Legend: En no Gyōja hurled it here in 706. Tree rings date it to 1098.
Wedged into a rock niche on the north face of Mount Mitoku, the Nageiredō (‘the hall thrown in’) is, according to tradition, the building that the ascetic En no Gyōja threw there with supernatural powers in 706. Dendrochronological analysis instead dates it to the 11th century (a ring from 1098), making it the only surviving example in Japan of Heian-period esoteric Buddhist architecture on its original mountain site. It has been a National Treasure since 29 March 1952. The climb, which must be made in pairs, requires hiking boots and your hands free for the roots and chains.
Founded according to tradition in 706 by En no Gyōja and reorganised in 849 by the Great Master Jikaku (Ennin), who installed three Buddha statues there, hence the name Sanbutsu-ji, ‘temple of the three Buddhas’. Besides the Nageiredō, the complex includes the Monju hall, the Jizō hall and the sutra shrine, all Important Cultural Properties.
ℹ️ Access to the climb to the Nageiredō 8:00–15:00, from April to December; closed in rain, bad weather or snow. Entry to the main temple 400 yen for adults, climb to the Nageiredō a further 800 yen; you must climb with at least two people, children below elementary school age are not allowed, trekking poles and spiked shoes are banned. Official address: 〒682-0132 鳥取県東伯郡三朝町三徳1010, tel. 0858-43-2666.
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