Ishizuchi is the highest mountain in western Japan, and the four shrines are called Ishizuchi Shrine: the head shrine (Kuchinomiya) at the foot of the mountain, the Jyoshisha (Nakamiya) and the Togoya (Togoya Haruhai-den) shrines on the mountainside, and the summit shrine at the top of the mountain.
The grand festival held from July 1 is particularly famous. However, women are not allowed to enter the shrine on July 1.
Ishizuchi has long been famous as one of Japan’s seven sacred mountains.
Legend has it that in 63 B.C., in the 35th year of Emperor Sojin’s reign, a deity was invoked at Ishizuchi’s peak (according to the Chokan Kanbun).
In 685, the temple was founded by En-no-Kozumi (Great Bodhisattva of Shinto Changes), who was followed by Jakusen Hoshi (also called Josen, a disciple of Ishisen).
Later, in “Sankyo Shikki,” a book written by Kukai himself, it is written, “Sometimes I straddle the stone peak,” so it is undeniable that Kukai also practiced asceticism.
In addition, high priests such as Kosei, a native of Kazahaya County in Iyo Province, also practiced the asceticism. Since then, the temple has been known as Ishinobatazan Zao Gongen, and has flourished as a center for the practice of Shintoism, Buddhism, and Shugen (mountain asceticism).
Ishibazuchi Shrine was built at the behest of Emperor Kammu, and contains Buddhist statues and sutra scrolls that were presented by emperors such as Montoku, Takakura, Sotoku, and Godaigo.
10 minutes by bus from Iyo Saijo Station