The 320 steps leading up the steep mountainside to the Jakkoin, a small but picturesque temple atop a mountain on the outskirts of Inuyama City, are interspersed by seven places of worship to enable you to be come a better person. Mind you, these 320 steps begin at the car park half way up the mountain. For most, the journey begins at the foot of the mountain. (You don’t want to know how many steps there are from the bottom!)
The path to the top is indeed difficult, but among the temple’s visitors are a large number of elderly, some in their 80’s and still trying their best to climb the steps. Half way up, there is a six person capacity monorail available for a nominal fee. (The monorail moves so slowly, it is almost faster to walk!)

Along the steep and arduous path up the mountain are small Jizo statues, protectors of travelers and children, great stone lanterns and Buddhist icons of the seven Gods of Fortune.
At the top is the Jakkoin, a simple yet elegant temple. It’s quite small compared to what you’d see in Kyoto or other major tourist areas, and consists of two halls, joined by a short arched bridge. Jakkoin is most famous for its autumn leaves and spring flowers. Despite being slightly off the tourist path, Jakkoin is a popular tourist destination, and unlike many popular temples, does not look to bleed the tourist in any way. There are no shops or stalls, though a small selection of charms are available, but no one to sell them. Visitors just drop their money in the tin.

The main hall is filled by people offering prayers to the deity, the Thousand-Hand Kannon, Goddess of Mercy statue, and looking heavenward to view the beautifully painted ceiling. Take a turn at striking the great temple bell. It is said that praying for your dreams while striking the bell makes your dream come true.
The view from the lookout area was a favorite of the local Lord, Oda Nobunaga, the first of the Three Unifiers of Japan, and a revered hero to this day! Nobunaga is said to have visited often, as the lookout area provided a fine view of the wide Nobi Plain, his nearby Inuyama Castle, as well as the castles of Gifu, Komaki and Nagoya in the distance and the flat lands of neighboring Gifu Prefecture too. It is a magnificent view, particularly in the spring and autumn months when Jakkoin is absolutely stunning.
Don’t think about the steps on the way up, think about your dreams, think about the photos you’ll take and think about the view from the top of Inuyama’s Jakkoin.