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Yudonosan Ryusuiji Dainichibo (Dainichibo Temple)

You can observe the Sokushinbutsu (mummified monk) in person.

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When Kukai opened in Daido 2 (year 807), a temple of the Shingon sect that is said to have been founded by its disciple, Tokai.
Mt. Yudono has been banned from women since ancient times, it is said that Yudonosan Daigongen was invited to Dainichibo as the principal image and was built as a place of worship for women.
At this temple, you can see the Shinnyokai-shonin, who became a Sokushinbutsu (mummified monk) at the age of 96 in Tenmin 3 (year 1783).

It is said that a monk who is about to become a Sokushinbutsu, enters a box buried in the soil as it is, sustains his life with a minimum meal such as nuts, and commits a penance to read sutras. At that time, they sometimes drank toxic lacquer tea in anticipation of its antiseptic effect. Currently, 18 Sokushinbutsu have been confirmed in Japan.

In addition to the Sokushinbutsu, there are treasures such as the statue of Buddha in the Asuka period, which was designated as a national important cultural property, and the Hyakutai Kannon, which was dedicated by the Shonai feudal lord about 400 years ago.
Kukai's own secret Buddha principal image is opened once every six years at the ages of Ox and Sheep, which are the relative years of Mt. Yudono, and in the same year, the clothes of the Sokushinbutsu are changed. A popular gift is the "Amulet of Shinnyokai-shonin", which contains the pieces of garment worn by Sokushinbutsu.

Highlights

  • A valuable temple where you can see Sokushinbutsu (mummified monk), there are only 18 of them in Japan.
  • It also houses many important cultural properties.
  • If you use public transportation, take a taxi from the nearest station.
  • Sokushinbutsu (mummified monk) cannot be photographed.

Photos

  • Sokushinbutsu (mummified monk) of Shinnyokai-shonin wearing a garment.

    Sokushinbutsu (mummified monk) of Shinnyokai-shonin wearing a garment.

  • Golden bronze Buddha statue, also designated as a national important cultural property.

    Golden bronze Buddha statue, also designated as a national important cultural property.

  • Hundreds of bodies of Kannon lined up in a narrow space.

    Hundreds of bodies of Kannon lined up in a narrow space.

  • Niomon, which is said to have been built in the Kamakura period.

    Niomon, which is said to have been built in the Kamakura period.

  • Kongokai Dainichinyorai, dedicated by Tokugawa Iemitsu.

    Kongokai Dainichinyorai, dedicated by Tokugawa Iemitsu.

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Details

Name in Japanese
湯殿山総本寺瀧水寺大日坊
Postal Code
997-0531
Address
11 Nyudo, Oami, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata
Telephone
0235-54-6301
Closed
Open every day
Hours
8:00am~5:00pm(Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
Admission
Adult - 500 yen , Middle school student - 400 yen , Elementary school student - 300 yen.
Directions
1) 40 minutes by Taxi from JR Tsuruoka Station.
2) 10 minutes by car from Yamagata Expressway
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)