Mountain Area
Explore Power Spots and Healing Hot Springs at Inunakisan
Mountain Area Model Course
Feel the Energy at a Spiritual Power Spot in the Mystical Forest!
Inunaki Valley (Inunaki Keikoku) (Shipporyu-ji Temple Approach) and Hot Spring Village
Trek Through Rugged Trails and Recharge in Nature’s Embrace!
The mountain path features steep climbs and uneven terrain, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes like sneakers. As you hike, take in the beauty of untouched nature while snapping photos and soaking up the energy of this spiritual power spot.
On your way back, unwind in Osaka’s only hot spring village, and treat yourself to delicious local cuisine. It’s the perfect way to refresh both your body and mind!
Duration: Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes (the temple approach alone takes about 40 to 60 minutes on foot).
”Course Overview”
9:00 AM From Nankai Main Line Izumisano Station (about 30 minutes by car or bus)
On weekends, take the Inunaki Line 723 bound for Inunakisan, departing at 9:10 AM.
↓
9:10 AM From JR Hineno Station (about 15 minutes by car or bus)
↓ On weekends, take the Inunaki Line 723 bound for Inunakisan, departing at 9:21 AM
9:40 AM Arrive at Inunakisan Bus Stop around 9:40 AM.
↓
9:50 AM Restroom Break
Be sure to use the restroom here, as you’ll be heading into mountain trails for a while!
10:00 AM
Main Gate: Entering the Sacred Area
Shipporyu-ji Temple Approach ~ Shipporyu-ji Temple
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Highlights Along the Trail:
✅Heart-shaped Stone (Heart Ishi)
✅Tall Cedar Tree (Noppo Sugi)
✅Ryokai Falls (Ryokai no Taki)
✅Kintaka Bridge (Kintaka-bashi)
✅Zuiryu Gate (Zuiryu-mon)
✅Shinpō Bridge (Shinpō-bashi)
✅Ogoma Ritual Site (Ogoma-ba)
✅Garden of the Gods (Kamigami no Niwa)
✅Tō Falls (Tō no Taki)
✅O-Kame Stone (O-Kame Ishi)
✅Grave of the Loyal Dog (Giken no Haka)
✅Shizu’s Tearful Spring (Shizu no Namidamizu)
📌Note: Many of these names refer to sacred spots or natural features along the pilgrimage route to Shipporyu-ji Temple.
↓✅Migawari Fudō-son (Substitute Fudō Myōō)
・
Temple Hall of Shipporyu-ji Temple・
Gyōja Falls (Gyōja no Taki)
11:30 AM Descend the Temple Approach
↓
12:30 PM Lunch and Hot Springs
↓
2:20 PM (Weekends) / 2:50 PM (Weekdays)
Depart from Inunaki Bus Stop via Nankai Bus.
”Transportation”
————-Nankai Wing Bus Timetable—————————-
Nankai Bus Inunaki Line Timetable
Departing from Izumisano Station
View detail page
Nankai Bus Inunaki Line Timetable
Departing from Hineno Station
View detail page
Departing from Inunakisan Bus Stop
View detail page
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START
9:00 AM
From Nankai Main Line Izumisano Station (about 30 minutes by car or bus)
On weekends, take the Inunaki Line 723 bound for Inunakisan, departing at 9:10 AM.
9:10 AM
From JR Hineno Station (about 15 minutes by car or bus)
On weekends, take the Inunaki Line 723 bound for Inunakisan, departing at 9:21 AM.
Get off around 9:40 AM.
Inunakisan Bus Stop
From the Inunaki Bus Stop, follow the road on foot towards the hot spring facilities Fudoguchikan and Minamitei. As you continue, you’ll reach the Inunaki Ohashi Bridge.
Continue walking past Cafe Terrace Kū on your way.
A towering cedar tree stands right in the middle of the path—an impressive sight!
Inunakisan was designated as a scenic spot in Osaka Prefecture in 1939, and later selected as one of the “Top 100 Green Landscapes of Osaka” in April 1989.
