Matsuyama｜Journey Through a Cave to an Otherworldly Realm Like Spirited Away?

After visiting Ishite-ji Temple, I stumbled upon a cave entrance called Hachijuhachireijo Dotsuten Cave. The entrance gate bore the inscription "Mandala." As it was nearing dusk, the temple was quiet with few visitors. After offering some coins, I stepped into this mysterious cave, only to discover an entirely different world inside. Dim lights illuminated the pathway, lined with small Jizo statues and various signs describing Buddhist teachings and Zen philosophy. Walking through the cave alone, with no other visitors, I initially felt a mix of fear and curiosity. But as I ventured further, it became a journey of self-reflection. Emerging from the cave, I saw a statue of Kobo Daishi atop the rock formation. Suddenly, I felt a sense of understanding—perhaps, like the pilgrims of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, the process of visiting the eighty-eight sacred sites is a solitary quest for inner peace. Later, I researched Japanese sources and learned that this might be a site for Vajrayana practices, where observation, contemplation, and eventual enlightenment take place. Continuing along the path from the cave entrance, I came across a mysterious structure—a golden onion-shaped pagoda guarded by two stone lions. Google Maps revealed that this place is called "Fudoki Hill - Mandala," which is part of Ishite-ji Temple but with a completely different style. A pair of hands holding marbles, with many scattered around, created a surreal atmosphere reminiscent of the scene in Spirited Away where one crosses a tunnel into another world. Inside the main hall, on the right, there is a wooden statue of an ascetic Buddha, depicting the state of the Buddha during his practice before enlightenment. Nearby are 500 Rakan statues with diverse expressions—joyful, wrathful, compassionate, and serene—forming a mysterious and surreal space. If you visit Ishite-ji Temple, I highly recommend exploring this area to experience the fusion of Buddhist esotericism and the enchanting otherworldly atmosphere. 📍Address: Jokojicho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0851, Japan 🚗 Access: A 20-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Station on the Matsuyama Tram Line.