The History of Mizuma-dera
Founded in the Nara Period
The origins of Mizuma-dera are traditionally traced to the Tenpyo era (729–749) during the Nara period.
According to temple tradition, Emperor Shomu became seriously ill and received a divine message in a dream. He ordered Gyoki to search for the manifestation of Kannon that would bring healing.
Gyoki is said to have been guided by a white bird to Izumi Province, in what is now Kaizuka City. There he encountered 16 children, who were believed to be manifestations of Kannon. Following their guidance, he reached the place known as Mizuma.
Near a waterfall, a dragon deity is said to have appeared and presented Gyoki with an image of Shokanzeon Kannon. This miraculous encounter became an important part of the temple’s origin legend.
Destruction During the Warring States Period and Reconstruction
From the medieval period onward, Mizuma-dera developed under the patronage of samurai families. However, in 1585, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign against Kishu, the temple was caught up in the fighting alongside Negoro-ji Temple and was burned by the forces of Hori Hidemasa.
Although the temple declined for a time, it later received the devotion and patronage of the Okabe clan, lords of the Kishiwada Domain. During the Genroku era (1688–1704), temple buildings were reconstructed.
Another major fire destroyed the complex in 1784. The Main Hall was rebuilt in 1811, followed by the reconstruction of other buildings in 1827.
Growth During the Edo Period
Mizuma-dera became widely known throughout Japan during the Edo period. One important reason was the publication of Ihara Saikaku’s “The Eternal Storehouse of Japan” (Nippon Eitaigura) in 1688.
In the opening story, “Hatsuuma wa Nori-te Kuru Shiawase,” the temple is mentioned in connection with the phrase “money bestowed by Mizuma-dera”. The story helped spread tales of the temple’s connection with financial fortune and prosperity.
Improved Access in the Modern Era
In 1925, the Mizuma Line of Mizuma Railway opened to carry visitors to the temple, making Mizuma-dera much easier to reach.
In recent years, ceramic statues representing the 16 children who are said to have guided Gyoki have been installed along the “Yakuyoke Road” between Seichigo Station and the temple grounds. The route has become a new attraction for visitors.
The Three-Story Pagoda and the Legend of “Risho-no-Zeni”
Mizuma-dera’s three-story pagoda is associated with a famous story about “Risho-no-Zeni,” or money said to bring benefits and prosperity.
According to the legend, during the Edo period, a shipping merchant borrowed one kanmon from Mizuma-dera as Risho-no-Zeni but did not immediately return it.
Thirteen years later, he reportedly arrived at the temple with the original amount plus interest, carrying the money on the back of a horse, and returned it to the temple. It is said that the funds were then used to build the three-story pagoda.
This story was also recorded by Ihara Saikaku in “The Eternal Storehouse of Japan,” providing an interesting glimpse into the economic values and religious beliefs of the Edo period.
The present three-story pagoda was reconstructed in 1834 by Okabe Nagachika, lord of the Kishiwada Domain.
Highlights of Mizuma-dera
Historic Buildings and Cultural Properties
The temple grounds contain numerous buildings and objects designated as tangible cultural properties by Kaizuka City.
Main Hall: Reconstructed in 1811, the Main Hall is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Kaizuka City.
Three-Story Pagoda: Reconstructed in 1834, this is the only surviving three-story pagoda in Osaka Prefecture and is an important historic structure.
Gyoki-do Hall: This hall is dedicated to Gyoki Bosatsu and is preserved as a Tangible Cultural Property designated by Kaizuka City.
Waterfall Where Kannon Appeared
The “Waterfall of the Appearance of Shokanzeon Kannon” is traditionally believed to be the place where the Kannon image was presented to Gyoki.
The remains of the waterfall can still be found along the Hietani River behind the Main Hall. A sign bearing the handwritten words “Waterfall Where Shokanzeon Kannon Appeared” helps visitors identify the sacred site and recall the temple’s origin legend.
Other Temple Buildings
Goma-do Hall: A hall where goma fire rituals and prayers are performed.
Bell Tower: The sound of the temple bell creates a peaceful atmosphere throughout the grounds.
Kyo-do Hall: A building used to preserve Buddhist scriptures.
Sansho Gongen: A shrine dedicated to three sacred figures: Kumano Gongen, Zao Gongen, and Hakusan Gongen.
Aizen-do Hall: A hall dedicated to Aizen Myoo, who is widely worshipped as a deity associated with love and harmonious relationships.
Annual Event: The Traditional Sembon-zuki
Mizuma-dera hosts the traditional annual event known as Sembon-zuki, or “Thousand-Pound Mochi Pounding.”
During the event, people gather around a large mortar and use long wooden poles to pound rice into mochi. According to tradition, the custom began when Emperor Shomu and Empress Komyo visited the area and pounded mochi with poles to the rhythm of songs before offering it to the temple’s principal image.
Pilgrimage Routes
Mizuma-dera is an important destination on several Buddhist pilgrimage routes, attracting worshippers from across the region.
New Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage
Mizuma-dera is the 4th temple on the New Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, a route that includes temples such as Kakuman-ji and Dajo-ji.
Izumi Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage
The temple is the 26th temple on the Izumi Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage and has long been connected with the region’s tradition of Kannon worship.
Nankai Line Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage
Mizuma-dera is also associated with Benzaiten on the Nankai Line Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage.
Mizuma Kannon Station
Mizuma Kannon Station is the terminal station of the Mizuma Railway Mizuma Line in Mizuma, Kaizuka City. It is the closest railway station to Mizuma-dera and is widely used by temple visitors.
The station was selected as one of the First 100 Selected Stations of the Kinki Region. Its historic atmosphere and distinctive station building attract not only railway enthusiasts but also tourists.
The original station building featured a design inspired by the temple’s two-story pagoda and is registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
During renovations in 2018, the station was redesigned with the aim of developing it as the “Moss Ball Station.”
On the platform 1 side is a café called Machiai Cafe Mizugame-an Wa, where passengers can take a break.
Behind the station, one 501 Series train car, formerly a Nankai 1201 Series car, is preserved in static display. It is a particularly interesting spot for railway enthusiasts.
Access
Mizuma-dera is approximately a 7-minute walk from Mizuma Kannon Station on the Mizuma Railway Mizuma Line.
It can also be reached by taking a local bus from Izumi-Hashimoto Station on the JR West Hanwa Line to Mizuma Kannon Station, followed by a walk of approximately seven minutes.
Nearby Attractions
The area around Mizuma-dera offers several other places of historical and natural interest in Kaizuka City.
Visitors can explore historic temples such as Ko-onji Temple, whose Kannon Hall is designated as a National Treasure, and Gansen-ji Temple, whose Main Hall is an Important Cultural Property.
For those interested in nature and relaxation, nearby attractions include Nishikinohama Beach and Okumizuma Onsen.
Experience the History and Faith of Mizuma Kannon
Mizuma-dera is one of Kaizuka’s most representative Buddhist temples, where centuries-old Buddhist traditions blend with local religious practices.
Its historic buildings, cultural properties, traditional festivals, and legends continue to be preserved and passed down through generations. Highlights include the waterfall associated with the appearance of Kannon, the elegant three-story pagoda, and the historic Main Hall.
The peaceful temple grounds offer visitors an opportunity to experience the history and culture of southern Osaka while enjoying the surrounding natural landscape.
A visit to Mizuma-dera can also be combined with a walk around Kaizuka City, allowing travelers to discover the area’s temples, nature, and traditional culture at a relaxed pace.