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[Kumano Pilgrimage IV] Seiganto-ji Temple on Mt. Nachi
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Table of Contents
- Seiganto-ji Temple on Mt. Nachi
- Kumano Shugendo at Seiganto-ji
- Deepening Prayer Through the Three Grand Shrine
Seiganto-ji Temple on Mt. Nachi
Seiganto-ji (青岸渡寺, Seiganto-ji) is a historic Tendai Buddhist temple located on Mt. Nachi in Wakayama Prefecture. It is known as the first temple of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.
According to legend, during the reign of Emperor Nintoku (4th century), a monk named Ragyo Shonin, who came from India, discovered a statue of Kannon in the basin of Nachi Falls and built a hermitage there. This marked the beginning of Seiganto-ji. Until the early Meiji period (19th century), the temple was part of a syncretic religious site that combined Shinto and Buddhism, centered around the worship of Nachi Falls, along with the adjacent Kumano Nachi Taisha. This legacy remains visible today, and the temple continues to attract a steady stream of pilgrims.
One of the highlights of Seiganto-ji is its vivid vermilion three-story pagoda, which stands proudly within the temple grounds. The bright red color stands out beautifully against the deep green of the surrounding mountains. The dynamic white stream of Nachi Falls cascading beside it creates a breathtaking and powerful scene, making it a popular photo spot for travelers.
The current main hall (Nyoirin-do) was rebuilt in 1590 by Toyotomi Hidenaga under the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Inside the hall is Japan’s largest temple gong, donated by Hideyoshi. In 2004, the temple was registered as part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.”
Fudarakusan-ji Temple
This temple was once the site of a unique religious practice called "Fudaraku Tokai", in which monks set out on a sea voyage in search of the Pure Land of Kannon. These monks would board small boats with minimal provisions and allow themselves to drift out to sea, aiming to reach paradise while still alive.
Dozens of such voyages are recorded in history, and the practice is depicted in the “Nachi Sankei Mandala.”
Although the practice ceased in the early modern period, the graves of the monks who undertook these voyages remain on the mountain behind the temple grounds. Wooden plaques and boat materials from that time still exist, offering a tangible sense of history.
Kumano Shugendo at Seiganto-ji
Kumano Shugen
"Kumano Shugendo" is a form of mountain asceticism that blends nature worship, Shinto, and Buddhism. Practitioners known as "yamabushi" have long guided pilgrims and engaged in rigorous training in the mountains. While many sacred mountains across Japan serve as training grounds for Shugendo, the Kumano Sanzan area flourished especially due to pilgrimages by emperors and nobles.
The "Omine Okugake-michi", a challenging route connecting the Kumano Sanzan with Mt. Yoshino in Nara, is known as a Shugendo training path. This route declined after the Meiji era due to religious policy changes, but thanks to the dedication of the current head priest of Seiganto-ji, the tradition was revived in 1988 and training resumed.
However, this tradition, which had been lost for many years, was revived in 1988 through the enthusiasm and efforts of the current head priest of Seiganto-ji Temple, and training is once again being carried out. *Nachi’s 48 waterfalls are located within a sacred and hazardous area of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park and are not normally accessible.
Through ascetic training in the great nature of Kumano, pilgrims can purify their minds and bodies, rediscover gratitude and compassion, and experience the spiritual essence of Kumano faith.
The Kumano Shugen Nachisan Gyojado Hall was rebuilt within the grounds of Seiganto-ji Temple in 2023. Here, a special Goma offering prayer (wishes are written on a piece of wood which is then burned as an offering) is held once a month (on the fourth Saturday of every month).
Anyone can participate, and the tour includes a visit to the sacred inner sanctuary, allowing you to experience the deep religious culture of Kumano.
Deepening Prayer Through the Three Grand Shrine
When visiting Seiganto-ji, be sure to also visit the other two Kumano Sanzan shrines-- Kumano Nachi Taisha, Kumano Hongu Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. Experiencing the unique form of prayer rooted in nature worship that is central to Kumano will make your journey even more profound.
↓ Kumano Sanzan series
