Visiting Danfeng Mountain in Beitou: Discovering Centuries-Old Relics in the Forest

Danfeng Mountain boasts a diversity of ecology, vegetation, geology, and culture. Its geological landscape is unique and rare, making it valuable for educational research and sightseeing. The 'Shingon Sect Stone Cave Architecture' was designated as a municipal historic site in 2018. It includes the relics of Kobo Daishi and Fudo Myo-o. Additionally, further down, there are the relics of the Dharma Boat Stone. 1. The religious relics of Kobo Daishi mainly include the Kobo Daishi Rock and the memorial monument (Figures 7-8), built in the 43rd year of the Meiji era (1910). They were dedicated to Kobo Daishi but gradually fell into disrepair and are now revered by followers. Kobo Daishi traveled to the Tang Dynasty in China in the early 9th century to study Buddhism and later invented the Katakana script, having a profound impact on Japanese religion and culture. 2. Fudo Myo-o (Figure 9) is located behind the Kobo Daishi Rock. In the 15th year of the Taisho era (1926), a shrine dedicated to Fudo Myo-o was established, and it is still revered by followers today. Further down, there is a 'Taiwan Happiness Stone' (Figure 10), a stele discovered by historian Yang Ye in 2004 while searching for historical relics. 3. The Dharma Boat Stone (Figures 11-12) is one of the few remaining points from the Japanese colonial period (Taipei Eighty-Eight Stone Buddhas). The number eighty-eight represents the original placement of eighty-eight stone Buddhas in various locations, many of which are now lost. The Dharma Boat Stone was one of the original locations of these stone Buddhas. The trail ends near the Xinbeitou MRT Station, where you can also enjoy a hot spring bath. 📍Address: No. 12, Lane 7, Alley 241, Qiyan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City 112