Mizumadera

Mizumadera, located in Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture, is an ancient Tendai-sect temple said to have been founded by the eminent Nara-period monk Gyoki. Enshrining Sho-Kannon Bosatsu as its principal image, it has long been deeply revered by the people of the Senshu region as the "warding Kannon." Halls stand by a pure waterside where two rivers meet, and it is a historic power spot visited by worshippers wishing to ward off misfortune and for success in love.

Highlights

• Warding Kannon: The principal image, Sho-Kannon, is known for blessings of warding off misfortune, and many worshippers come at New Year and in their unlucky years.
• Willow of Matchmaking: The grounds hold a willow tree called the "willow of matchmaking," beloved by those wishing for a good match. The Aizen hall is also a spot to pray for success in love.
• Three-Storied Pagoda: The beautiful vermilion three-storied pagoda is the symbol of Mizumadera. Rebuilt in 1834, it is said to be the only three-storied pagoda in Osaka Prefecture built before the Meiji era, and its form against the river and greenery makes a picture.

Enjoying the Seasons

The grounds surrounded by clear streams show beautiful faces in every season, with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn. The New Year period bustles with New Year events such as the "thousand-pounding mochi making," lively with worshippers praying to ward off misfortune. It is recommended for those who wish to enjoy worship and strolling at leisure in a calm setting.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 638 Mizuma, Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture
• Access: About a 7-minute walk from Mizuma-Kannon Station on the Mizuma Railway. By car, about 10 minutes from the Kaizuka Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway.
• Hours: Daytime
• Admission: Free for the grounds

Practical Travel Notes

• Time to allow: About 30 minutes to an hour for a stroll around the grounds visiting the main hall, three-storied pagoda, and willow of matchmaking. You can savor the calm atmosphere along the clear stream at leisure.
• Local line trip: The Mizuma Railway is a short local line running from Nankai Kaizuka Station, and it is about a 7-minute walk from the terminus, Mizuma-Kannon Station. The peaceful views and retro station building are part of the travel mood.
• Timing your visit: To ward off misfortune, come at New Year or in your unlucky year. The New Year bustles with events such as the "thousand-pounding mochi making," and each season colors the grounds with cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and foliage.
• Surroundings: A quiet ancient temple in the Senshu area, after worship you can relax along with the town of Kaizuka or a drive in the surroundings.

A Quick Tip

If you wish to ward off misfortune, a visit at New Year or in your unlucky year is recommended. Those wishing for a good match should also pray at the willow of matchmaking and the Aizen hall. The travel mood of a peaceful local line, as the terminus of the Mizuma Railway, is also an appeal. You can spend a relaxed time at this quiet ancient temple in the Senshu area.

📚 Sources

This article is based on the temple's guidance about the history of Mizumadera (a Tendai temple said to have been founded by Gyoki), the faith as a Kannon for warding off misfortune, the love-tying willow and Aizendo, and the three-story pagoda said to be the only pre-Meiji one in Osaka Prefecture (rebuilt in 1834), and tourism information for Kaizuka City. It also draws on access from Mizumakannon Station on the Mizuma Railway and the New Year mochi-pounding event. Visiting hours and annual events may change, so please confirm with official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to an hour for a precinct walk taking in the main hall, pagoda and love-tying willow.
• How to get around: The Mizuma Railway is a short local line from Nankai Kaizuka Station, with the terminus Mizumakannon about a 7 minute walk away.
• Access: About a 7 minute walk from Mizumakannon Station; by car, about 10 minutes from the Kaizuka IC on the Hanwa Expressway.
• Visit timing: For warding off misfortune, visit at New Year or in an unlucky-age year; New Year buzzes with the mochi-pounding event.
• Admission: The precinct is free.
• Also pray: Those seeking good matches can also visit the love-tying willow and Aizendo.