Tanukidanisan Fudoin temple in Kyoto, a hidden temple located in the mountain with tanuki statues

In 1718, the monk Mokujiki Shōzen Tomoatsu discovered a square cavern approximately six meters deep and installed a statue of the Immovable Wisdom King, Fudō Myō’ō, in the cave to worship and observe Buddhist teachings. For the next 230 years, Tanukidanisan Fudō-in remained a natural site largely untouched by human hands. In 1944, the current temple was re-established.

The temple and the statue of Fudō Myō’ō are renowned for answering prayers for benefits such as good health, illness prevention, and traffic safety.

As you can see in the video, there are about 300 raccoon dog statues in the precinct. "Tanuki" means "raccoon dog" in Japanese but also "to overtake the others." Therefore, it is considered a good-luck talisman for merchants and sports players.

The temple is the first place to pray for traffic safety in Kyoto. I see many cars with the temple's sticker (talisman).

Around the temple, you can visit Shisendo Temple, Hachidai Shrine, Enkouji Temple, and Konpukuji Temple.

To head to the Tanukidani Fudoin temple, you walk into the depths of the mountain after passing through Shisendo Temple.

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cLD1xgPaYQi9A...

Opening hours: From 10:00 to 15:00 (Open all time)
Entrance fee: 500 Yens (into the main hall)