[Fukushima] There are caves, waterfalls, and of course you can expect divine blessings♪ Let's go to Wonder World, Nakano Fudoson!

Nakano Fudoson is affectionately known locally as ``Nakano's Fudo-sama''.
It is crowded with people for New Year's visits, year-end festivals, and fireworks displays, but for some reason it is not well known by people outside the prefecture.
Let us introduce you to the charms of Nakano Fudoson, which has many attractions.

First, access the audio guide at the entrance. GO along the route!

There is a QR code sign at the entrance of Nakano Fudoson. If you access, you can also enjoy audio guides for each spot.

The first spot is Togenuki Jizo.
If your lower back hurts, pray by rubbing the lower back of the Jizo statue with a scrubbing brush. Huh, head? yes. Please rub it. Let's quench your thirst with the mineral-rich spring water ``Kotoshimizu'' and ``Iwagure no Shimizu'' before proceeding along the pilgrimage route.

The prayer hall is made entirely of zelkova wood, and the carvings of ``strong men'' and ``dragons'' on the front are also worth seeing.
The best photo spot is Dainichido, a gorgeous vermilion three-story building in Okunoin.
The fresh greenery looks great, but the snowy scenery is also very beautiful.

At Fudo Falls, where the sound of water is refreshing, water tours are still held.
The area around Fudo Falls is called Okunoin, and the origin of Nakano Fudoson dates back to 1179, when Eimei Michinin visited this area while being guided by an antelope with Brahma in its mouth.

We're finally going into the cave! Be careful above your head~

Is the spirit gate at the lower level of Dainichido the highlight of Nakano Fudoson? This is the entrance to the cave tour.

Thirty-six children, the followers of Fudo Myoo, are enshrined here and there on the walls of the cave. Each one has a different form.

The cave tour takes 5 to 10 minutes. The cave is relatively cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but the path is narrow and the ceiling is not high, so please be careful when walking.

After the pilgrimage, relax with herbal tea and famous sweets.

When you come out of the cave, you will see ``Tanishigaike Pond'' where skunk cabbage blooms, and a huge ``Ando Kama'' where medicinal herbs were brewed according to the oracles of Fudo Myoo during an epidemic.
Another highlight is the main hall, which enshrines the Buddha Fudo Myo-o, who was said to be a Buddhist statue of Emperor Gofukakusa. This is the ceiling of the front entrance of the main hall.

After praying, head to Kasuka-an, a teahouse directly managed by Nakano Fudoson.
Here you can have light snacks such as dumplings to ward off misfortune and soba noodles for good luck, but it's also a free rest area where you can freely drink original Tokicha tea. Tokicha is a truly Japanese-style herbal tea that is a combination of Japanese trumpet, Epimedium, Gennoshoko, and Houtudyami.

You can also sample Nakano Fudoson's famous confectionery, ``Dojimame.'' This sweet is only available here, so it makes a great souvenir.

Once the cherry blossoms and skunk cabbage blooms are over, you can enjoy the seasonal atmosphere of fresh greenery, rhododendrons, and autumn leaves. Nakano Fudoson also hosts various events, including a ``Summer Tea Party'' held in mid-July.
It's close to Iizaka Onsen, so please give it a visit.

INFORMATION