Oikake Stone (Oikake Ishi)
This is the very stone referenced in Japan’s national anthem, “Kimigayo”!
Before entering the sacred site, ascetic practitioners (gyōja) would remove their oi (portable packs) and hang them on this stone to rest and prepare themselves.The phrase from Japan’s national anthem, “Kimigayo”—
“♪ Sazare-ishi no Iwao to narite ♪”
(“Pebbles grow into mighty boulders”)—refers to stones like this, where small rocks have fused over time to form a larger, solid mass.📌Note:Oi refers to a wooden box, similar to a modern-day backpack. In the past, shugendō practitioners (mountain ascetics) would carry their training tools in these wooden packs, slinging them over their shoulders as they traveled.
This is the very stone referenced in Japan’s national anthem, “Kimigayo”!
Before entering the sacred site, ascetic practitioners (gyōja) would remove their oi (portable packs) and hang them on this stone to rest and prepare themselves.The phrase from Japan’s national anthem, “Kimigayo”—
“♪ Sazare-ishi no Iwao to narite ♪”
(“Pebbles grow into mighty boulders”)—refers to stones like this, where small rocks have fused over time to form a larger, solid mass.📌Note:Oi refers to a wooden box, similar to a modern-day backpack. In the past, shugendō practitioners (mountain ascetics) would carry their training tools in these wooden packs, slinging them over their shoulders as they traveled.
9:50 AM Restroom Break
(Restroom and parking available for ¥500 in front of Inunakisan WOODS.)
10:00 AM
Main Gate: Entering the Sacred Area
Shipporyu-ji Temple Approach ~ Shipporyu-ji Temple
Heart Stone – A Spot for Love and Romance
This heart-shaped stone is believed to bring good fortune in love and relationships. Many visitors come here to make wishes for romantic success!
(Located at the Second Bridge (Ni-no-hashi). It is said that if you cross the bridge without stepping on the Heart Stone, your wish for love will come true!)
The wooden Second Bridge (Ni-no-hashi), which spans the Inunaki River, was completed in 1997.
Its design was selected through a public competition.
Tall Cedar Tree (Noppo Sugi) – Feel the Breath of the Earth
This towering cedar tree stands as a symbol of nature’s strength and vitality. Its impressive height and majestic presence allow visitors to truly connect with the energy of the natural world.
Standing at approximately 38 meters, this cedar tree is said to be the tallest in Osaka Prefecture.
About 20 years ago, the tree was measured to be 38 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 4 meters (measured at chest height).
Place your hands on the tree and feel the natural energy it radiates!
Valleys and Mountain Streams – Ascend Alongside the Gorge
As you climb, the scenic valley and mountain streams accompany your journey. Along the path, you’ll find numerous Jizo statues and stone figures enshrined by the roadside, offering protection and blessings to travelers.
Ryokai Falls – The First of the Seven Falls of Inunakisan
Ryokai Falls (Ryokai no Taki) is the first of the Inunaki Seven Falls (Inunaki Nanataki). Its name, meaning “Two Realms Falls,” symbolizes the Buddhist concept of transcending from the mundane world to the spiritual realm. The waterfall’s serene beauty and spiritual significance make it a must-see along the trail.
Cross the Kintaka Bridge (Kintaka-bashi)—Could it boost your financial fortune?
This bridge, whose name includes the character for “gold” (金), is believed by some to bring good luck in wealth. Why not cross with a wish for prosperity in mind?
The Zuiryu Gate (Zuiryu-mon) at Shipporyu-ji Temple is a power spot for success and advancement in life!
Amidst the lush green surroundings, the vividly painted vermilion gate suddenly comes into view, creating a striking contrast with nature.
This gate was donated by Yasutaro Sanogawatani (born in 1886), a native of Izumisano and founder of the Sano Yasu Dock, along with his elementary school alumni group, the Niroku-kai. Yasutaro was a self-made man who established his company at the young age of 25, making this gate a symbol of his success.
