Fudoin Iwayado Temple

The Fudoin Iwayado Temple is located in eastern Tottori Prefecture, close to the border with Hyogo Prefecture. Built in a natural cavern using the architectural styles of Shugendo temples, the stage and wooden temple halls have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. There is a legend that the people who founded Shugendo built the temple hall at the base of the mountain, yelled, "Ay!" and threw it up into the cavern, which is why it fits so snugly in the hollow of the rock of such a sheer precipice. Because of this legend, it is also called Nageiredo, which literally translates to "throw in temple." Fudoin Iwayado Temple together with Ryuganji Temple Okuin Raido of Oita Prefecture and Mt. Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple Nageiredo of Tottori Prefecture are referred to as Japan's Three Great Nageiredo. Every year at the Iwayado Grand Festival in March and July, the statue of Acala in the main temple, said to have been carved by Buddhist monk Kukai, is put on public display, so anyone planning to visit might want to do so during the festival period.
Please note that to visit inside the temple, a guide must be reserved by phone at least one week in advance.

Photograph provided by Tottori Pref.