Complete Guide to Yusanji Temple (Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture), the Sacred Mountain for Eyes | Thorough Explanation of Benefits for Eye Diseases, History, and Highlights of the Temple Grounds
Yusanji Temple (油山寺), located in Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is an ancient temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect, known throughout the country as the “Sacred Mountain for Eyes.” With a history spanning over 1,300 years since its founding by Gyoki in 701 CE (the first year of the Taiho era), the temple attracts numerous visitors throughout the year seeking benefits for eye disease healing, vision recovery, and protection of the legs and lower back.
This article comprehensively introduces the charm of this sacred mountain, covering everything from the historical background of Yusanji Temple to the highlights of the temple grounds, access methods, and nearby tourist attractions.
History and Origins of Yusanji Temple
Founding by Gyoki and the Name Medical King Mountain
Yusanji Temple was founded in 701 CE (the first year of the Taiho era) by Gyoki, a high priest of the Nara period. The mountain name is “Medical King Mountain,” and the main deity enshrined is Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha who heals illnesses and brings peace to this world. From its inception, this place has been revered as a sacred domain.
Gyoki is known as a priest who performed social work for people’s relief throughout Japan, and it is said that Yusanji Temple was built as part of these activities. The entire temple grounds are considered sacred, and a holy atmosphere pervades the entire mountain.
Legend of Emperor Koken’s Eye Disease Healing
Yusanji Temple became widely known as the “Sacred Mountain for Eyes” due to events in 749 CE (the first year of the Tenpyo Shohō era). At that time, Emperor Koken suffered from a serious eye disease.
It is said that through prayers and ritual blessings performed at the “Lapis Lazuli Waterfall” that flows through the temple grounds, the emperor’s eyes were washed with this sacred water, and his eye disease was completely cured. Through this miracle, Yusanji Temple received imperial sanction from Emperor Koken and became an imperial temple. Since then, it has been deeply revered as a Buddha that protects the eyes and heals illnesses of the heart, opening the eye of wisdom.
Deep Connection with Minamoto no Yoritomo
During the Kamakura period, Minamoto no Yoritomo also had deep ties with Yusanji Temple. It is said that when Yoritomo himself suffered from an eye disease, he prayed to the Medicine Buddha at Yusanji Temple and was cured by the sacred water of the Lapis Lazuli Waterfall.
As a token of gratitude, Yoritomo built a beautiful crimson-lacquered three-story pagoda at the mountain top in 1190 CE (the first year of the Kenkyū era). This three-story pagoda still stands quietly in the temple grounds as an important cultural property and has become a symbolic structure of Yusanji Temple.
Protection by Imagawa Yoshimoto in the Sengoku Period
During the Sengoku period, the temple was patronized by Imagawa Yoshimoto, who ruled Suruga and Enshu. The Imagawa clan valued the historical and religious significance of Yusanji Temple and devoted efforts to securing temple lands and repairing buildings.
Through the protection of such powerful figures, Yusanji Temple overcame the turbulent period of warfare and was able to pass down many valuable cultural properties to the present day.
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
Mountain Gate (Important Cultural Property)
The mountain gate of Yusanji Temple is actually the relocated main gate of Kakegawa Castle. It was donated to Yusanji Temple during the Meiji Restoration in 1873 when the castle was abolished, and since then has watched over visitors coming to pray at the temple entrance.
This mountain gate has been designated as an important cultural property and is a precious structure that conveys the characteristics of Edo period castle architecture. Its stately appearance evokes a sense of historical weight in visitors.
Beyond the mountain gate, a lush approach path continues, allowing visitors to enjoy nature’s changing appearance through the four seasons. Particularly during autumn’s fall foliage season, the “Mikaeri no Momiji” (Looking-back Maple), where the approach path turns red, is well worth seeing.
Three-Story Pagoda (Important Cultural Property)
The crimson-lacquered three-story pagoda standing quietly at the mountain top was built in 1190 CE (the first year of the Kenkyū era) by Minamoto no Yoritomo in gratitude for his eye disease cure. Designated as an important cultural property, this pagoda is a precious structure conveying the architectural style of the Kamakura period.
The vivid scarlet exterior creates a beautiful contrast with the surrounding greenery and is also popular as a photography spot. The path of stone steps leading up to the three-story pagoda is truly an experience of climbing a sacred mountain.
Main Hall and Medicine Buddha Shrine (Important Cultural Property)
The main hall enshrines the Medicine Buddha known for its benefits in healing eye diseases. The Medicine Buddha shrine in the main hall is designated as an important cultural property and is a beautifully decorated Buddhist implement with elaborate ornamentation.
The main hall, study room, and abbot’s quarters are also designated as cultural properties of Shizuoka Prefecture and well preserve the characteristics of Edo period temple architecture. Visitors can pray with composure in the serene atmosphere of the main hall.