The beautiful greenery seen beyond the red gate enhances the mystical atmosphere. Passing through this gate feels like stepping into an entirely different, otherworldly realm.
Shinpō Bridge (Shinpō-bashi)
This vibrant red bridge serves as a perfect photo spot for commemorating your visit. Capture the stunning backdrop of the bridge amidst the natural scenery for a memorable keepsake!
This vibrant red bridge serves as a perfect photo spot for commemorating your visit. Capture the stunning backdrop of the bridge amidst the natural scenery for a memorable keepsake!
Ogoma Ritual Site (Ogoma-ba)
This is an ancient site where Goma rituals—a traditional Buddhist fire ceremony—have been performed for centuries. The ritual involves burning wooden sticks with written prayers to purify the spirit, remove obstacles, and invite good fortune. The site’s historical significance and spiritual energy make it a key highlight of the area.
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Garden of the Gods (Kamigami no Niwa)
Cross the Shinmei Bridge, and you’ll enter a sacred space where various deities are enshrined, including Shinmei Daimyojin and the Success Inari Shrine (Shusse Inari). This area is believed to be a powerful spiritual spot where the gods gather, offering blessings for success and good fortune.
Tō Falls (Tō no Taki) – The Second of the Inunaki Seven Falls
Tō Falls is the second waterfall in the series of the Inunaki Seven Falls (Inunaki Nanataki). Its name, meaning “Pagoda Falls,” reflects its elegant, tiered flow resembling the structure of a pagoda. The waterfall’s tranquil beauty adds to the mystical ambiance of the trail.
O-Kame Stone (O-Kame Ishi) – A Source of Mysterious Energy
This stone is believed to emit a unique, mystical energy. Visitors often join their hands in prayer to receive its spiritual power. Don’t miss the chance to connect with this natural force and recharge your spirit!
Grave of the Loyal Dog (Giken no Haka)
(The Origin of Inunakisan’s Name)
This grave honors the loyal dog who saved its hunter master by bravely attacking a giant serpent that was about to strike. This act of devotion is the origin of the name “Inunakisan” (meaning “Dog Howl Mountain”).
Look up to your left to spot a stone statue of the dog perched on the slope—a touching tribute to its bravery.
The Legend of the Loyal Dog (Giken Densetsu)
During the Heian period, a hunter from Ikedashō, a village beyond the mountain, would often venture into these woods with his loyal dog to hunt wild boars and deer.
One day, as the hunter took aim at a deer, his dog suddenly began barking furiously. Angered by the disturbance that scared off his prey, the hunter, in a fit of rage, beheaded the dog with his hunting knife.
However, the dog’s severed head leapt into the air and bit into the throat of a giant serpent that had been lurking behind the hunter, intending to strike. The dog killed the serpent, saving its master’s life even in death.
Overcome with guilt and gratitude, the hunter renounced the world and became a monk, dedicating his life to honoring his loyal dog on this mountain. When the emperor heard of this moving story, he bestowed a new name upon the mountain, changing it from Ichijōzan to Inunakisan (“Dog Howl Mountain”).
Passing Through the Tunnel…
Pass through the torii gate leading to the Great Dragon Fudō Myōō (Dairyū Fudō Myōō), and continue along the approach toward the Shugendō Training Grounds (Shugen Hiroba).
This sacred path invites you deeper into the spiritual heart of Inunakisan, where ascetic practitioners once trained in pursuit of enlightenment.
Shizu’s Tearful Spring (Shizu no Namidamizu)
A Spring with a Tale of Tragic Love
This natural spring is tied to a poignant love story passed down in Inunakisan.
During the Heian period, a young monk named Koshō and a noblewoman from the imperial court, Shizu, fell into a forbidden, heartbreaking romance. Seeking spiritual enlightenment, Koshō chose to renounce worldly attachments and retreated to the mountains of Inunakisan.
