Fudoin Iwayado Temple

Overview

Fudoin Iwayado Temple is a Shugendo (mountain ascetic) temple building located in Wakasa-cho, Hitoto County, Tottori Prefecture, and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Built into a natural rock cave approximately 13 meters high, 7 meters wide, and 10 meters deep, the temple's grandeur is breathtaking. According to the "Shojocho" (register) passed down in the Iwayado district, the temple was founded in 806 AD. Before the medieval period, the main temple was part of the grand temple complex of Myoken-zan Jinko-ji Temple, possessing 150 koku of temple land. However, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasion of Inaba Province in 1581, it was burned down, with only this hall remaining. While the current hall is said to have been rebuilt in the early Kamakura period by Minamoto no Yoritomo, a report from the dismantling and repair work carried out between 1955 and 1957 estimates its construction to be in the early Muromachi period (Northern and Southern Courts period (1336-1392)). It was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan on November 14, 1953. It has also been selected as one of Tottori Prefecture's "100 Buildings Chosen by the People". Fudoin Iwayado Temple is considered one of the "Three Great To-nyudo (inserted halls)" of Japan, along with the To-nyudo of Sanbutsu-ji Temple in Mitoku-san and the Okuin Reido of Ryo-gan-ji Temple in Usa City, Oita Prefecture. The principal image is a Black-skinned Fudo Myoo, traditionally said to have been created by Kukai at the age of 33. It's also considered one of the "Three Great Fudo Myoo" of Japan, along with the Meguro Fudo (Takisen-ji Temple, Meguro Ward, Tokyo) and the Meaka Fudo (Nantan-ji Temple, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo). Fudoin Iwayado Temple, with its grandeur and historical significance, is a captivating tourist spot that attracts many visitors. Be sure to visit when you are in Tottori Prefecture.