Lapis Lazuli Waterfall
The “Lapis Lazuli Waterfall,” said to have healed Emperor Koken’s eye disease, is the very origin point of Yusanji faith. This waterfall flowing through the temple grounds continues to flow clearly even today.
As sacred water revered by believers, this water is a special presence for visitors praying for eye disease healing. The area around the waterfall is enveloped in silence, making it a spot where one can feel the power of nature.
Guardian Deity of Legs and Lower Back
Yusanji Temple is revered not only as a place of the eye Buddha but also as a guardian deity of legs and lower back. Within the temple grounds, there is a prayer hall for visitors wishing for the health of their legs and lower back, and in modern aging society, it attracts an increasing number of visitors.
As a temple that protects the eyes and legs and lower back—essential parts of the body in daily life—Yusanji Temple is cherished by visitors of all ages.
Pine-Cedar (Prefectural Designated Natural Monument)
Within the temple grounds, there is an unusual tree with a pine trunk and cedar foliage, designated as a Shizuoka Prefecture natural monument. This mysterious tree is a unique highlight of Yusanji Temple that evokes a sense of nature’s mystery.
This botanically precious tree continues to grow quietly in the temple grounds, as if symbolizing the spiritual power of the long-established Yusanji Temple.
Beauty Through the Four Seasons
Fresh Greenery of Early Summer
In early summer, Yusanji Temple is enveloped in vibrant fresh green throughout the grounds. The entire mountain is full of vitality, and simply breathing the air provides relaxation and refreshment.
Walking the approach path, the sunlight filtering through the trees creates a beautiful scene, offering a special experience of prayer in nature.
Autumn Foliage
Yusanji Temple is also known as one of the representative foliage viewing spots in the Enshu region. Approximately 1,000 Japanese maples are planted throughout the grounds, reaching their peak from early November to early December.
Particularly striking is the “Mikaeri no Momiji” just beyond the mountain gate, which appears sublime when illuminated by sunlight. An “autumn foliage festival” is held annually from October 1 to November 30, attracting many tourists.
The autumn landscape where the approach path turns red is truly a mystical beauty befitting a sacred mountain. During the foliage season, photography enthusiasts frequently visit this popular spot.
As One of the Enshu Three Mountains
Yusanji Temple is counted as one of the “Enshu Three Mountains” along with Kaisuisai and Hattasan. These three temples all have ancient histories and have played important roles as centers of regional faith.
The pilgrimage route visiting the Enshu Three Mountains has become a representative pilgrimage course in the western Shizuoka region, with each temple possessing its own unique charm. Yusanji is known for eye disease healing, Kaisuisai for fire prevention, and Hattasan for removing misfortune, and by visiting all three mountains, one can receive various blessings.
Visiting Information and Access
Basic Information
- Official Name: Medical King Mountain Yusanji Temple (いおうざん ゆさんじ)
- Buddhist Sect: Shingon Buddhist sect, Chisan branch
- Location: 1 Muramatsu, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Closed Days: Open year-round
- Admission: Temple grounds free to enter (some facilities may charge admission)
- Parking: Available (free of charge)
Access by Train
- From JR Tokaido Line “Fukuroi Station”: Approximately 15 minutes by taxi
- From JR Tokaido Line “Aino Station”: Approximately 10 minutes by taxi
- From JR Tokaido Shinkansen “Kakegawa Station”: Approximately 20 minutes by taxi
The nearest station is Tenryu Hamanako Railway’s “Hosoya Station,” but it is a considerable distance on foot from the station, making taxi use convenient.
Access by Car
- From Tomei Expressway “Fukuroi IC”: Approximately 15 minutes
- From Shin-Tomei Expressway “Mori-Kakegawa IC”: Approximately 20 minutes
For car navigation, search for “1 Muramatsu, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture” or “Yusanji Temple.” Free parking is provided within the temple grounds, and general vehicles can visit with confidence.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Kaisuisai (Akiba Honzan)
Kaisuisai, one of the Enshu Three Mountains, is a temple enshrining Akiba Sanshaku Bosatsu, the divine protector against fire. Located approximately 20 minutes by car from Yusanji Temple, it is a must-visit spot when making a pilgrimage to the Enshu Three Mountains.
The temple grounds feature a beautiful Japanese garden, and in spring, the peony garden displays magnificent flowers.
Kaisui Lily Garden
Located adjacent to Kaisuisai, the “Kaisui Lily Garden” is a famous flower spot where approximately 1.5 million lilies bloom in early summer. The garden is open from late May to early July, with lilies of various colors covering the entire slope.
Combined with the fresh greenery of Yusanji Temple, it has become a standard early summer sightseeing course in Enshu.
Hattasan Soneiji Temple
One of the Enshu Three Mountains, Hattasan is famous as the Kannon for removing misfortune, with “misfortune-removing dumplings” being a specialty of the pilgrimage. Located approximately 15 minutes by car from Yusanji Temple, it is a popular destination visited as part of the three-mountain pilgrimage.
