Takeyama Fudo: A Picturesque Spiritual Sanctuary in Yokosuka 2024
Located in Yokosuka city, Takeyama Fudo celebrates the annual “Hatsu Fudo” on January 28, 2024 drawing crowds of festival vendors and local devotees. Pilgrims approach this sacred site from all directions – South Takeyama, Ikki-zuka, Sugari Valley, and Kitashita-ura. Welcoming them at the trailhead is the “Maefudo,” a statue of Fudo Myoo, serving as a guide for those on a spiritual journey.
About Fudo Myoo
Fudo Myoo, a manifestation of Dainichi Nyorai, is believed to transform to ward off demons and bring wealth while averting disasters. Takeyama Fudo, known as the “Nami-kiri Fudo” for maritime safety, holds deep reverence among the fishing community. The formal name of the temple is “Jodo-shu Ryuzuka-san Jikyo-ji Takeyama Fudo-in.” The Fudo Myoo statue enshrined here was carved by the monk Manmu Dai-ajari during the reign of Emperor Go-Komatsu in 1397 at the Jikyo-in temple in Nara.
History and Culture
The history of Hatsu Fudo dates back to 1594 when the monk Manritsu from Todai-ji in Nara carved the Fudo statue during his pilgrimage through the Kanto region. In 1683, the Shugendo monk Sanyo Genzui built a hall on the summit, relocating the Fudo Myoo statue and giving the sanctuary its present name. Fishermen and ship captains used Takeyama as a navigational marker, fostering faith in the deity as the “Nami-kiri Fudo.” This tradition continued even during the Pacific War when a dedicated area was reserved for naval personnel inside the main hall.
Culinary Delights
Takeyama’s Hatsu Fudo “Fu-Gashi”
On the day of Hatsu Fudo, January 28, people pray for good health, and many embark on pilgrimages. Along the approach, numerous stalls offer a unique local treat – the “Fu-Gashi” attached to bamboo leaves. Resembling fishing rods and fish, these distinctive sweets have become a local specialty.
What is “Fu-Gashi”?
Fu-gashi is a traditional Japanese sweet made from dried wheat gluten called “Fu” coated with brown sugar. Its history dates back to ancient times, with the introduction of wheat gluten from China to Japan around the Nara period. Initially considered a luxury food item, it became popular among common people as a tea snack during the Edo period.
Takeyama Tsutsuji Festival
The summit boasts around 2,000 azalea trees, including Oomurasaki, Hakata Shiro, and Myogi Mountain varieties. In late April, the “Takeyama Tsutsuji Festival” showcases the breathtaking beauty of these flowers. Visitors are treated to a serene atmosphere surrounded by vibrant blooms.
Access and Basic Information
- Address: 1-3040 Takeyama, Yokosuka City
- Access: Approximately 30 minutes by bus (directions: “Misakiguchi” or “Nagai”) from Keikyu Yokosuka Chuo Station. Get off at the “Takeyama” or “Ikki-zuka” bus stop and walk for 40 minutes.
- Parking: Not available
- Contact: Takeyama Fudo-in
- TEL: 046-845-6652
Nearby 3 Tourist Spots
❶ Takeyama
At an elevation of 200 meters, the azaleas planted near the summit bloom beautifully from mid-April to early May. A hiking trail is maintained from Takeyama to Hōdaiyama and Miura Fuji. At the summit stands Miura Peninsula’s sacred place, Ryuzuka-san Jikeiji Takeyama Fudo-in. Every year on January 28th, the main deity, Fudo Myoo, is unveiled during the “Hatsu Fudo” event, drawing a lively crowd.
Around the summit, approximately 1,200 azalea bushes are planted, and an annual Takeyama Azalea Festival takes place from May 3rd to 5th. From the observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay, with the possibility of sighting Mount Fuji on clear days.
Information:
- Address: 1-chome, Take, Yokosuka City
- Access: Take a bus towards Nagai or Misakiguchi from Keikyu Yokosuka Chuo Station or JR Yokosuka Station (approximately 30 minutes from Chuo Station, 40 minutes from JR Yokosuka Station). Alternatively, take a bus towards the City Hospital from Keikyu YRP Nobi Station (approximately 40 minutes). Get off at the “Ikki-zuka” bus stop and walk for 40 minutes.
- Parking: Not available
- Contact: Yokosuka City Tourist Information Office, Tel: 046-822-8301 (9:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
❷ Mount Houdaiyama
Otsukayama, located on the hiking trail from Miura Fuji to Takeyama, earned its name “Hōdaiyama” (Battery Mountain) in the early Showa era when the navy constructed a battery on the site. At the summit, you’ll find the Takeyama Receiving Station of the Japan Coast Guard, enclosed by a wire fence, featuring a towering parabolic antenna. Adjacent to it, the well-preserved mortar emplacement, resembling a mortar, stands as a testament to its military history. In the center of the mortar, a high-angle gun was once positioned.
Eight square openings on the side are believed to be ammunition storage facilities.
*Please note: Water facilities are available at the Takeyama Summit Toilet.
Information:
- Access: Approximately 80 minutes on foot from Keikyu Nagasawa Station.
- Parking: Not available
- Contact: Yokosuka City Tourist Information Office, Tel: 046-822-8301 (9:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
❸ Mount Miurafuji
While not a high mountain, the view from the summit is splendid, offering vistas from Sagami Bay to Tokyo Bay, with glimpses of Izu Oshima and the Boso Peninsula. On clear days, you might be fortunate enough to catch a majestic sight of Mount Fuji hovering above Takeyama.
Moreover, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the YRP (Yokosuka Research Park) “Hikari no Oka,” a hub of mobile communication technology research institutions. A hiking trail is well-maintained, circling from Tsukuihama to Miura Fuji, Hōdaiyama, and Takeyama.
*Please note: Water facilities are available at the Takeyama Summit Toilet.
Information:
- Access: Approximately 60 minutes on foot from Keikyu Nagasawa Station.
- Parking: Not available
- Contact: Yokosuka City Tourist Information Office, Tel: 046-822-8301 (9:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
AfterNote
After centuries of standing tall in Yokosuka’s cultural landscape, Takeyama Fudo, with its profound history and breathtaking natural beauty, continues to captivate hearts as a cherished spiritual destination. A symbol of maritime faith for sailors, its enduring presence adds a radiant touch to the city’s rich heritage. Whether you seek solace, cultural immersion, or simply a connection with the past, Takeyama Fudo invites you to experience the timelessness and serenity that define this beloved site.
