Near KIX: Shugendo Sanctuary of Waterfalls & Tranquility
This tour invites you into one of Japan’s hidden spiritual worlds—Shipporyu-ji Temple on Mount Inunaki—just a short ride from Kansai International Airport, yet far from the noise and crowds of typical sightseeing. Unlike standard temple visits, this experience introduces you to Shugendo, a mystical Japanese religion blending Buddhism, mountain worship, and nature reverence. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll journey into a forested valley, cross moss-covered stone paths, and discover sacred spaces where monks once trained in isolation. At the heart of the temple lies Gyoja-no-Taki, the Waterfall of the Ascetics, where ritual purification continues today. The atmosphere is silent, sacred, and deeply moving. No tourist shops, no neon signs—just the sound of cascading water and the rustle of leaves. For travelers seeking a rare, off-the-beaten-path encounter with Japan’s spiritual and natural heritage, this tour offers an unforgettable journey into the mountains of tradition.
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Near KIX: Shugendo Sanctuary of Waterfalls & Tranquility
What's included in Near KIX: Shugendo Sanctuary of Waterfalls & Tranquility
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Shipporyu-ji Temple is a sacred mountain temple hidden deep in the forests of Mount Inunaki, just a short ride from Kansai International Airport. Founded over 1,400 years ago, it is regarded as the spiritual birthplace of Shugendo—a uniquely Japanese syncretic religion that blends Buddhism, mountain worship, and nature reverence. Unlike many urban temples, Shipporyu-ji offers a secluded, almost mystical experience surrounded by waterfalls, mossy stones, and dense greenery. The stone path to the main hall is steep and slippery, but walking this quiet trail in the footsteps of centuries of ascetics adds depth to the visit. With no crowds, no tourist shops, and only the sounds of nature, this is a rare opportunity to connect with Japan’s ancient spiritual roots in a setting that feels untouched by time.
Gyoja no Taki
Tucked within the temple grounds of Shipporyu-ji lies Gyoja-no-Taki, the “Waterfall of the Ascetics,” where practitioners of Shugendo have performed ritual purification for centuries. This sacred waterfall, surrounded by towering trees and thick moss, is not just a beautiful natural feature—it is a living site of spiritual discipline. Even today, ascetics and visitors alike come here to engage in misogi, a traditional water purification rite believed to cleanse the body and spirit. The powerful rush of water and the silence of the forest combine to create a deeply moving atmosphere, inviting all who visit to pause, reflect, and connect with the sacred forces of nature.
Inclusions
- Local guide
- Experience of natural and religious tranquility
- Guided tour of Shipporyu-ji Temple
- Bus ride to the temple
- Lunch
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- As the route includes a mountain path, please wear shoes with good grip.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- The meeting point is in front of the ticket gate at Izumisano Station. Your guide will be waiting for you holding a yellow sign. For more details, please refer to the map.
