Shiobara Onsen Kawasaki Daishi Yakuyoke Fudōson

Mt. Sumaki-Fuji: Scenic Views and Sacred Paths

It takes about 15 minutes to walk along the trail to the summit of Mt. Sumaki-Fuji, where the Yakuyoke Fudoson (a deity that wards off misfortune) is enshrined. Along the way, you can enjoy views overlooking the hot spring town.

Additionally, beyond the summit, there are trails that continue to Kotaro-ga-fuchi, Onuma, and Arayu-Fuji.

A Historic Exchange Between Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple and Shiobara Onsen

Shiobara Onsen was discovered over 1,200 years ago. It has been told since old times that the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) built a hermitage and a statue of Fudo-son here, saving the local people from natural disasters and famine. In the late 1970s, the then-town of Shiobara and the local tourism association spearheaded a plan to restore the sacred site on Mt. Fujiyama—where the Fudo-son statue had originally stood. They consulted the head temple, Kawasaki Daishi Heiken-ji, which accepted the request; the consecration ceremony for the “Shiobara Onsen Kawasaki Daishi Yakuyoke Fudo-son” (Fudo-son for warding off evil) was subsequently held in 1977. Annual festivals take place in the spring and autumn, along with a memorial service in the summer. Visitors can attend prayer rituals such as the *Saito-Ogoma-ku* (open-air fire ritual) held on the slopes of Mt. Sumaki-Fujiyama and the *Ogoma-ku* (grand fire ritual) performed at the summit.

“Goshuin” (temple seals) are also available for purchase in high demand.

Shiobara Onsen Kawasaki Daishi Yakuyoke Fudōson

More than a thousand years ago, Kobo Daishi (Kukai) traveled across Japan on a mission to bring salvation to the people. During his journey, he passed by the village of Shiobara, located in the deep mountains of Shimotsuke Province. The region had been plagued by famine and natural disasters, and the villagers were enduring great hardship.

Kobo Daishi built a simple hermitage in Shiobara, enshrined an image of Fudo-myoo, and extended a helping hand to the local people. Since then, the villagers—as well as people from the surrounding areas—have held a deep devotion to this Fudo-myoo.

Toward the end of the Edo period, Shiobara became a battlefield during the Boshin War; the entire village was consumed by the fire, and the Fudo-myoo image was lost in the blaze. Later, the people of Shiobara, mourning over the loss of the deity, resolved to restore the shrine. Through their collective efforts, that a heartfelt wish was finally realized.

You’re Almost There!

Good work so far. We are now one-third of the way up.
There is about ten minutes’ worth of the climb remaining.
We’re almost there, so let’s keep pushing.