Fukuroi Tourism Center
A facility where tourist information about Fukuroi can be obtained, with comprehensive maps and pamphlets of the Enshu region. Stopping by when planning a sightseeing itinerary including Yusanji Temple is convenient.
Kuno Castle Ruins
The ruins of a mountain castle from the Sengoku period, which was the site of battles between the Imagawa and Tokugawa clans. Located approximately 10 minutes by car from Yusanji Temple, this is a recommended destination for history enthusiasts.
Blessings Received at Yusanji Temple
Eye Disease Healing and Vision Recovery
The most famous blessing of Yusanji Temple is eye disease healing and vision recovery. Based on the legends of Emperor Koken and Minamoto no Yoritomo, it has been revered for over 1,300 years.
Even in modern times, people wishing for eye health visit from throughout the country, praying to the Medicine Buddha and washing their eyes with the sacred water of the Lapis Lazuli Waterfall. Visitors with various eye concerns—including cataracts, glaucoma, myopia, and presbyopia—continue to visit.
Protection of Legs and Lower Back
Along with eye disease healing, the blessing of protection for the legs and lower back is also widely known. A guardian deity of healthy legs is enshrined, and people suffering from knee pain, lower back pain, and joint pain come to pray.
As society ages and the importance of continuing to walk on one’s own feet is reassessed, an increasing number of visitors come seeking the blessing of healthy legs and lower back.
Opening the Eye of Wisdom
Beyond physical eyes, there is also said to be a blessing in opening the eye of the heart. This is the faith that one can heal diseases of the heart and receive the wisdom to perceive the true nature of all things.
In modern stress-filled society, Yusanji Temple has become a spiritual refuge for those seeking mental health.
Manners and Tips for Visiting
Prayer Etiquette
As Yusanji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple, visitors should follow the basic prayer etiquette of Buddhist temples. After bowing at the mountain gate, enter the grounds and pay respectful homage at the main hall.
When visiting the Lapis Lazuli Waterfall, do not forget reverence for the sacred water. Photography is permitted, but be considerate not to disturb other visitors.
Clothing and What to Bring
Since the temple grounds spread across a mountain slope, comfortable shoes for walking are recommended. Especially if climbing to the three-story pagoda, sneakers are appropriate as stone steps must be ascended.
Dress according to the season, and in summer bring a hat and beverages, while in winter prepare warm clothing for a comfortable visit.
Photography Spots
The mountain gate, three-story pagoda, and the maple-lined approach path are particularly popular photography spots. Early morning hours have fewer crowds, allowing photography in a quiet atmosphere.
The foliage season is crowded, so weekday mornings are recommended.
Cultural Properties of Yusanji Temple
Yusanji Temple preserves many valuable cultural properties.
Important Cultural Properties
- Yusanji Mountain Gate (former Kakegawa Castle main gate)
- Three-story Pagoda
- Medicine Buddha Shrine
These structures are designated as important cultural properties of the nation and hold significant value in Japanese architectural and art history.
Shizuoka Prefecture Designated Cultural Properties
- Main Hall
- Study Room
- Abbot’s Quarters
These structures are designated as cultural properties of Shizuoka Prefecture and are precious heritage transmitting the region’s history.
Natural Monument
- Pine-Cedar (trunk is pine, foliage is cedar)
Designated as a Shizuoka Prefecture natural monument and protected as botanically precious.
Annual Events and Festivals
Autumn Foliage Festival
The “autumn foliage festival” held annually from October 1 to November 30 is an autumn tradition of Yusanji Temple. During the period when approximately 1,000 Japanese maples turn color, many tourists visit to enjoy the foliage.
During the festival period, special events and illuminations may be held, allowing visitors to experience a fantastical atmosphere different from daytime.
Other Annual Events
As a Shingon Buddhist temple, Yusanji Temple conducts various Buddhist rituals throughout the year. Visiting to pray in conjunction with seasonal events such as New Year’s prayers, Setsubun rituals, spring and autumn equinox observances is also recommended.
Conclusion
The Sacred Mountain for Eyes, Yusanji Temple, is a renowned temple with over 1,300 years of history, known nationwide for its blessings of eye disease healing, vision recovery, and protection of the legs and lower back. It possesses multifaceted charm, including its founding by Gyoki, deep connections with Emperor Koken and Minamoto no Yoritomo, numerous structures designated as important cultural properties, and beautiful natural scenery through the four seasons.
As one of the Enshu Three Mountains, Yusanji Temple has served as a center of regional faith and culture. Walking through its grounds, one can sense the sacred atmosphere that has remained unchanged since the Nara period.
For those wishing for eye health, those wishing for healthy legs and lower back, those seeking peace of mind, those interested in history and cultural properties, and those wishing to enjoy nature’s beauty—for all such people, Yusanji Temple is a special place worthy of a visit.
When visiting Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture, by all means visit the Sacred Mountain for Eyes, Yusanji Temple, and experience the faith and culture woven over 1,300 years of history and the beauty of nature.
