Takaosan Yakuo-in Temple
The Buddhist temple on Mount Takao is formally known as Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji, and most commonly as Yakuo-in. It was established in 744 on the orders of Emperor Shomu as a base for Buddhism in eastern Japan and its founder was Gyoki, a charismatic priest closely associated with the erection of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple in Nara.
History
The Buddhist temple on Mount Takao is formally known as Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji, and most commonly as Yakuo-in.
It was established in 744 on the orders of Emperor Shomu as a base for Buddhism in eastern Japan, and its founder was Gyoki, a charismatic priest closely associated with the erection of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple in Nara.
Yakuo-in was restored late in the 14th century by Shungen Daitoku, a priest from Mount Daigo in Kyoto, one of the most sacred sites of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, with close connections also to Shugendo (mountain asceticism).
He performed a very demanding goma fire ritual dedicated to the deity Fudo Myo-o (Immovable King), burning 8,000 goma sticks. He subsequently received a living vision of the deity Izuna Daigongen and enshrined this deity as the principal image. Shungen Daitoku is as a result often described as the second founder.
Through his efforts, Yakuo-in became connected to Shingon esoteric Buddhism, and Mount Takao flourished as a Shugendo center.
During the civil war period that lasted from the late 15th to the late 16th century, a number of powerful warrior lords, such as Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin, looked to Izuna Daigongen as a protector deity.
The Hojo family, who held the Kanto region under their sway, were particularly strong devotees and placed Mount Takao under their special protection. It was no accident either that the mountain occupied an important strategic position.
During the Edo period (1603–1867), Yakuo-in expanded under the patronage of the ruling Tokugawa family.
Today, Yakuo-in is one of the three head temples of the Shingon-shu Chisan-ha Sect, the others being Narita-san Shinsho-ji and Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji.
Izuna Daigongen
About Izuna Daigongen
Shungen Daitoku enshrined Izuna Daigongen at Yakuo-in as the principal image. Izuna Daigongen is a form in which Fudo Myo-o appears to bring people to salvation. The angry-faced Fudo Myo-o is in turn an avatar of the Dainichi Nyorai (Buddha of Cosmic Life).
The Izuna cult began at Mount Izuna in present-day Nagano Prefecture during the Heian period (794–1185) and eventually spread to shrines throughout Japan.
Izuna Daigongen: A Combination of Five Deities
- Fudo Myo-o: The Immovable King
- Karuraten (Garuda): A divine bird
- Dakiniten: A demon that feeds on human hearts
- Kangiten: A fertility deity with the head of an elephant
- Benzaiten: The deity of water, music, and victory in battle
Izuna Daigongen protects devotees from harm and brings them happiness and security in their daily lives.
The Tengu of Mount Takao
About Tengu
Tengu, long-nosed demon-like beings, are believed to dwell on sacred mountains, acting as the messengers of deities and buddhas. They are known to chastise evildoers and protect the good.
Tengu are often depicted holding a uchiwa (Japanese fan), which is said to sweep away misfortune and bring about good fortune.
Tengu at Mount Takao
Mount Takao is closely associated with devotion to tengu. In front of the Izuna Gongen-do Hall, two tengu statues represent the two types of tengu:
- The smaller tengu: Depicted with the beak of a crow, representing one who is still undergoing religious training.
- The larger tengu: Depicted with a big nose, often likened to an experienced yamabushi (mountain ascetic) who has attained spiritual power through rigorous training at Mount Takao.
| Category | History & Culture / Nature |
|---|---|
| Area | Takao Area |
| Facility Description | This temple is one of the three major head temples of the Shingon-shu Chisan-ha sect in the Kanto region, along with Narita-san Shinsho-ji and Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji. |
| URL | https://takaosan.or.jp/english/ |
| Postal Code | 193-8686 |
| Address | 2177 Takao-machi, Hachioji City, Tokyo, Japan |
| Tel | 042-661-1115 |
| Map | |
| Opening Hours | Inquiry Reception Hours 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Access | By Train ● Keio Line From Takaosanguchi Station: 3-minute walk to Kiyotaki Station, where you can take the Takao Tozan Cable Car or the Echo Lift. (The Echo Lift departs from Sanroku Station). ● Cable Car From Kiyotaki Station to Takaosan Station (approx. 6 minutes). After disembarking, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the destination. ● Echo Lift From Sanroku Station to Sanjo Station (approx. 12 minutes). After disembarking, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the destination. By Car ● From the Chuo Expressway Take the Ken-O Expressway from Hachioji Junction to Takaosan Interchange. From Takaosan Interchange, it’s about 3 minutes (1 km) via Route 20. ● From the Ken-O Expressway From Takaosan Interchange, it’s about 3 minutes (1 km) via Route 20. |