Mitokusan

Nestled in the mountains south of Kurayoshi City, in the town of Misasa, is a very rare and fascinating temple, Sambusuji. This mountain temple has what is most likely the most dangerous national treasure in the entire country, the Oku no in (“inner sanctuary”) of Nageiredō. It is located on a sheer cliff at the end of a precarious path up Mt. Mitoku that was originally for Buddhist ascetic priests. In fact, legend has it that the founder of the temple, En no Gyōja, threw the temple building into its location from the base of the mountain. Impressive in both the functionality and beauty of its architecture, you are unlikely to see another building quite like this anywhere else in Japan.

If you are interested in making the climb, you should know that you are not allowed to climb it alone. They will not turn you away, however; you will have the chance to join other climbers. Also, in order to preserve the mountain path, there is a shoe check, and if your shoes do not meet their standards, you will be given the option of climbing with straw sandals known as Waraji. You can also opt to use Waraji on your own.