Manidera, a Giant Rock Power Spot on a Sacred Mountain in Tottori City

On the outskirts of Tottori City, on the slope of Mount Mani, stands an old temple called Manidera. Mount Mani has long gathered faith as a sacred Tendai peak ranked with Daisen and Mitoku. It is believed that the souls of the departed gather here, and that faith still lives on without break.

The charm of this mountain lies in the strange scenery of the inner sanctuary, shaped by giant rocks and caves. The standing rock where the deity Taishakuten is said to have descended, and the sacred boulder at the inner sanctuary, have an overwhelming presence, and you feel the power of the stone itself on your skin. It has also long been loved as a viewpoint overlooking the Sea of Japan and the Tottori Sand Dunes.

Highlights

• A sacred Tendai mountain ranked with Daisen and Mitoku (today of the Tendai Anrakuritsu lineage)
• The standing rock at the summit is revered as the sacred ground where Taishakuten descended
• The principal image of Taishakuten is enshrined together with a Thousand-Armed Kannon
• The strange scenery of the inner sanctuary shaped by giant rocks and caves
• A view overlooking the Sea of Japan and the Tottori Sand Dunes

The temple is said to have been founded in the early Heian period and restored by Jikaku Daishi Ennin around the year 834. The stone stairway leading from the Nio Gate at the foot to the main hall has 303 steps, laid in 1912.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the fresh green of the mountain path is dazzling and the climb is refreshing. In summer the shade brings coolness and the chill air of the rocks is pleasant. In autumn the whole mountain turns color and the view from the standing rock grows even more beautiful. In winter all falls silent, wrapped in the solemn air unique to a sacred peak.

Access and Basic Information

• Located on the slope of Mount Mani in Tottori City
• About 20 minutes by car from the Tottori Nishi interchange
• Also about 20 minutes by car from JR Tottori Station
• A climb of 303 steep stone steps from the Nio Gate leads to the main hall

Practical Travel Notes

• The 303 steps to the main hall, plus a further mountain trail to the inner sanctuary, make sturdy footwear and near-hiking preparation reassuring
• The stone steps are uneven and slippery when wet, so choose non-slip shoes such as sneakers
• A teahouse has historically operated partway along the approach, so a visit with rest stops is recommended
• The standing rock and the inner sanctuary take time to reach and return from, so allow a generous margin before dusk
• Parking is provided at the foot but the number of spaces is limited, so arrive early during busy seasons

A Quick Tip

A steep stone stairway continues to the precinct, so come in comfortable shoes and at an easy pace suited to your strength. The standing rock and the sacred boulder of the inner sanctuary are spots to face slowly and at length. Do not miss the view of the Sea of Japan from the lookout either.

📚 Sources

This article draws on sightseeing information published by Tottori City and its tourism association, along with tradition about Manidera and the Tendai sacred mountain Manisan. On-site guidance in the precincts and approach was also consulted. Visiting hours and the state of the approach may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about an hour for climbing the approach to worship and a stroll of the precincts.
• Preparation: Non-slip, comfortable shoes suit the mountain approach.
• Getting around: Climb the approach to the precincts on the slope of Manisan and tour the old halls.
• Feel the faith: As a Tendai sacred mountain alongside Daisen and Mitokusan, it connects you with old devotion.
• Note: The approach has ups and downs, so leave ample time and energy.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Visiting hours: 9:00-16:30 (as given by the official Manidera Temple website; the Tottori City tourism site lists 9:30-16:30)
• Fee: 300 yen admission (the Tottori City tourism site lists it as "300 yen for the kaidan-meguri"; you can experience the kaidan-meguri walk through the dark passage in the Kannon Hall of the main temple)
• Parking: Available. The Tottori City tourism site gives a capacity of 10 cars
• By local bus: Take a local bus from JR Tottori Station and get off at "Manidera-guchi". From there it is about 3.1 kilometers, or about a 50-minute walk, to the temple, so a car or taxi is the safer option
• Inquiries: 0857-23-5300 (Manidera Temple)
• Official information: Official website of Kikenzan Manidera Temple / Tottori City tourism website [official] (Tottori City Tourism and Convention Association)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Hours and fees may change, so please check official information before you set out.