Kinbozan Shrine 金峯山神社
The founder of Shugendo, En no Ozunu, is credited with establishing this mountain as a place of worship in 672 by constructing the shrine of Mt. Kinbo, known as Kinbôzan-jinja. The shrine’s main hall was recognized as a National Important Cultural Property in 2001, underscoring its significance in the history of the Shugendo religion.
Originally, Mt. Kinbo served as an annex of Mt. Haguro’s temple until the early 17th century (1624-1643). During this period, disciples from Mt. Haguro were dispatched to Mt. Kinbo to spread the beliefs of Haguro to the residents of the Yutagawa area.
However, after 1692, Mt. Kinbo distanced itself from the teachings of Mt. Haguro and aligned with the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism. In 2001, the shrine was officially listed as a National Important Cultural Property, recognizing its historical significance within the context of the Shugendo religion. Mt. Kinbo itself got listed as a “National Place of Scenic Beauty” for the many views it offers on the Shonai plains along its hiking trails.
Information
| Access | To hike from Shoryuji Temple (easiest hiking path): 1) Take the bus bound for Ochiai from Tsuruoka Station (Tsuruoka ekimae)’s bus stop n°3. 2) Get off the bus at Minamikogyodanchi 南工業団地 3) Walk 2 km straight to Shoryuji Temple Bus timetable: https://www.shonaikotsu.jp/english/tourism/ochiai_tt.html To hike from Yutagawa Onsen (longest hiking path): 1) Take the bus bound for Yutagawa Onsen-Sakanoshita-Koesawa from Tsuruoka Station (Tsuruoka ekimae)’s bus stop n°1 2) Get off the bus at Yutagawa Kouenmae 3) Walk until the Fujisawa Hachiman Shrine 4) Turn right 5) Continue straight along the rice fields until you reach a red torii gate that signals the entrance of the hiking trail. Bus timetable: https://www.shonaikotsu.jp/english/tourism/yutagawa_tt.html |
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| Address | 〒997-0368 Yamagata, Tsuruoka, Shoryuji, Kinboji 1 |
| Phone number | 0235-23-7863 |
| Entrance fees | Free |
| Open hours | The Nakanomiya Hall (the shrine that serves as a reception desk halfway to the top) is generally open from 10am to 4pm, but might be exceptionally closed on certains occasions. Please directly inquire to them to check the operational hours. |
| Closed days | None (or undetermined) |
| Official Website | https://www.kinbo.info/ |
