Mt. Takao’s power spot, which has a history of 1200 years

Yakuo-in is located on the hillside of Mt. Takao.
It is a historical site opened in 744, more than 1200 years ago by the high monk Gyoki who received the order to do so by Emperor Shomu.
The official name is “Takaosan Yakuoin Yuki-ji”, and is one of the three head temples of the Shingon-shu Chisan-ha Sect along with Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple and Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji Temple.

The figurehead deity of Yakuo-in is the incarnation of Fudo Myo, Izuna Daigongen .
Since Tengu are regarded as members of the Izuna Daigongen family, Mt. Takao has long been said to be a mountain inhabited by Tengu, and there are many statues and motifs Tengu around the precinct.
Monks here practice Shugendo (a form of mountain asceticism).
For its various attractions, Yakuo-in is gaining popularity as a spiritual power spot.

Worship

Around Shitenno-mon Gate (Entrance gate)

As you enter through the gate of the precinct, you will find objects and statues with various charms, as well as shops.
You can also take a break on a bench and try some local specialties, such as rice dumplings!

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• The entrance to Yakuo-in is “Shitenno-mon Gate”. The four heavenly kings are on both sides of the gate.
• After entering the gate, there is an intimidating Tengu statue.
• The popular “Negaikanau Wakuguri”. Go through the ring.
• This is also a popular “Rokkon-Shojo” Stone Wheel. There are 18 such wheels found on the mountain.
• Goma reception office. Goma, and Red stamp books are accepted here.
• The red stamp of Izuna Daigongen. There is also an original red stamp book with a Tengu design.
• Local foods and goods are on sale.
• There are many originals such as the Mt. Takao T-shirt.

Around the main hall

If you go up the stairs and go through the orange Nio-mon Gate, you will find the main hall in Yakuo-in.
In the main hall, events such as Goma training and Setsubun are held.
In the vicinity of the main hall, there are also halls that enshrine gods with various benefits.

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• Nio-mon Gate is just past these stairs. There is a main hall beyond the gate.
• The main hall is the largest hall in Yakuo-in and is where Goma rites are held.
• The main hall has a large Tengu (left) and a lower ranking Tengu (right).
• In front of the main hall, you can find various amulets and talismans.
• “Aizen-do” to the right behind the main hall is enshrines the god of marriage “Aizen Myoo”. Come here to pray for a good relationship!
• “Taishi-do” is located behind Aizen-do. If you visit the statues lined up around the hall, you will have visited one of the original 88 Temples Pilgrimage.

From Izuna Gongen-do Hall to Okunoin Fudo-do Hall

If you climb the long stairs on the left of the main hall, you will see the torii (tall archway), and Izuna Gongen-do Hall there.
There are many other figures around Izuna Gongen-do Hall, including Fukutoku Inari and the Tengu.

Yakuo-in has various symbols of worship, such as Izuna Daigongen, Tengu, and Yakushi Nyorai.
In Japan, until the Meiji Restoration (where Shinto and Buddhism were separated from the service of the Emperor), it was common to mix the two religions, especially in more rural areas.
Therefore, there are torii gates surrounding Yakuo-in even though it is a temple.

Go up the stairs from the head office to the summit, and you will see Okunoin Fudo-do Hall and Sengen Shrine.
Trail 1 passes through Yakuo-in from Shitenno-mon Gate to Okunoin Fudo-do Hall and continues to the summit. (Originally, Trail 1 was the path to worship at Yakuo-in Temple)

• Go up the stairs on the left of the main hall and you will find Izuna Gongen-do Hall behind the torii.
• Izuna Gongen-do Hall. The hall that enshrines Iinori Gongen.
• Tengu-sha. Geta (Clogs) are dedicated to praying for healthy feet.
• Go up the back of Izuna Gongen-do Hall toward the summit, and you will see Okunoin Fudo-do Hall.

Yakuo-in events

In January, the Goma rites are held in February during Setsubun, in March Fire Festival, and in April and October, Spring / Autumn Festival, Events are held throughout the year.
In autumn, the trees on the precincts turn red and the precinct quickly becomes crowded with tourists for autumn leaves.

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• Setsubun is a grand event where celebrities are invited to join in.
• During the Spring / Autumn Festival, there is a parade from 11-chome Chaya to Yakuo-in further up the mountain.
• The Fire Festival is held at the foot of mountain, and many people visit to see the majestic rituals.
• In November, the trees change colors and the precinct becomes crowded with people who come to see the autumn leaves.

Related facilities of Yakuo-in

There are many facilities related to Yakuo-in in Mt. Takao.
There are two water dojos near the waterfalls and are open to the general public.
The Trail 1 includes Jyoshin-mon gate, Otoko-zaka and Onna-zaka, Busshari Relics Stupa. Additionally, the “Rokkon-Shojo” Stone Wheel and Buddha statues reside within the precinct, and you can feel that Mt. Takao is a mountain of faith.
At the base lies Kito-den Hall where you can receive prayers for traffic safety.
The parking in front of the Kito-den Hall is large and open to the general public.

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• Biwa-taki Waterfall is in the middle of Trail 6.
• Jyataki Waterfall is in the direction of Uratakao and is in a quiet environment with few climbers.
• Climb the slope in front of Gongen Chaya on Trail 1 to Busshari Relics Stupa. This structured is believed to house one of Buddha’s bones.
• The Fire Festival is held in front of the Kito-den Hall.

Yakuo-in is a spiritual power spot that has many attractions and various benefits.
Please come to feel and enjoy the spirit of ancient folk religion in rural Japan.

Information

Address: 2177 Takao-cho, Hachioji City
TEL: 042-661-1115 (Reception hours: 9: 00-16: 00)
FAX: 042-664-1199
Website:　https://www.takaosan.or.jp/english/