Myooin Temple

This temple was reportedly established in 859 by Monk Soo of Enryakuji Temple, the founder of the Tendai Shugendo.

Soo had been wanting to see the real Fudo Myo-o for some time, so he went deep into Katsuragawa Valley and built a thatched hut to practice ascetic training. One day, the local deity, Shikobuchi Myojin, told him, “In particular, the third sacred waterfall is a pure area, and you will see Fudo Myo-o there.” Soo then went through a tough seven-day ascetic training at the third waterfall in Katsuragawa Valley and saw Fudo Myo-o in the waterfall basin at last. He jumped into the waterfall basin with great joy and hugged Fudo Myo-o. Fudo Myo-o then changed into an old katsura tree. Soo carved this sacred tree to make a statue of Fudo Myo-o and enshrined it. This was reportedly the beginning of Myooin Temple.

Myooin Temple is currently known as a center for Kaihogyo, a Tendai Shugen practice of mountainous circumambulation. Some of its buildings including the Main Hall and Gomado Hall were designated as Important Cultural Properties. An event called Taikomawashi festival based on the legend of Monk Soo jumping into the waterfall basin takes place on July 18 every year.