Note: This is a provisional (unofficial) English translation of the Japanese page published on our Japanese site (Japanese original). The Japanese original takes precedence. The translation may be revised without notice.
Mitokusan Sanbutsu-ji (三徳山三佛寺) is a temple in Misasa Town, Tottori Prefecture. This article covers its sect, principal images, benefits, history and access.
Basic information
| Temple name | Mitokusan Sanbutsu-ji |
|---|---|
| Mountain name (sango) | Mitoku-san |
| Sect | Tendai sect (Shugendo, Mitokusan lineage) |
| Principal images (honzon) | Shaka Nyorai, Amida Nyorai and Dainichi Nyorai |
| Address | Mitoku 1010, Misasa Town, Higashihaku District, Tottori Prefecture |
Faith and benefits
Mitokusan is known as a mountain of training in Rokkon Shojo (purification of the six senses). Nageire-do, the inner sanctuary built on a cliff, is the final destination of the pilgrimage climb, which is associated with prayers for purity of the six senses: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind. Pilgrims enter the mountain wearing a rinne-kesa (ring-shaped stole) inscribed with “Rokkon Shojo” around the neck.
For benefits tied to specific wishes, please check the temple’s official guide.
History
- 706 (Keiun 3): En no Gyoja (役行者, also called En no Ozunu) is said to have opened the mountain as a training site for Shugendo.
- 849 (Jowa 2): Jikaku Daishi Ennin (慈覚大師円仁) is said to have given the temple the name “Jodo-in Bitoku-san Sanbutsu-ji” (浄土院美徳山三佛寺).
- 1168: There are records relating to the making of a statue of Zao Gongen for the Okuin (Nageire-do).
- Early Edo period: The temple received land grants from the Tottori Domain.
- 1934 (Showa 9): Designated a Historic Site and Scenic Spot.
- 2015 (Heisei 27): Certified as a Japan Heritage site.
According to legend, En no Gyoja used his magical power to throw Nageire-do into a rock cave in the mountain, which gave the building its name. It is designated a National Treasure. Monju-do, Jizo-do and Nokyo-do are among the Important Cultural Properties.
Visitor tips
Visiting Nageire-do requires registration at the Nyuho Shugyo registration office (pilgrimage climb office) behind the main hall. Registration is said to be open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The climb is closed in winter and reopens in spring after a Buddhist ceremony (hoyo). For the latest rules on equipment and clothing, please check the official website.
Visiting guide (fees, hours, parking, etc.)
| Fees | Main hall visit (entrance donation, nyuzan shinokin): adults 400 yen, children (elementary and junior high school) 200 yen. The pilgrimage climb to Nageire-do is charged separately: adults 800 yen, children 400 yen. Combined totals are 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children. |
|---|---|
| Reception hours | Main hall visits: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pilgrimage climb registration: 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (descent by 4:30 p.m.). |
| Duration | About 1.5 to 2 hours round trip from the climb office to Nageire-do. |
| Clothing and notes | Sneakers with grip or trekking shoes are recommended. Climbing boots with metal fittings are not allowed. Skirts, slacks, high heels and sandals are not allowed. Visitors must climb in groups of two or more. Young children cannot take part in the climb. |
| Closures | The climb is not allowed in rain, storms or snow. It is closed in winter (around December to March) because of snow. |
| Goshuin (temple seal) | According to a travel information site, goshuin are issued at the registration office for a seal fee of 500 yen (as of May 2025). This could not be confirmed on the official website. |
| Parking | According to a travel information site, there is free parking behind Mitoku Chaya (三徳茶屋). |
This guide is based on information from each source as of September 19, 2026. Items without a listed value are not shown. Fees, hours and events may change. Please check the latest information with the temple or tourism association before visiting.
Access and map
About 40 minutes by bus from Kurayoshi Station on the JR San-in Main Line (per Wikipedia).
Other temples in Tottori Prefecture
- Daisen-ji (大山寺)
- Maniji (摩尼寺)
- Kannon-in (観音院)
- Fudo-in Iwaya-do (不動院岩屋堂)
For ancestor researchers
If you are looking for a family temple (bodai-ji) or a necrology register (kakocho), see also the list of temples in Tottori Prefecture (by municipality).
References
- Mitokusan Sanbutsu-ji – Wikipedia (in Japanese)
- Mitokusan official website (in Japanese)
- Mitokusan worship guide (Japan Heritage, Mitokusan Misasa Onsen) (in Japanese)
- Mitokusan Sanbutsu-ji | Rurubu & more. (in Japanese)
※ Hours, fees and event dates may change. Please check the latest information with the temple or tourism association before visiting.
