WakayamaTravel

Visit this world heritage temple preserving the history of Fudaraku Crossing and observe the reconstructed pilgrimage vessel

About this spot

This Tendai Buddhist temple stands near Nachi Beach and is one of the component properties of the world heritage site 'Spiritual Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.' This is the departure point for 'Fudaraku Crossing'—when monks would set sail in small wooden boats toward the Pure Land of Kannon (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), believed to exist south across the sea. Historical records indicate over 20 such crossings took place from the Heian through the Edo periods, and the grounds display a reconstructed crossing vessel with torii gates built on all four sides—a unique structure. The story of renunciation and devotion, where monks nailed shut the doors of their small boats and departed into the open sea seeking Fudaraku, speaks to a different aspect of Kumano faith than the mountain and waterfall pilgrimage—one of 'the sea's Kumano'—and deeply moves the heart. The principal image, a National Important Cultural Property, is a standing statue of Kannon with three faces and eleven heads, with one thousand arms and eyes. This is a quiet place where, as a fitting conclusion to a day of mountain hiking, one can reflect peacefully on history.

Tips

Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from JR Nachi Station, with a parking lot for visitors. From Nachi Mountain, take a bus toward Nachi Katsuura Station for approximately 20 minutes and get off at 'Nachi Station.' Viewing is free, and the reconstructed crossing vessel can be viewed at any time in a covered shelter on the grounds. Next door, you'll also find Kumano Sanso Grand Shrine, which stands at the ruins of Hamano Miya Oji, so visit both sites. Sacred seals (goshuin) are available at the main hall.