Visit HYOGO

Mondo Yakujin, well known as a power spot for warding off evil, is officially known as “Shotaizan Toukouji.” This is an ancient temple, said to have been built by Kobo Daishi (a famous Buddhist monk who lived in the late 8th and early 9th centuries) to pray for Emperor Saga’s recovery from illness. It has been loved by many people for a very long time, to the point that if someone mentions warding off evil in Kansai, it is Mondo Yakujin they are speaking of.

The shrine grounds contain multiple shrine buildings, including Yakujindo, which is dedicated to one of Japan’s three great gods that offer protection from evil; Yakushido, which enshrines the temple’s principal deity, Yakushi Ruriko Nyorai (the Buddha of medicine); and Fudodo for the worship of Fudo Myo-o, a Buddhist deity. The shrine bustles with people making a wide variety of prayers—not only people experiencing an unlucky year, but also those visiting for jusan mairi (a celebration for people turning 13 years of age), a child’s first shrine visit, and ningyo kuyo (a memorial service for dolls). It is particularly lively during Yakuyoke Taisai, a great festival held on January 18 and 19 each year, with many stalls and large numbers of people visiting from around Japan.
As Mondo Yakujin stands on high ground, it also offers excellent views. It holds beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and crimson leaves in fall, making it a place to enjoy natural scenery through the four seasons.