Experience something out of the ordinary at Senkoji Temple, located on the mountain that is said to be the first mountain to be created in Japan in the "creation myth" (Sumoto, Hyogo)

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The mountain, also known as "Awaji Fuji," is said to be the first mountain created in Japan in the "Creation of the Land Myth," a legend about the creation of the world by the gods Izanagi and Izanami. At Senkoji Temple, which stands at the top of the mountain, you can try copying sutras.

First, climb the approximately 200 steps to tour the grounds of Senkoji Temple, where you can learn about the origins of Senkoji Temple and see the place where the rare Awaji Island custom of "Dango Korogashi" is performed. You will also be greeted by a pair of lion-like boars instead of lion-like dogs enshrined in front of the main hall. As the temple is located on the top of a mountain, you can see the central and southern part of Awaji Island, and on a clear day you can even see the Naruto Strait and Wakayama. Return to the temple office and try your hand at copying sutras at the "Daishi Hall."

In the sutra copying, you will copy the standard version of the Heart Sutra. Place the paper on top of the copy of the Heart Sutra and copy over it with a brush pen. Beginners are welcome. By copying the characters in a solemn space, you can experience spending valuable time reflecting on yourself. You can either donate your copy to the temple or take it home. After the experience, you can also visit Iwato Shrine, a popular power spot that enshrines the huge rock where Amaterasu Omikami hid herself, about 10 minutes down from the temple. (Please note that this is a serious mountain path.)

[Senkoji Temple]
Sakiyama Senkoji Temple was founded approximately 1,100 years ago and is a rare temple built on the top of a mountain.
Within the grounds, there is plenty to see, including the Two Hashira Omikamisha, which enshrines the two gods Izanagi and Izanami, the Nio statues said to have been made by Unkei, the temple bell which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the three-story pagoda which is a cultural property of Sumoto City.

[Why is there a lion instead of a lion dog enshrined in front of the main hall? There is a legend about Izasaou.]
Deep in the mountains of Ueno in Banshu, there was a large boar called Nise Shino-o. Shot by a hunter named Chuta, Nise Shino-o jumped into the sea, landed at Tsukueura (present-day Tomishima), and fled to Sakiyama. Chuta followed him and found a shining Thousand-Armed Kannon statue in a hollow of a large cedar tree at the top of Sakiyama. Upon closer inspection, he found the arrow he had shot stuck in it. Upon seeing this, Chuta had an awakening*, changed his name to Jakunin, enshrined the Kannon statue, and built Senkoji Temple, according to legend.
※To become a monk and enter the Buddhist priesthood

[Dumpling rolling]
At Senkoji Temple, there is a custom of "Dango Korogashi" on the 35th day after the death of a deceased person. It is said that when the spirit of the deceased climbs the mountain, food is thrown to attract the attention of evil spirits that are blocking their path. This tradition eventually became linked to the Buddhist memorial service on the 35th day, which is considered the day of judgment by King Enma.
This funeral ritual, known as "Takayama Mairi" or "Segaki," has been handed down since ancient times on Awaji Island and has become a source of comfort for pilgrims from both inside and outside the island.

[Iwato Shrine]
This shrine enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, and the sacred rock is an impressive 8 meters high! There is a cleft in the middle, and in the legend of Ame-no-Iwato, Amaterasu Omikami hid herself in the rock cave and the world was plunged into darkness.

Experience schedule (for example, from 13:00)
13:00 Meeting time ※Walk around the temple grounds, including visiting the main hall (guided by the head priest, Okazaki)
14:00 Experience copying sutras at Daishido (approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour)
15:00 Scheduled to end *After the tour, you can walk around the grounds and visit Iwato Shrine (on your own). It takes about 10 minutes to walk one way along the mountain path to Iwato Shrine.