Tour Maps and Itinerary Ideas

Tour Inunakisan, a key Katsuragi Shugen training site

Inunakisan is a training ground of central importance in Katsuragi Shugen. At the heart of Inunakisan is Shipporyu-ji Temple, said to have been founded by En no Gyoja in 661.

This itinerary takes you to sacred training sites as you enjoy hiking through the beautiful Inunaki Valley.

Osaka
Inunaki Valley
3 min. walk
Cafe Terrace Ku
30 min. walk
Shipporyu-ji Temple Shugen Hall
30 min. walk
Gyoja no Taki Falls, Shipporyu-ji Temple Main Hall
40 min. walk
Inunakiyama Barbecue niku-niku
12 min. walk
Fudouguchikan

From Nankai Izumisano Station, take the Nankai Wing Bus, get off at Inunakisan bus stop (40 min. ride), and walk 3 minutes

Inunaki Valley

Let the mountains fill your senses as you walk through this valley of lush primeval forest. Besides a total of 48 waterfalls of varying sizes, you’ll love the natural colors of the surroundings that change with each season, from fresh green in early summer to bright orange and yellow in autumn. With mountain-fresh air that fills your lungs and a mystical mood that wafts through the entire valley, it’s no wonder this is known as a sacred place brimming with a special healing vibe.

Inquiries

Izumisano City Tourism Association 072-469-3131

Address

Ogi, Izumisano-shi, Osaka Prefecture

Access

Short walk from Inunakisan bus stop

Hours

Closed

Parking

30 spaces near Inunakisan bus stop; 30 spaces near Inunaki Bridge

Cafe Terrace Ku

The owner built this rustic mountain cafe on their own using a do-it-yourself approach. Just below the terrace flows the Inunaki River, and the surrounding forest draws you fully into the current season, be it spring cherry blossoms or fall colors. Against the gentle murmur of the stream, enjoy meals including Inunaki pork and Inunaki chicken, followed by home-made desserts.

Inquiries

072-459-7381

Address

7 Ogi, Izumisano-shi, Osaka Prefecture

Access

4 min. walk from Inunakisan bus stop

Hours

9:00 to 20:00

Closed

Thursdays and Fridays

Parking

20 spaces

Shipporyu-ji Temple Shugen Hall

You’ll find various treasures related to Katsuragi Shugen. In addition to pieces such as a seated statue of the Tengu goblin wearing the clothing of a Shugendo practitioner, there are many precious items on display, such as the Sonsho Mandala, used as the principal image of esoteric Buddhism when praying for good health, good fortune, eradication of sins, and rain. There are also items such as a staff used by Shugendo practitioners in their training. All in all, this is a great place to study the history of Katsuragi Shugen.

Inquiries

072-459-7101

Address

8 Ohgi, Izumisano-shi, Osaka Prefecture

Access

20 min. drive from Kaminogo IC on Kansai-kuko Expressway

Hours

7:30 to 16:30

Parking

50 spaces in parking lot 10 minutes on foot from Shipporyu-ji Temple

Gyoja no Taki Falls, Shipporyu-ji Temple Main Hall

If you walk about 300 meters past the Shipporyu-ji Temple main hall, you’ll see the 10-meter-high Gyoja no Taki Falls beyond the small vermilion Seiryudo temple. Pay 50 yen at the Seiryudo and you can view the waterfall from up close. En no Gyoja and other historically renowned monks like Kukai are said to have meditated under this waterfall. It’s a practice still popular among devout followers from all over Japan, and you can do it too if you make reservations in advance.

Inquiries

Shipporyu-ji Temple main hall 072-459-7101

Address

8 Ohgi, Izumisano-shi, Osaka Prefecture

Access

20 min. drive from Kaminogo IC on Kansai-kuko Expressway

Hours

7:30 to 16:30

Closed

Open year-round
Note: Waterfall meditation is held on the third Sunday of each month (subject to change). Check the Shipporyu-ji Temple website and other sources for the latest schedule.

Fee

Waterfall meditation: 3,000 yen (includes garment rental fee)

Parking

50 spaces

Inunakiyama Barbecue niku-niku

After a hike, come and enjoy a no-fuss barbecue next to a forest stream. There’s nothing like the taste of barbecue in the fresh outdoor air. Satisfy your hunger with the all-inclusive barbecue set (2,980 yen) comprising 150 grams of beef, 100 grams of chicken, 50 grams of pork, five kinds of vegetables, frankfurter, and a rice ball. Enjoy swimming and splashing around in the nearby shallow stream.

Inquiries

072-459-7259

Address

1772 Ogi, Izumisano-shi, Osaka Prefecture

Access

10 min. drive from Kaminogo IC on Kansai-kuko Expressway

Price

All-inclusive barbecue: 2,980 yen

Hours

10:00 to 18:00 (reservations required)

Closed

Irregularly

Parking

30 spaces

Fudouguchikan

Fudouguchikan, a hot-spring lodging beside a peaceful stream in Inunakisan, is the ideal way to recharge your tired body. Gaze out on the fresh green forests of Inunaki Valley from an open-air bath by a stream, and let your five senses absorb the natural beauty as a soothing breeze blows gently across your face. The baths have soap and shampoo, and there are towels for sale, so come as you are and relax.

Note: If the hot spring is crowded, the number of day visitors may be limited.

Inquiries

072-459-7326

Address

7 Ogi, Izumisano-shi, Osaka Prefecture

Access

Short walk from Inunakisan bus stop

Price

800 yen for the hot spring for day visitors

Closed

Two days a year (irregular)

Parking

30 spaces