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery unique to Yamadera. -
This is a 4km route that starts at Iifukuda Temple and loops around a horseshoe-shaped ridge like a boomerang and returns. Since the content is deep, I would like you to spend at least two hours concentrating on the challenge.
There are many sacred and difficult places in the front and back areas, and it is said that they are even bigger than Mt. Omine in Yoshino. This course is perfect for people who want to experience the thrill. The soil is easy to climb, but don't get too complacent and climb carefully.
Every year, at the opening ceremony in April and the closing ceremony in October, dozens of ancient mountain priests wear traditional yamabushi costumes, such as blowing conch shells and walking over fire.
*The closing ceremony will be held in October, but you can visit the shrine all year round.
concierge
Writer Atsumi Shishido
Iifukudaji Temple
| address | 273 Iifukudamachi MatsusakaCity |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0598-35-0004 |
| access | From JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station, take the Mie Kotsu bus bound for Yuzuhara and get off at Ukisatomura-mae, about a 40-minute walk. By car: Approximately 30 minutes from Ise Expressway “Isshi Ureshino IC” via Prefectural Route 30 *Please note that the route from Matsusaka IC to Iifukuda Temple is narrow. |
