Complete Guide to Iwaya-ji Temples | A Thorough Introduction to the History and Highlights of Famous Temples in Shikoku, Kyoto, and Aichi
Temples bearing the name “Iwaya-ji” are scattered throughout Japan, each possessing its own unique history and charm. This article provides detailed information on major Iwaya-ji temples, including the particularly famous Iwaya-ji, the 45th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, as well as Iwaya-ji in Yamashina, Kyoto, and Iwaya-ji in Chita, Aichi. We will comprehensively explain the highlights of each temple’s grounds, historical background, and visiting information.
What is Iwaya-ji? | Origin of the Name and Iwaya-ji Temples in Various Regions
The name “Iwaya-ji” is often given to temples built in locations related to caves or large rocks. They have attracted worshippers as places of ascetic practice utilizing natural rock faces, or as places of great spiritual power.
While there are several Iwaya-ji temples throughout Japan, the following three are particularly famous:
- Iwaya-ji Temple, No. 45 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Kumakogen Town, Ehime Prefecture)
- Iwaya-ji Temple (Yamashina Ward, Kyoto Prefecture, also known as Taiseki-ji Temple)
- Iwaya-ji Temple, Daiji-zan, Head Temple of the Owari Koyasan Sect (Minamichita Town, Chita District, Aichi Prefecture)
Each belongs to a different sect and possesses its own unique history and cultural assets.
The Charm of Iwaya-ji Temple, No. 45 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
History and Origin
Iwaya-ji Temple, located in Kumakogen Town, Ehime Prefecture, is a mountain pilgrimage site known as one of the most difficult sections of the Shikoku pilgrimage. It is said to be the place where Kobo Daishi Kukai trained, and boasts one of the most powerful spiritual influences among the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage sites.
According to temple tradition, it was founded by Kobo Daishi in 815 (Kōnin 6). It is said that while practicing asceticism in this area, Kobo Daishi (Kukai) felt the divine power of Fudo Myoo (Acala) and personally carved and enshrined the principal image of the temple.
Highlights and Places to Visit on the Temple Grounds
National Important Cultural Property: Daishido Hall
The Daishido Hall on the temple grounds is designated as a National Important Cultural Property and is a valuable building that preserves the architectural style of the Muromachi period. A statue of Kobo Daishi is enshrined inside, attracting many worshippers.
National Scenic Spot: Temple Grounds
The entire temple grounds of Iwaya-ji Temple are designated as a National Scenic Spot. The unique landscape of strangely shaped rocks was formed by geological changes during the Middle Eocene epoch of the Paleotertiary period (approximately 50 million years ago). The conglomerate layers containing crystalline schist were transformed into their current form through faulting and erosion.
Virgin Horse Chestnut Forest
A virgin horse chestnut forest, selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Natural Wonders,” surrounds the temple grounds. The sight of towering trees, some said to be hundreds of years old, is breathtaking, evoking a sense of nature’s sacredness.
Unusual Rock Formations
Within the temple grounds, there are numerous unusual rock formations that have been used as training grounds for Shugendo practitioners, including “Hokkai no Iwaya,” “Hikari Zenjo,” and “Hakusan Myori Daigongen.” These rocks were objects of worship for the practitioners, and their spiritual energy can still be felt today.
Access and Visiting Information
Iwaya-ji Temple is located deep in the mountains of the Shikoku Mountains. From the entrance to the temple grounds, a steep 20-minute walk continues uphill. The elevation difference is approximately 150 meters, making it one of the most challenging sections of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Access Information:
- Approximately 90 minutes by car from Matsuyama City
- Approximately 30 minutes by car from Kumakogen Town
- Parking available at the entrance to the approach (free)
- As there are no routes other than the approach, walking is required for worship.
Notes for Visitors:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing
- Bringing drinking water is recommended
- Snow and ice may be present in winter
- If you are not confident in your physical fitness, allow ample time.
Annual Events and Experiences
Iwaya-ji Temple holds various events throughout the year.
- First three days of the New Year: Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) and Shusho-e (New Year’s ceremony)
- Spring Equinox: Higan Buddhist service
- August: Segaki Buddhist service
- Autumn Equinox: Higan Buddhist service
Experiences such as sutra copying and Zen meditation are also available and can be participated in with prior reservation. It is recommended to inquire with the temple by phone for details.
