Various Cave Hermitages
Shugendō·Japan·National Historic Site
Mount Hiko is a sacred mountain in Japan, recognized as a significant center for Shugendō, a syncretic ascetic practice. Historically, it served as a training ground for thousands of warrior monks and was a prominent religious site with numerous caves used by ascetics. Designated a National Historic Site, it continues to be a place of worship and natural beauty.
Key Facts
- ›One of Japan's three major centers for Shugendō mountain cult.
- ›Historically a training ground for yamabushi, with thousands of warrior monks at its peak.
- ›The 1213 AD text Hikosan Ruki lists 49 caves used by ascetics on the mountain.
- ›Designated a National Historic Site in 2017.
- ›Located on the border of Fukuoka and Ōita Prefectures in Kyūshū, Japan.
- ›Considered one of Japan's 100 Scenic Views and 200 Famous Mountains.
Hikosan Jingu Shrine, Yaba-Hita-Hikosan Quasi-National Park, Fukakura Gorge, Otoko-Iwa and Onna-Iwa, 49 Caves Used By Ascetics, Hikoyama Gardens
Hiko-San, 英彦山
Sasaki Kojirō
Attack By ōTomo SōRin In 1581, Buzen Sasaki Clan Rule, Decline of Shugendō During Edo Period, Ban of Shugendō By Meiji Government In 1870
About Various Cave Hermitages
Overview
Mount Hiko, known in Japanese kanji as 英彦山 (Hiko-san), is a revered mountain situated on the border of Fukuoka and Ōita Prefectures in Kyūshū, Japan. Renowned for its high elevation of 1,199 meters, it is recognized as one of Japan's 100 Scenic Views and 200 Famous Mountains. Its historical and spiritual significance is deeply rooted in Shugendō, a syncretic religion blending folk practices, Shinto mountain worship, and Buddhism, which flourished particularly from the Nara to Heian periods.
Historical Significance and Ascetic Practices
Mount Hiko has long been a sacred site and a pivotal center for Shugendō practitioners, often referred to as yamabushi. The mountain served as a rigorous training ground, and at its zenith, it is said to have housed thousands of warrior monks, forming a formidable military force. The spiritual landscape of Mount Hiko is marked by numerous caves, with the 1213 AD text "Hikosan Ruki" documenting 49 such sites utilized by ascetics. Among these, Tamaya Cave, also known as Prajñā Cave, holds particular importance.
Conflict and Decline
The mountain's history is also punctuated by conflict. During the turbulent Sengoku period, it faced an attack by Ōtomo Sōrin in October 1581, which resulted in the destruction of many temple buildings. The Buzen Sasaki clan, which held sway over the region and whose chieftain also bore the title of monk, was eventually weakened by these events and subsequently by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasion of Kyushu in 1586. The practice of Shugendō gradually declined during the Edo Period, and in 1870, the Meiji government's Shinbutsu bunri edict, which mandated the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, led to the banning of Shugendō. Consequently, many of the mountain's chapels and temples were abandoned and reclaimed by nature.
Modern Recognition and Accessibility
In recent times, Mount Hiko has garnered official recognition for its historical and cultural value. It was designated a National Historic Site in 2017 and is an integral part of the Yaba-Hita-Hikosan Quasi-National Park. The mountain is also a popular destination for visitors, with Hikosan Jingu, a significant shrine, located about halfway up its slopes. The construction of a slope car in 2005 has made access to the shrine more convenient, allowing visitors to reach it in approximately 15 minutes from the mountain's base. The natural beauty of the area, including Fukakura Gorge, known for its autumn foliage, and distinctive rock formations like Otoko-iwa and Onna-iwa, further enhances its appeal as a site of both spiritual and natural wonder.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shugendō?
Shugendō is a syncretic religion that evolved from folk practices, Shinto mountain worship, and Buddhism, originating around the 7th century. Its practitioners, known as yamabushi, undertake ascetic training in steep mountain ranges to gain supernatural power and achieve self-salvation and the salvation of others.
What is the historical significance of Mount Hiko?
Mount Hiko has been a sacred mountain and a major training ground for Shugendō practitioners for centuries, particularly during the Nara and Heian periods. At its height, it was home to a military force of warrior monks comparable to that of a feudal lord. The mountain also saw conflict during the Sengoku period, with significant damage to its temple buildings.
How many caves are associated with Mount Hiko?
The 1213 AD text Hikosan Ruki identifies 49 caves on Mount Hiko that were utilized by ascetics. Among these, the Tamaya Cave, also known as Prajñā Cave, is considered the most important.
What is the current status of Mount Hiko?
Mount Hiko is recognized as a National Historic Site and is part of the Yaba-Hita-Hikosan Quasi-National Park. It remains a place of worship, with Hikosan Jingu shrine located halfway up the mountain, and is appreciated for its natural beauty and hiking opportunities.
What historical events impacted Mount Hiko?
During the Sengoku period, the mountain was attacked by Ōtomo Sōrin in 1581, resulting in the burning of many temple buildings. Later, during the Edo period, Shugendō declined, and its practice was banned by the Meiji government in 1870, leading to the reversion of many religious sites to forest and fields.
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