Revering nature, mountain worship, ”shugendo”Ohminesan-ji is a sacred site founded approximately1300 years ago by Enno Gyoja, who later became the founder of ”shugendo” . It is a temple that stands 1700 m above sea level, on the summit of Sanjogatake, the center of the mountains of Ominesan. |
Pledging allegiance at ”Nishi Nozoki”We experienced ”shugendo” training upon entering the mountain. Accompanying us was a Yamabushi who had been undergoing training in the mountains for 17 years, blowing the conch-shell horn and reciting prayers at each sacred point. Although it was already mid-May, when we passed the foggy mountain trails and reached the steep cliff ”Kanekake Iwa” we found icicles still hanging from the nearby trees. There were chains secured onto the side of the cliff acting as handrails to help you climb ”Kanekake Iwa”, but it is literally rock climbing. Once you climb up this cliff, you will reach ”Nishi Nozoki”. |
ACCESS
- Ohminesan-ji
- Ohminesanjicho Tenkawamura Yoshino-gun Nara