Introduction to Dainichibo Temple
It is located inside Mount Yudono, at the end of a long drive up a mountain road. The temple is surrounded by mountains and rice fields, making it almost a hidden gem.
This temple was founded by Kobo Daishi in 807. It is a sacred place for ancient mountain worship and is famous for its mummified monks.
Shukubo (temple stay)
The guest room was large, measuring 36 tatami mats. The rooms are equipped with a TV and a safe, and yukata robes are provided. Guests must bring their own towels, bath towels and toothbrushes.
The blanket had the Heart Sutra written on it. Thanks to that, I was able to sleep soundly at night.
The bath is large enough for about 3-4 people. Since it is unisex, people take turns bathing at set times.
Evening service
After checking in and putting our luggage in the room, prayers began in the main hall. The sound of a large drum resounded as five monks entered the inner sanctuary. The statue of Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana) was unveiled. Then a goma fire was lit and each person was purified.
After the prayer, there was a sermon where we were given a detailed explanation of the history of Dainichibo, its treasures, and even the famous self-mummified monk.
Sokushinbutsu (self-mummified monk) is a special ritual performed in this region. They eat only raw bark, fruit and roots to rid their bodies of fats that would cause decay.
Finally, they enter the hole while still fasting, bury it completely in soil, and leave it there for about three years. Once the body was thoroughly dried, the mummified buddha was exhumed.
Syojin vegetarian cuisine
Dinner is a syojin vegetarian cuisine made with plenty of local wild vegetables. The bamboo shoots were especially delicious, either stewed until soft or deep-fried. It also came with Japanese sake.
Next morning
The next morning, prayer was held again at 6:30. Afterwards, we took a walk around the temple. A short climb up the mountain from Dainichibou stands a cedar tree that is said to be 1,800 years old. It is a magnificent cedar tree that takes six people holding hands to circle around, and its undulating branches are very impressive.
