World Heritage “Koyasan”
Koyasan, which stretches out in the Yamagami basin surrounded by mountains at an altitude of about 1,000 m, is a sacred place for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, which was established by Kobo Daishi Kukai 1200 years ago. (Koyasan is a place name, not a mountain name). The entire area of Koyasan refers to “Kongobuji Temple, the head temple”, and in particular, “Okunoin” and “Danjo Garan” are worshiped as two major sacred sites. 52 out of the 117 temples are “Shukubo”(pilgrim’s lodgings) and general worshipers can stay. Why don’t you experience the same training as the former trainees and explore the myth of Kukai?
高野山の見所
Who is Kukai?
Kukai was born in present-day Kagawa prefecture in Houki 5 (774) and trained from a young age. When he studied abroad in Tang in Enryaku 23 (804), he was selected as the heir to the highest authority of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism at that time. When he returned to Japan in 806, he trained more and more. When Kukai was looking for an ashram, he met Kariba Myojin with black and white dogs and was led to Mt. Koya by him. He established “Shuzen no Ichiin” and “Kongobuji Temple” in Konin 7 (816), and he was accepted and continues to protect Mt. Koya.
117 Temples
There are 117 temples such as “Kongobuji Temple” on Mt. Koya, and this large number of temples is due to the fact that many monks from all over the country gathered and worshiped here. In the past, it was common to make a pilgrimage with a guide/caretaker called “Oshi” when going to the mountain to worship. Since each area was allowed to have only one ”Oshi”, the number of temples naturally increased. Each temple has a different history and attractions.
“Shukubo” (pilgrim’s lodgings)
52 out of the 117 temples are “Shukubo” (pilgrim’s lodgings) and general worshipers can stay. At “Shukubo”, in addition to “Shakyo” and “Ajikan”, you can experience “Morning Work” which you read sutras and worship in the morning, and “Gomakito” which you pray by burning a “gomagi”. Furthermore, a buddhist cuisine will make your stay even more special. Away from ordinary life for a bit, why don’t you stay in a “Shukubo” and enjoy a unique and valuable experience in Koyasan.
