Mitokusan Nageiredo: Visiting Japan's Most Dangerous National Treasure Built in a Sheer Cliff Cave

Mitokusan in Misasa Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture is a mountain long revered as a sacred shugendo training site. Nageiredo (Thrown-In Hall), known as its inner sanctuary, is a National Treasure building set in a sheer cliff cave, known as Japan's most dangerous National Treasure. It stands as if floating in a cave formed where erosion cut into the boundary between a tuff breccia layer and andesite, a figure without parallel.

The Mystery and Legend of Nageiredo

Dendrochronological analysis of its timbers confirms that Nageiredo dates to the late Heian period, and how it was constructed in this cliff cave remains a mystery today. According to legend, in the year 706 En no Ozuno, founder of shugendo, opened this mountain and threw the hall into the cliff with magical power. Zao Gongen is enshrined inside.

The Path to Pilgrimage: A Rigorous Mountain Trail

Pilgrimage to Nageiredo involves serious mountain climbing over rugged rocky terrain and tree-root paths. An offering and a climbing pilgrimage fee are required, and because difficult sections require gripping chains, mountain shoes without metal fittings are recommended. Sneakers may not be permitted, in which case entry can sometimes be allowed after changing into straw sandals (waraji) rented for a fee. The route is steep enough that fatal falls have occurred in the past, but the difficulty makes reaching the destination all the more moving.

Mitokusans Nature and Faith

The entire Mitokusan is developed as a shugendo sacred site, and pilgrims proceed inward while visiting multiple halls including Monju-do, Jizo-do, Kannon-do, and the bell tower. Monju-do and Jizo-do are said to date to the late Muromachi period and Kannon-do to the early Edo period. The approach through primeval beech and cypress forests has a mysterious atmosphere.

Together with Misasa Onsen

At the foot of Mitokusan wells up Misasa Onsen, one of the world's foremost radium hot springs. It is ideal for soothing a body tired from the Nageiredo pilgrimage, and a two-day, one-night plan combining the two is a classic itinerary.

Practical Travel Notes

• Registration for the climbing pilgrimage is roughly from 8:00 to 15:00 (descent by around 16:30), so entry is not possible late in the day
• For safety, solo entry is not allowed and a group of two or more is mandatory
• Light clothing that leaves both hands free is essential, and entry is prohibited in rainy weather as it is dangerous
• In a typical year the mountain is closed to entry through the snowy period from around December to March, reopening on a set day in spring
• Since a climbing pilgrimage fee applies in addition to the offering, it is reassuring to bring cash for payment on site

Access

From JR Kurayoshi Station, 25 minutes by Nikko Bus to Misasa Onsen, then about 20 minutes by local bus to Mitokusan.

📚 Sources

This article draws on official information from Sanbutsuji temple on Mount Mitoku, guidance from the Misasa tourism association, and published cultural-property materials on the national-treasure Nageiredo hall. On-site notices at the mountain entrance were also consulted. Fees, reception hours, and dress requirements may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow roughly two to three hours for the round-trip climb to Nageiredo.
• Clothing and gear: Non-slip hiking shoes and easy-to-move clothing are essential for the cliff-side ascent.
• Entry preparation: Your attire is checked at the climbing reception, and entry is refused if requirements are not met.
• Getting around: Nageiredo can also be viewed from the worship point at the base, an option for those unsure of their stamina.
• Note: Solo entry is not permitted; climbers must proceed in groups of two or more.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Reception hours for the Nageiredo pilgrimage climb: 8:00-15:00 (you must be back down by 16:30 / the gate is closed outside these hours)
• Reception for visits as far as the main hall: 8:00-17:00
• Fees: Mountain entry offering of 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students, plus the Nageiredo pilgrimage climbing fee of 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for elementary and junior high school students, for a total of 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children (groups of 20 or more pay 1,150 yen for adults and 550 yen for children). For a visit only as far as the main hall, only the mountain entry offering is charged. The mountain entry offering includes admission to the treasure hall
• Two or more people required: You may not enter the mountain alone. Infants may not make the climb either
• Clothing and footwear: Your clothing and shoes are checked at the reception desk. Hiking shoes with no metal fittings are the surest choice; permission may be refused for ordinary sneakers. In that case you may be allowed to enter if you change into straw sandals, available for a fee. Skirts, high-heeled shoes, leather shoes, sandals, slippers, slippery shoes, and shoes with spikes or metal fittings on the sole are not permitted. Ice axes, poles and walking sticks may not be used either. You must wear the wagesa (Buddhist stole) lent to you at the reception desk while making the pilgrimage
• Cancellation and closure: Entry to the mountain is prohibited whenever it is judged dangerous because of rain, snow or the like. In a typical year entry is prohibited from around December to March because of snow
• Time needed: Allow roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for the round trip from the climbing office
• Prohibitions: Bringing packed lunches is prohibited, and you are asked to refrain from eating on the mountain. Collecting plants and animals, smoking and open flames are strictly forbidden. The precincts are a no-fly zone for drones
• How far you can go: The pilgrimage climb takes you only as far as the point just before Nageiredo. You cannot enter the hall itself
• Inquiries: Mitokusan Honbo Sanbutsuji Temple, 0858-43-2666 (8:00-17:00)
• Access: About 20 minutes by local bus from JR Kurayoshi Station to Misasa Onsen, then transfer to a bus bound for Mitokusan

* Whether the pilgrimage climb is possible depends on the weather and snow on the day. Always check the latest information on the official Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple website before you set out.

(Sources: Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple official website, Japan Heritage "Mitokusan Misasa Onsen" official website, Misasa Onsen Tourism Association official website)