Fudoin Iwayado, a Hall Tucked into a Cliff Cave in Wakasa

In Wakasa, Tottori, there is an astonishing hall called Fudoin Iwayado. It is a stage built structure whose entire form fits neatly into a large natural cliff cave, and it is designated an important cultural property. Its shape, merged into one with the rock, makes every first time viewer stop in their tracks.

By legend it was founded in 806, but the present hall is estimated to have been built in the early Muromachi era. It is counted, together with the cave hung hall of Sanbutsuji on Mount Mitoku in Misasa and the inner hall of Ryuganji in Oita, among the three great cave hung halls of Japan. Its principal image is a black skinned fierce guardian deity, said by tradition to be the work of the great teacher Kukai, and it is also named among the three great fierce guardian deities of Japan along with the Meguro and Meaka halls in Tokyo. Compared with Mount Mitoku, fewer people come here, and being able to gaze at it closely is a great charm.

Highlights

• A stage built hall fitted neatly into a natural cliff cave
• A rare structure counted among the three great cave hung halls of Japan
• A powerful form in which rock and building become one
• Faith in the black skinned fierce guardian deity, counted among Japan three great such deities

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the fresh green around it colors the hall, wrapping it in a refreshing mood. In summer, amid deep green, the cool air of the cave feels pleasant. In autumn the pairing of crimson leaves and the hall is splendid, a season that makes you reach for a camera. In winter the hall dressed in snow shows an even more dreamlike face. Wakasa is a snowy place, so in winter it is wise to check road conditions before setting out.

Access and Basic Information

• Located in Iwayado, Wakasa, Yazu County, Tottori
• About 10 minutes by town bus from Wakasa Station on the Wakasa railway
• About 3 minutes on foot from the Iwayado bus stop
• The hall sits inside the cliff cave and is gazed up at from outside
• Quieter than the cave hall of Mount Mitoku, so you can view it at ease

Practical Travel Notes

• The best times are around May for fresh green and around November for autumn leaves
• Viewing takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the hall; with the nearby Wakasa post town, allow about half a day
• Unlike the cave hall of Mount Mitoku, which requires a steep climb, here you can gaze up in a short time from beside the road, its greatest advantage
• Buses are not frequent, so if you come by train and bus, check the return times in advance
• Nearby is the old post town of Wakasa, with white walled storehouses and the Kariya arcade street; touring the charming stations of the Wakasa railway is also enjoyable
• As a budget guide, gazing up in prayer from outside is free, and even with local walks and a meal it is an easygoing outing

A Quick Tip

The charm is that you can view the hall up close without the steep climb required at Mount Mitoku. Be sure to gaze slowly at its rock merged form from the front. The old post town of Wakasa stands nearby, and walking both makes for a full day. Pairing it with a leisurely trip on the Wakasa railway is also recommended.

📚 Sources

This article draws on published information from Wakasa Town and its tourism-related sources, along with cultural-property materials on Fudoin Iwayado, an important cultural property. On-site guidance around the grotto and hall was also consulted. Visits and the state of nearby paths may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about 30 minutes to view and pay respects at the hall built in the grotto.
• Preparation: Non-slip shoes help around the grotto.
• Getting around: View the stage-style hall nestled entirely within a natural grotto from the front and up close.
• Highlights: The important-cultural-property hall fused with the rock is a striking sight that stops first-time visitors.
• Note: Watch your footing around the rocks and visit quietly.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Location: Iwayado, Wakasa-cho, Yazu-gun, Tottori Prefecture
• Admission: Free of charge
• Parking: A free parking lot with space for about 5 cars
• Access (public transport): From "Wakasa Station" on the Wakasa Railway, take the town-run bus bound for Ochiori (Ochiori/Yoshikawa line) for 15 minutes, get off at the "Iwayado" bus stop, then walk 3 minutes
• Access (by car): About 10 minutes from Wakasa Station. About 56 km and 1 hour 20 minutes from the "Yamasaki IC" on the Chugoku Expressway via National Route 29
• Unveiling of the image: A goma fire ritual is held on the last Sunday of March and of July, when the principal image of Fudo Myoo is unveiled. At the same time, volunteers from the Iwayado community sell vegetables and processed foods
• Inquiries: For visits = Wakasa Town Tourism Association, 0858-82-2237 (8:30-17:15) / For history = Wakasa Town Board of Education, 0858-82-2213

* Whether the interior of the hall is open at all times, the visiting hours and road conditions in winter are not officially published. During the snow season, please contact the Wakasa Town Tourism Association in advance.

(Sources: Wakasa Town Tourism Association official website "Fudoin Iwayado", Tottori Prefectural Tourism Federation official website "Tottori Tabi", Tottori City tourism website (official))