🗺️ Takao-san Yakuouin

In the 16th year of the Tenpyo era (744), the high monk Gyoki Bosatsu, under the orders of Emperor Shomu, founded the temple. Located on the slopes of Mount Takao, its official name is "Takao-san Yakuouin Yuki-ji," and it is the head temple of the Shingon sect, ranked among the three major head temples of Kanto alongside "Narita-san Shinshoji" and "Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji." Fudō Myōō's incarnation, Inoue Daikongen, is revered as the main deity, and it is said that this mountain is the dwelling place of the tengu, with numerous tengu statues scattered throughout the area. Since ancient times, Mount Takao has been known as the "Mountain of Shugendo," where many yamabushi (practitioners of Shugendo who train in the mountains) have practiced. To this day, there are training experiences suitable for the general public, such as the daily Goma fire rituals and waterfall training held on specific dates. There are various prayer activities, such as the "Rokkon Shōjō Stone Wheel," which purifies the body and mind by turning a stone wheel, and the "Negai Kake Rinne," where passing through a large stone wheel and striking a big staff behind it is said to grant wishes. In recent years, it has gained immense popularity as an energy spot. Additionally, it is particularly worth mentioning that Yakuouin offers modern-style shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), which is definitely worth trying.

It is one of the three major temples of the Shingon sect in the Kanto region, alongside Naritasan Shinshoji and Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji. The main deity is the incarnation of Fudo Myo-o, known as Inoue Daikongen. There are many energy spots that can help fulfill wishes. You can participate in the ascetic training experience of Yamabushi. It also offers refined cuisine that caters to modern tastes.