Unable to forget him, Shizu pursued Koshō, but was blocked by thick white clouds, preventing their reunion. Overwhelmed by sorrow, Shizu eventually passed away. Her grief was so profound that it is said her tears formed this spring.
It is believed that when clouds cover Shizu’s grave, rain inevitably follows, known as “Tear Rain” (Namida Ame), a legend that continues to be shared to this day.
Migawari Fudō-son (Substitute Fudō Myōō)
The Largest Bronze Fudō Myōō in Japan
This imposing statue of Fudō Myōō—a fierce guardian deity in Buddhism—is the largest of its kind made from bronze in Japan. Known as the Substitute Fudō, it is believed to take on misfortunes and dangers in place of worshippers, offering powerful protection and spiritual strength to those who pray before it.
When ringing the bell, be sure to offer a coin before doing so. This gesture shows respect and gratitude, aligning with traditional customs at sacred sites.
Temple Hall of Shipporyu-ji Temple
The Temple Hall of Shipporyu-ji Temple serves as the spiritual heart of the temple complex. Visitors come here to offer prayers, reflect in the serene atmosphere, and experience the deep history and sacred energy of this ancient site.
(Omamori protective charms are available for purchase. You can also register for Goma fire rituals, ascetic training experiences, and shakyo (sutra copying) sessions.)
Climb the stairs to reach Kurikara Fudō Myōō.
This depiction of Fudō Myōō features the deity wielding a sword entwined with a dragon, symbolizing the cutting away of ignorance and evil.
Gyoja Falls (Practitioner’s Waterfall)
The largest of the Inunaki Seven Falls, this powerful cascade is known as Gyoja Falls. It holds great significance for ascetic practitioners.
It is believed that passing under the statue of En no Gyōja (the founder of Shugendō) located here will bring good fortune and elevate your luck.
(DATA)
Inunakisan Shipporyu-ji Temple (Inunakisan Shipporyu-ji)
Address: 8 Ōki, Izumisano City
Access:
From Nankai Main Line Izumisano Station: Take the Nankai Bus bound for Inunakisan (approx. 30 min)
From JR Hanwa Line Hineno Station: Take the Nankai Bus bound for Inunakisan (approx. 20 min), then walk about 40 minutes from Inunakisan Bus Stop
Phone Number: 072-459-7101
Visiting Hours:
Weekdays: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Weekends: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Open year-round
Parking: Available
11:30 AM
Descend the Temple Approach
↓
12:30 PM
Lunch and Hot Springs
Options for Meals and Accommodation:
・Fudoguchikan(Inunaki-yama Onsen)(prior reservation required): Lodging available
・Minamitei(Inunaki-yama Onsen)(prior reservation required): Lodging available
Fudoguchikan(Inunaki-yama Onsen)
Private Room, Onsen, and Seasonal Dining Plan: Starting at 6,600 yen for a 3.5-hour private room experience.
Highlights:
✅Enjoy a room with its own private bath—a popular choice among visitors.
✅Vegetarian kaiseki and vegan options available.
✅Savor local specialties, such as Inunaki pork, as well as a variety of seasonal dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
Day-Use Onsen:
Price:
✅Adults: ¥900 (including bath tax)
✅Children: ¥450
✅Under 2 years: Free
Hours of Operation:
✅11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last reception at 8:00 PM)
(DATA)
Address: 7 Ōki, Izumisano City
Access:
・From Nankai Main Line Izumisano Station: Take the Nankai Bus bound for Inunakisan (approx. 30 min)
・From JR Hanwa Line Hineno Station: Take the Nankai Bus bound for Inunakisan (approx. 20 min), then walk 1 minute from Inunakisan Bus Stop
Phone : 072-459-7326（Japanese only）
Business Hours:
・Day-Use Onsen Bathing: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last reception at 8:00 PM)
・Day-Use Plan: Check-in 11:00 AM, Check-out 2:30 PM
・Overnight Stay: Check-in 3:30 PM, Check-out 10:00 AM
Closed: Irregular holidays
Parking: Available
Fudoguchikan(Inunaki-yama Onsen):(prior reservation required) Lodging available
View Detailed Page
Minamitei(Inunaki-yama Onsen)
Recommended Dishes:
✅Inunaki Pork Hot Pot made with locally sourced, premium pork.
