Shukubo (temple stay)
Hojoin was founded about 870 years ago. This is a temple lodging located right next to the Danjo Garan (the central temple complex) at Koyasan. The Benzaiten (Sarasvati) statue is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
The room I stayed in was a combination of two adjacent Japanese-style rooms, one 8 tatami mat room and the other 6 tatami mat room.
There was a TV, and yukata robes, towels, bath towels, and toothbrushes were provided. There was a scroll hanging on the tokonoma (alcove) with the words “ICHIGO ICHIE (Once in a lifetime encounter)” written on it.
After checking in and taking a breather, I went to take a bath. The bathtub was the size that about five people could fit in. There was no one else bathing, so I was able to stretch my arms and legs and relax in the hot water.
Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
Dinner was buddhist vegetarian cuisine. The menu included chestnut rice, clear soup, pickles, sesame tofu, tempura, hijiki, simmered dishes, grilled shiitake mushrooms, taro, konjac, vinegared mozuku seaweed, and blanched maitake mushrooms and mizuna.
The dessert was persimmon, White sweet dumplings, lotus gluten, and red bean paste. I also ordered a glass of organic wine.
I stayed there in autumn, so the chestnut rice was delicious. The tempura included lotus root, konbu, maitake mushroom, myoga ginger, shishito pepper, pumpkin, and sweet potato. The sesame tofu had a chewy texture.
Each dish had a different flavour, making it a fun meal.
Morning service and breakfast
The service was held at 6:30 the next morning. There were many lanterns hanging from the main hall, creating a dimly lit space.
As I sat in the chair, the sound of the bell rang. The monk chanted a sutra and I offered incense. Finally, a prayer was given for the safety of the guests.
After service, I had breakfast. The menu consisted of rice, miso soup, deep-fried tofu with vegetables, dried daikon radish strips, pickled plums, pickles, and flavored seaweed.
Copying Sutras
After breakfast, I had the opportunity to try copying a sutra. What I copied was the Heart Sutra. I traced over the example with a brush pen. Finally, I wrote down my wish.
While walking through the temple, I could see gardens, paintings, old palanquin, etc.