Iwaya-ji Temple, Yamashina, Kyoto | A Temple Associated with Oishi Kuranosuke
History and its Connection to Oishi Kuranosuke
Located in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto Prefecture, Iwaya-ji Temple is a branch temple of Tennei-ji Temple, a Soto Zen temple of the Eihei-ji school, and its mountain name is Shinyuzan. This temple traditionally belonged to the Tendai sect and flourished as one of the 3,000 temples of Mount Hiei. It is said to have once been the temple associated with Yamashina Shrine.
This temple is particularly famous for its deep connection to Oishi Kuranosuke Yoshio, a senior retainer of the Ako Domain. After the Ako Incident in 1701, Kuranosuke built a residence on the temple grounds and pretended to reside there permanently in order to deceive the Kira family. Therefore, Iwaya-ji Temple is also known as “Oishi-ji Temple.”
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
Principal Image: Fudo Myoo Statue
The principal image of Fudo Myoo enshrined in the main hall is said to be a work of Chisho Daishi and is believed to have been the personal devotional image of Oishi Kuranosuke. As the statue to which Kuranosuke prayed until the eve of the raid, it holds great historical value.
Relics Related to Oishi Kuranosuke
The temple grounds also house wooden statues of the Forty-Seven Ronin and the memorial tablet of Asano Naganori. Relics such as the spear used in the raid and tea ceremony utensils are also on display. These are valuable historical materials that convey the samurai culture of the Edo period.
Visiting Information
Location: Nishinoyama Sakurano-baba-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto Prefecture
Access:
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Yamashina Station or Keihan Yamashina Station
- Immediately after alighting at the “Nishinoyama Sakurano-baba-cho” bus stop on the Kyoto City Bus
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)
Admission Fee: Approximately 300 yen for adults (may vary depending on the season)
During the tourist season, special openings are sometimes held, offering opportunities to view cultural properties that are normally closed to the public.
Aichi Prefecture, Chita: Owari Koyasan Sect Head Temple, Daijizan Iwaya-ji Temple
History and Sect
Located in Minamichita-cho, Chita-gun, Aichi Prefecture, Daijizan Iwaya-ji Temple is the head temple of the Owari Koyasan sect. This ancient temple is said to have been founded in 715 AD by Gyōki Bodhisattva and is also the 43rd temple on the Chita Shikoku Eighty-Eight Sacred Sites pilgrimage route.
According to temple tradition, Gyōki visited this area during his pilgrimage and, after experiencing a vision of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) in a cave, founded the temple. Later, Kūkai, Kōbō Daishi, is also said to have visited and practiced asceticism here.
Features and Highlights of the Temple Grounds
Main Hall and Amida Hall
The temple grounds include the main hall, Amida Hall, bell tower, and sutra repository. The main hall houses the principal image of Buddha, creating a solemn atmosphere.
Five Hundred Arhats
The temple grounds are home to five hundred Arhats, each with a unique expression that captivates visitors.
The Daishigatake Mountain Behind the Temple and the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Experience Course
On the Daishigatake mountain behind the temple, there is a course where you can experience the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Stone Buddha statues modeled after each temple are placed along the course, making it a valuable place to experience a simulated Shikoku pilgrimage.
The Three-Pronged Pine Tree for Matchmaking
Along the course, there is a Three-Pronged Pine Tree, said to bring good fortune in matchmaking (and fertility). Legend says that finding the rare three-pronged needles of this pine tree will bring good fortune in love.
Information on Prayer and Memorial Services
Iwaya-ji Temple accepts various prayers and memorial services.
Types of Prayer:
- Business Prosperity
- Recovery from Illness
- Prayer for Good Health
- Exorcism
- Car/Motorcycle Blessing
- Safe Childbirth
- Prayer for Success in Exams
Types of Memorial Services:
- Perpetual Memorial Service
- Ancestor Memorial Service
- Doll Memorial Service
If you wish to have a prayer or memorial service, it is recommended to make a reservation by phone in advance. Details regarding donations are also provided at the temple.
Access Information
Location: 109, Makusa, Yamakai, Minamichita-cho, Chita-gun, Aichi Prefecture
Access:
- Approximately 15 minutes by bus from Kowa Station on the Meitetsu Kowa Line
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from Minamichita IC on the Chita Peninsula Expressway
- Parking available
Iwaya-ji Temple in Shimane Prefecture
There is also an Iwaya-ji Temple in Shimane Prefecture. It is said that Kakuson restored the temple in 1682 (Tenna 2), and the main image is a 40cm tall wooden seated statue of Kobo Daishi, said to have been created by Kobo Daishi himself.
