From serene mountain walks to the invigorating practice of standing beneath cascading waterfalls, delve into ancient rituals guided by the adept Inunakisan ascetics. Discover the rich history, natural beauty, and cultural treasures surrounding this spiritual haven. Immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of tradition and nature, where the echoes of pilgrimage resonate through the sacred grounds. Join us on an extraordinary exploration of Inunakisan, where self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment await.

Discovering the Spiritual Haven of Inunakisan

Inunakisan, a sacred ground of Shugendo, predates the renowned Mount Omine by six years, establishing itself as a vital center for ascetic practitioners. Today, it continues to attract ascetics who gather for spiritual practices, notably the 'Waterfall Asceticism' at the Gyojanotaki waterfall. Often referred to as 'Women's Omine,' Inunakisan sees a significant presence of female ascetics engaging in profound spiritual practices.

 

History and Nature of Inunakisan

Over 1300 years ago, the founder of Shugendo, En no Gyoja, opened Inunakisan as a sacred mountain, preceding the establishment of Mount Omine by six years. The tradition of ascetics practicing under the Gyojanotaki waterfall, a practice still visible today, began at Inunakisan. The foothills, once the temple town of Shipporyuji Temple, have evolved into the Inunakisan Onsen region.

The vegetation is diverse, with artificial forests of cedar and cypress dominating the landscape due to concentrated forestry efforts. Broadleaf trees like oak and sumac are widespread, accompanied by the vibrant autumnal beauty of maple and Japanese maple, preserving the rich biodiversity of our ancient landscape.

 

Legend of a Faithful Dog

The name Inunakisan, or Mt. Inunaki, has an interesting origin. In Japanese, “Inu” means “dog”, and “naki” means “to bark”. So what does a barking dog have to do with this mountain? According to legend, it goes like this.

During the Tenryaku era (957–961 AD), a hunter from Kishu, chasing a deer, reached the vicinity of the waterfall. His loyal dog, barking loudly, unintentionally disrupted the hunt. Enraged, the hunter beheaded his canine companion. However, the dog's head, suspended mid-air, thwarted a giant snake that was about to attack the hunter. Both the snake and the dog met their demise.

The dog's barking had alerted its master to imminent danger, attempting to rescue him. Realizing the dog's selfless act, the remorseful hunter became a monk, devotedly commemorating his loyal companion and donating his land to Fudo-do.

From that moment, Emperor Uda bestowed upon it the name 'Inunakisan.'

 

Inunaki Gorge

Within Inunakisan, you'll find forty-eight cascades, with seven famous falls, including Ryo-kai no Taki, To no Taki, Benten no Taki, Fuhiki no Taki, Kotsuki no Taki, Senju no Taki, and Gyoja no Taki. These falls, embellished with legends, are part of a scenic landscape, offering majestic mountain views and picturesque valleys throughout the changing seasons.

Embark on a journey to Inunakisan, where history, spirituality, and nature intertwine, promising an immersive experience in the heart of Japan's cultural heritage.

 

Join the Spiritual Experience

Japan Heritage Mt. Inunaki Training Experience 2 Day Tour

This 2-day/1-night tour allows you to enjoy an extraordinary and one-of-a-kind experience in Izumisano City, located on the opposite shore from Kansai International Airport!

You can enjoy training in a spiritual atmosphere. It is very rare in the Kansai area that both men and women can experience training!

You will find "Inunakisan Shipporyuji," which is registered as a Japanese Heritage site, creating a fantastic and spiritual atmosphere in Izumisano City.

The experience of "waterfall asceticism" and "goma prayer" at the temple will surely be an unforgettable memory for a lifetime! The cruise experience at Kansai International Airport, where you can watch airplanes take off and land over the ocean, is a powerful experience.

Inunakisan Onsen is known for its slippery water and is also called "Bijin-no-yu" (hot water for beautiful women). You will feel your skin smooth and smooth after taking a bath!

All transportation will be by cab, so you can move smoothly and without any waste.

>> Click here to see the details of this tour <<

See the highlights of this tour:

Short ver. (0:59):

Long ver. (3:59)

 

The Highlight

• Enjoy a cruise, Japanese sweet making, and a matcha (powdered green tea) experience on the first day.
• Experience unforgettable highlights of this tour, such as the "waterfall tour" and "goma prayer" at Shipporyuji Temple on Mt on the second day.
• Stay overnight at "Inunakisan Onsen," a hot spring resort that is the pride of Izumisano, and taste cuisine that utilizes a wide variety of local ingredients.

Guide Language:
English, Japanese

Tour Dates:
March 2nd (Sat), April 20th (Sat), May 18th (Sat) (*Additional dates to be announced from June onwards.)

Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural Exploration and Cruise Adventure

• 11:30: Meet at Nankai Electric Railway 'Izumisano Station' - Taxi ride
  
• 12:00: Italian lunch at Izumisano Kanku Marina (90 mins)
  
• 13:30: Cruise experience at Izumisano Kanku Marina (45 mins) - Walk to Izumisano fisherman's market
• 14:20: Tour of Izumisano fisherman's market (30 mins)
  
• 15:00: Japanese confectionery making and matcha experience at a traditional house (60 mins)
  
• 16:00: Depart from the traditional house
• 16:40: Arrive at Inunakisan Onsen 'Fudokuchi-kan' - Overnight stay, savoring a kaiseki dinner with local ingredients
  

 

Day 2: Spiritual Practices at Inunakisan

• 09:30: Depart from Inunakisan Onsen 'Fudokuchi-kan,' walk to Inunakisan Shipporyuji Temple (approx. 40 mins)
• 10:45: Change into white garments at Inunakisan Shipporyuji Temple for 'Waterfall Asceticism' (approx. 30 mins)
  
  
• 11:45: 'Goma Prayer' experience at Inunakisan Shipporyuji Temple (approx. 30 mins)
  
• 12:20: Walk to Inunakisan Onsen 'Fudokuchi-kan' (approx. 30 mins)
• 13:00: Kaiseki lunch at Inunakisan Onsen 'Fudokuchi-kan' (approx. 60 mins)
• 14:00: Lunch ends, day-use bathing at 'Fudokuchi-kan' (approx. 60 mins)
• 15:00: Depart from 'Fudokuchi-kan,' taxi to Izumisano Station
• 15:30: Arrive at Nankai Electric Railway 'Izumisano Station,' dispersal (*All transportation is by 'Charter Taxi.')

 

Pricing:

• Basic Plan: ¥150,000 per person (Reservation available for 2 persons in 1 room or 3 persons in 1 room only)
• Option Plan 1: Izumisano Station meeting, Kansai International Airport dispersal, additional ¥15,000

 

What's Included:

• English guide
• Private taxi 
• Cruise experience
• Day 1 lunch (Italian cuisine)
• Inunakisan Onsen accommodation (1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch)
• Waterfall asceticism experience
• Goma prayer

>> Click here to book now <<

 

This 'Inunakisan Ascetic Experience Tour' promises a blend of cultural enrichment, spiritual awakening, and the beauty of nature. It's a journey that goes beyond the ordinary, offering a truly immersive experience in the heart of Japan's cultural heritage.

 

For more information, please check the official website of Izumisano City Promotion Partnership.