Yakuo-in Yuuki-ji Temple

Yakuoin Yuuki-ji Temple is up the mountain following the curve of the road. The line of vermilion lanterns lights the way, leading travelers to the entrance of sacred ground.

To make one’s way up into the heart of the mountain two paths beckon. On the left are stars leading upwards, and to the right is a gradual incline, they both converge at the temple. Let’s start to the left.

Alongside the lanterns are cedar trees that have lined the pathway into the mountain for hundreds of years. They have weathered wind, rain, sun, snow, and even a typhoon. Here in the mountains, Yuko-in is a haven of mountain asceticism where anyone is allowed to join in a practice.

This temple is home to Tengu who often perch high above watching those who come and go below. The Tengu are the most well-known symbol of the temple yet there are many smaller shire on the grounds throughout.

There is even a dragon shrine that is bright with good luck and fortune. 

From here it is upward. Ever upward and onward to the summit.