Behind the temple is a fairly large cave, and inside stands a two-by-two-bay Yakushi-do (Medicine Buddha Hall) housing a statue of Yakushi Triad, said to have been created by Gyoki. Its unique architectural style—a Yakushi-do inside a cave—is a distinctive feature.
Etiquette and Manners for Visiting Iwaya-ji Temple
Preparations Before Visiting
When visiting Iwaya-ji Temple, we recommend the following preparations:
- Attire: Especially for mountain pilgrimage sites, prepare comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking.
- Items to Bring: Pilgrimage notebook, prayer beads, drinking water, towel.
- Health Management: Ensure sufficient sleep and physical strength.
- Weather Check: Weather in mountainous areas can change quickly, so checking beforehand is important.
Etiquette for Visiting
- Bow at the Temple Gate: Bow before entering the temple grounds.
- Purify at the Water Basin: Purify your left hand, then your right hand, then your mouth.
- Visiting the Main Hall: Join your hands and bow towards the main image of Buddha.
- Visiting the Daishi Hall: Offer prayers with gratitude to Kobo Daishi.
- Pilgrimage Stamp: Receive your temple stamp at the stamp office.
Photography Etiquette
Photography is generally permitted on the temple grounds, but please note the following:
- Photography is often prohibited inside the main hall.
- Please be considerate of other visitors.
- Use of tripods requires prior confirmation.
- Please use modest language when posting on social media.
About Perpetual Memorial Services and Donations
Many Iwaya-ji temples accept perpetual memorial services. A perpetual memorial service is a service where the temple takes responsibility for performing perpetual memorial services for the deceased. It is chosen by those who have difficulty managing a grave or who have no successors.
Features of Perpetual Memorial Services
- The temple continues memorial services perpetually.
- No or low annual management fees.
- Often open to all denominations.
- Choice of communal or individual grave.
About Donations
Building and maintaining a temple incurs significant costs. Donations are used for the preservation of the temple and cultural assets. There are no set amounts; you can donate according to your wishes. Please contact each temple by phone for details.
Tourist Attractions Around Iwaya-ji Temple
Around Kumakogen Town, Shikoku
- Omogokei Gorge: A gorge designated as a national scenic spot
- Kumakogen Astronomical Observatory: An observatory located at an altitude of 1,000m
- Koiya-so: Hot spring accommodation
Around Yamashina, Kyoto
- Bishamondo: A Tendai sect temple
- Kanshu-ji Temple: The head temple of the Yamashina branch of the Shingon sect
- Yamashina Honganji Temple Ruins: A national historic site
Around Chita Peninsula, Aichi
- Noma Daibo: The tomb of Minamoto no Yoshitomo
- Koinosui Shrine: A shrine for matchmaking
- Minami Chita Beach Land: Aquarium and toy kingdom
Special Events and List
Various special events are held throughout the year at each Iwaya-ji temple.
Main Events at Iwaya-ji Temple, Shikoku
- January 1st-3rd: New Year’s visit and Shusho-e (New Year’s ceremony)
- Around the Vernal Equinox: Spring Equinox service
- August: Segaki memorial service
- Around the Autumnal Equinox: Autumn Equinox service
- November: Special viewing during the peak of the autumn foliage season
Main Events at Iwaya-ji Temple, Kyoto
- December 14th: Gishi Festival (Day of the raid)
- Spring and Autumn: Special public viewing
Main Events at Iwaya-ji Temple, Aichi
- Monthly temple fairs
- Spring and Autumn grand festivals
- Doll memorial service (accepted at any time)
For detailed dates and content of events, we recommend checking the official website of each temple or contacting them directly by phone.
Summary | Rediscovering the Charm of Iwaya-ji Temple
Each temple bearing the name Iwaya-ji has its own unique history and charm. Iwaya-ji Temple, the 45th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is a mountain pilgrimage site integrated with magnificent nature. Iwaya-ji Temple in Yamashina, Kyoto, is a historically significant temple associated with Oishi Kuranosuke. Iwaya-ji Temple in Chita, Aichi, is the head temple of the Owari Koyasan sect. Each temple continues to attract many visitors.
The sights within the temple grounds, the natural beauty, the historical relics and cultural artifacts, and the continuing tradition of prayer and memorial services—all of these contribute to the charm of Iwaya-ji Temple.
When planning a pilgrimage, we recommend checking detailed information about each temple beforehand and making appropriate preparations. Your experience at Iwaya-ji Temple will surely become a precious and memorable one.
We hope that your visit to each Iwaya-ji Temple will bring you peace of mind and new discoveries.
