Magose Park at the foot of Magose-toge Pass is known as a cherry blossom and azalea viewing spot, and for its sweeping views of Owase City. Nearby is Magose-Fudō Temple, which is said to have been developed by En-no-Gyoja, the founder of the ascetic religion known as Shugendo. The Gyōjadō Temple stands near the entrance and if you walk through the torii gate on the side road, you can find Fudo-taki Falls about 100 meters in. A statue of Fudomyo-o can also be found in the surrounding area.

As you walked across the cobblestone paths of Magose-toge Pass, were you able to put yourselves in the footsteps of the travelers heading for Kumano Sanzan, the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano at the time? They would walk over these steep mountain passes, praying to be relieved from their suffering to the Kannon and Buddha statues, fully believing that their prayers would be granted.

What did you think about as you walked along the paths? As you continue on your journey, we hope you think back to this audio guide and what you learned. As you do, what images come to your mind?