Sekkoji Temple

Sekkoji Temple sits in the Katsuragi mountain range on the Osaka-Nara border, reached by a forest trail that climbs through cedar and oak above the farming towns in the valley below. The temple is dedicated to Fudo Myo-o and occupies a rocky ledge where the cliff face forms the rear wall of the main hall. In autumn, maple trees on the approach path and in the courtyard turn deep red around the stone lanterns and moss-covered steps. The combination of natural setting and the compact, serious atmosphere of the worship space gives Sekkoji a character distinct from the larger temple complexes closer to Osaka. Weekdays here are genuinely quiet.