Kansai– category –

Koyasan is a sacred place of esoteric Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi over 1,200 years ago. The most important sites on Koyasan are Danjo-Garan and Okunoin (Mausoleum). Kongobuji Temple also has many attractions. For other sites, we recommend that you decide your destination based on your interests and time.

Toji Temple was built about 1,200 years ago and is the only temple remaining from the original founding of Kyoto. I attended the morning service at Toji Temple. I entered the national treasure hall and listened to the monks chanting sutras. It was a sutra that sounded like a song with a melody.

Honnoji Temple is the head temple of the Hokke Honmon school of Buddhism. This is the temple where Oda Nobunaga was betrayed and killed by his subordinate Akechi Mitsuhide. He was one of Japan's most famous warlord and was on the verge of unifying the country.

Honnoji Temple was founded in 1415. It is the head temple of the Hokke Honmon school of Buddhism. Morning services are held at Honnoji Temple every day from 6am, and anyone is welcome to attend. The sound of the drums was very powerful and electrifying.

Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. At Kenninji Temple, a Zazen (Zen meditation) session is held every second Sunday of the month from 7:30 am. No reservation is required, just arrive on time to participate. I decided to do zazen next to the dry landscape garden.

Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine is located in the shopping district. This shrine is known for its benefits in granting success in exams, and visitors pray while stroking the cattle. Within the temple grounds, Nishiki no Mizu, known as Kyoto's finest spring water, springs forth.

Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is the head temple of the Kenninji branch of the Rinzai sect. Copying sutras was available to visitors at any time without the need for a reservation. The Heart Sutra was printed lightly on the copying paper, and I traced it over.

I had buddhist vegetarian cuisine at "Shigetsu" located within the temple grounds. It was a charming building with Japanese-style architecture. What I felt after eating the meal was that it was light in flavor but very satisfying. It was not only delicious, but also a meal that taught me about Buddhist thought.

Kenninji Temple was founded in 1202 and is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.It is the head temple of the Kenninji branch of the Rinzai sect. Many cultural assets have been preserved, including the National Treasure Wind God and Thunder God Screen, architecture, gardens, paintings, and more.

Mugekoin is a Rinzai sect temple located to the east of Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. Zazen (zen meditation ) sessions are held every Saturday from 6pm to 7pm. Beginners and foreigners are welcome.