The original sacred location
Okunoin

Okunoin is the original location of our temple, it is located at the point of encounter of two natural waterfalls: Fudo Waterfall and Gongen Waterfall.
Together they make the Yonako Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in Japan.
They are also called “the Big Waterfall”.
Gongen waterfall is powerful, the water falls violently making a roaring sound. Therefore we call this waterfall “the Black Dragon Waterfall”. Fudo Waterfall, in contrast, is more delicate and it reminds of the soft layers of silk cloth. This is why this waterfall is also called “the White Dragon Waterfall”.

Shugendo Priest Josei founded the temple here in the Nara period.
The temple was later moved to its current location (Honbo) in the Edo period but we visit this sacred location to pay our respects to this day.

The Okunoin main hall is one of the three major Fudoson in Japan (along with Narita and Sugaya).
It is a sacred place for waterfall meditation since ancient times.
The waterfalls themselves are worshipped as sacred entities.

The Fudo in Fudo waterfall is Fudo Myoo, and Gongen signifies the embodiment of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in this world, for the salvation of sentient beings.
This is a place of ritual purification and waterfall meditation and we open it from June 15 to September 15 every year.

Notes to those who wish to perform waterfall meditation at Okunoin:
*Make sure you obtain permission to go to Okunoin from the chief priest of the temple
*Make sure to pay the fee (5000 yen) to the temple (Honbo) before you go to Okunoin.
* If you have health concerns make sure to consult your doctor about performing the meditation.
*If you are not feeling well do not force yourself to continue the meditation. Rest as needed.
*Please note that we decline all responsibility for theft, man-made disaster, natural disaster, injury, death, and all possible accidents occurring at the original immersion spot, on the way there, on the road, or in parking lots.

Daigongensya that enshrines Hakusan and Azumayasan

Ruins of Marishitenson and gyonindo

Kurikara Fudomyoo

Fudomyoo who is purifying himself

Kumanogongensya

Kirihata Temple priest’s waterfall meditation monument