Misasa Onsen
-- List of constituent cultural properties

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  Mt. Mitoku

  National Site of Scenic Beauty and Historical Significance

  It is Mt. Mitoku that lies at the heart of the Purification of the Six Roots of Perception story. It is hallowed ground of mountain Shugen, a unique landscape in which steep terrain is interwoven with distinct architectural structures.

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  Mt. Mitoku "Way of the Ascetics" (Kusarizaka)

  Part of a National Site of Scenic Beauty and Historical Significance

  The six roots of perception: the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. The "Way of the Ascetics" is a form of training intended to purify the Six Roots of Perception. The goal of the path is to reach the Nageiredo (a national treasure). Putting one's life on the line while trying to reach this temple ensconced high up on the mountain will sharpen and hone all of ones senses.

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  Sanbutsu-ji Hondo

  Prefectural Protected Cultural Property

  This building represents the start of the "way of the ascetics" and the "nose" of the purification of the six roots of perception. Before setting off for the Nageiredo, pilgrims offer a stick of incense and are wafted by the scent of the incense smoke as well as the perfume of the rhododendron trees, which are considered sacred in Shugendo.

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  Sanbutsu-ji Monzyudou

  National Important Cultural Property

  Kusarisaka represents the "body" of the six roots of perception. From the top of the hill, the view of the Japan Sea and the proud elevations of the mountains slowly purifies the heart of the pilgrim.

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  Sanbutsu-ji Shorodo

  Prefectural Protected Cultural Property

  The "ear" of the six roots of perception is represented by one of the temples dotted along the way of the ascetics. At this temple, whose method of construction remains a mystery, pilgrims should perform the bell-ringing ceremony and calm the mind before entering the Nageiredo.

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  Sanbutsu-ji Temple(Nageiredo)

  National Treasure

  Buildings and constructions are the focus of the "eye" in the purification of the six roots of perception. The buildings, located on precipitous cliffs and whose construction methods still amaze us to this day, are the symbol of Mt. Mitoku. The statue of Zaogongen -- the symbol of the faith -- is placed in the sanctuary of the temple and represents the final destination of the path and the fulfilment of one's vows.

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  Mt. Mitoku fire walking ritual

  The autumn Buddhist memorial service at Sanbutsu-ji represents the "mind" of the six roots of perception. Participants believe that by walking barefoot on the fire their prayers will be heard, even if they have not visited the Nageiredo.

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  Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and Mitoku tofu

  Represents the "tongue" in the six roots of perception. Eating foods that have been provided by the mountains purifies the body in anticipation of the start of the visit to the holy sites.