Tennenji Temple

Physically embedded into a cliff face, its wooden structure built directly against the rock. Constructed during the Heian period, it was a center for shugendo, the demanding ascetic practice of Buddhist mountain monks. The temple shares space with a Shinto shrine, a coexistence that was once common in the area. In February, the temple holds the Shujo Oni-e festival, where two dancers in oni masks wield flaming torches and scatter sparks over the crowd. Despite their ferocious appearance, the oni here represent reincarnated Buddhas, welcomed to drive away evil and bring good fortune to anyone touched by a spark.