Daishōji Temple: A Riverside Retreat in Inuyama’s Summer Heat

#summervacay **Why Summer is Special Here?** Tucked between the Kiso River and Inuyama Castle, this **Naritasan branch temple** offers a rare blend of **cool forest paths, thunderous summer waterfalls**, and evening *mizukake* rituals where monks drench visitors in holy water to beat the heat. --- ### **🌿 Your Perfect Summer Visit** #### **Morning Cool (7-9 AM)** - **Waterfall Meditation:** Stand beneath **Fudo-no-taki’s** 15m cascade (believed to purify sins) - **Hidden Path:** The **"100 Jizo Trail"** along the river stays shaded #### **Midday Escape** - **11:00 AM - Temple Lunch:** - **Kishimen noodles** in chilled broth at *Sanshuya* (5-min walk) - **Matcha slushies** at the temple stall #### **Evening Magic (July-Aug)** - **6:00 PM - Mizukake Ceremony:** Get splashed with **sacred Kiso River water** - **8:00 PM - Lantern Walk:** 1,000 paper lanterns light the stone Buddhas --- ### **💰 Budget Breakdown** - **Entry:** Free (¥300 for waterfall area) - **Transport:** ¥600 bus from Inuyama Station - **Souvenir:** **Waterfall-charmed omamori** (¥800) --- ### **⚠️ Summer-Smart Tips** - **Footwear:** **Waterproof sandals** for waterfall spray - **Bug Defense:** Temple provides **natural citronella oil** - **Hidden Gem:** The **"Lovers’ Bell"** hidden in the cedar grove **Why It’s Unique?** ✅ **Active waterfall purification rituals** ✅ **Few foreign visitors** (mostly local pilgrims) ✅ **Cool river breezes** all afternoon **Tag your visit #inuyamamystic!** 🌊🔔 *(Day Trip Combo: **Meiji Mura’s air-conditioned historic buildings!)*