✅Goma Miso Hot Pot with Ise Lobster, also known as the Gyoja Nabe (Ascetic’s Hot Pot).
Special Touch:
The staff serve these delicious dishes dressed in traditional kimono, adding a touch of elegance to your dining experience.
Day-Use Onsen Bathing:
Price:
✅Adults: ¥1,000 (including bath tax)
✅Children (1–12 years old): ¥600
✅Under 1 year old: Free
Available Hours:
✅11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last reception at 8:00 PM)
(DATA)
Address: 2236 Ōki, Izumisano City
Access:
・From Nankai Main Line Izumisano Station: Take the Nankai Bus bound for Inunakisan (approx. 30 min)
・From JR Hanwa Line Hineno Station: Take the Nankai Bus bound for Inunakisan (approx. 20 min); a free shuttle bus is also available (reservation required).
Phone : 072-459-7336（Japanese only）
Reservation & Inquiries: 0120-12-3731
Business Hours:
・Day-Use Onsen Bathing: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last reception at 8:00 PM)
・Day-Use Room Plan (with lunch): Check-in 11:00 AM, Check-out 3:00 PM
・Overnight Stay (with dinner & breakfast): Check-in 4:00 PM, Check-out 10:00 AM
Closed: Open year-round
Parking: Available
Minamitei(Inunaki-yama Onsen):(prior reservation required) Lodging available
View Detailed Page
Departing at 2:20 PM (weekends) / 2:50 PM (weekdays).
Departing from Inunaki Bus Stop via Nankai Bus.
📌Note: A shuttle bus is available for those using Fudoguchikan or Minamitei. Please contact them directly for more details.
To JR Hineno Station: Approximately 15 minutes
To Nankai Main Line Izumisano Station: Approximately 30 minutes
🚗Parking Information:
✅Inunaki Ohashi Parking Lot
✅Parking next to Inunaki-san Bus Stop
✅Inunaki-san WOODS Parking Lot
💰Rates:
✅Regular passenger vehicles: ¥500 per day (subject to seasonal changes)
✅Buses: ¥2,500 per day
⏰Hours:
✅Open 24 hours a day.
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💡Insider Tip:
Make the most of your sightseeing around Inunakisan and even get discounts on bathing fees!
The Nankai Wing Bus “Inunakisan 1-Day Free Pass” lets you explore the area at your leisure, offering a cost-effective way to get around by bus.
https://www.nankaibus.jp/howto_en/
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”Nearby Cafes & Hot Springs”
「Cafe Terrace Kū & Ikoi no Ie」
A world of nature straight out of Ghibli!
(DATA)
Address: 7 Ōki, Izumisano City
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last order: 7:00 PM)
Phone : 072-459-7381（Japanese only）
Closed: Thursdays and Fridays
📌Note: Please contact the store in advance before visiting.
View Detailed Page
「Inunakisan Motoyu Onsen “Yama-no-Yu”」
Let’s go meet the grandfather who discovered the local hot springs!
Day-Use Onsen Bathing:
Price:
✅Adults: ¥775
✅Elementary school students and younger (including infants): ¥300
📌Prices include bath tax and consumption tax. Re-entry is not allowed.
(DATA)
Address: 2234 Ōki, Izumisano City
Phone : 072-459-7515（Japanese only）
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Open year-round
Parking: Available
View Detailed Page
Address: 2234 Ōki, Izumisano City
Phone : 072-459-7515（Japanese only）
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Open year-round
Parking: Available
View Detailed Page
山間エリアモデルコース
special feature
Explore the Inunakisan Area, Japan’s oldest spiritual mountain and a renowned power spot!
モデルコース | 神秘の森で感じるパワースポット！ 犬鳴渓谷（七宝瀧寺参道)と温泉郷 |
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