Temple stay– Japan –

Habanobo places more emphasis on prayer and training than other shukubo on Minobu-san. I performed a water purification ritual under the guidance of the head priest. It was a cold time at the end of November, but it invigorated my body and mind.

Minami-Mido was founded in 1595. It is located along Midosuji Avenue, which runs north and south through central Osaka. There is an accommodation facility that combines the temple gate with a hotel. I experienced ringing the bell at 7am. The wooden striker used to strike the bell weighs 40 kg (88lbs).

This is a shukubo of the Togakushi Shrine. It used to be called Enmei-in in ancient times. Inside the building is a Shinto altar dedicated to Kuzuryu-no-Okami, Togakushi-no-Okami, ujigami and Fudomyo-o (Cetaka). Prayers are taken place in this place and it is open to general public to come and pray.

Mangyoji Temple was built in this place in 1605. Nearby is the city of Hagi, where many important figures in Japan's modernization were born. Guest room was a beautiful Japanese-style room with a painted tokonoma alcove. I had the opportunity to attend religious services in the main hall and copy sutras.

Tahoto tower, a national treasure, is one of the three treasure towers in Japan. Much old, historical architecture, including Kyozo (an important cultural asset), Shisha-Myojin-sha and Kyaku-den can be found here. When it comes to architecture, it is the best among the many shukubo lodgings on Mount Koya.

Hakujukan is a lodging facility at Eiheiji Temple that was founded in 1244 by Zen Master Dogen, the founder of the Soto sect. I did Zen meditation and copied sutras. The next morning, I attended the service at Eiheiji Temple. The sight of over 100 monks chanting sutras is truly impressive.

Kotakuji Temple is said to have been founded in 1592. It is surrounded by rice fields and has a natural environment with mountains in the distance. I attended religious services, meditated, and copied sutras in the main hall. The Buddhist vegetarian cuisine was Italian style.

Syonenji Temple was founded in 1578. The shukubo is hosted by the wife of the head priest, who is from England. The rooms combine Japanese and Nordic styles and feature works by local artisans. You can participate in morning sutra chanting and bell ringing experiences.

Ishizuchi-Jinja Shrine is located on Mount Ishizuchi, one of the Seven Sacred Mountains of Japan. We had the experience of copying out Shinto prayers. It is said that by purifying the heart, one can draw closer to KAMI (DIVINE BEING). Morning worship was held at the main hall. At the end, we received a shrine amulet.

Kasui-sai is an ancient temple with a history of over 600 years. We were served buddhist vegetarian cuisine, practiced zazen, and were given a tour of the temple by a monk. This toilet is said to be the best in Japan, and in the center stands a statue of Ucchusma.