Koninji
TEL : 0259-88-2455Address : 4448 Hamochihongo, Sado, NiigataAccess : Ryotsu Port (Sado Kisen Passenger Terminal) > 50 minutes by carParking : There is a parking lot
Introduction to Koninji Temple
Koninji Temple was built in the mountains of Sado Island in 811. The temple grounds are lined with old buildings, including a hall built in the 1600s and a main hall and gate built in the 1800s.
Shukubo (temple stay)
I stayed in a 10 tatami Japanese-style room. The ceiling was made of paulownia wood, and I could feel the warmth of the wood.
Other guest rooms included Western-style rooms with beds.
The first floor of the Shukubo is a common room with a shared kitchen. I had a great time chatting with the head priest and other guests staying the same night until late into the night.
There was a square in front of the Shukubo, where we all lay down and looked at the stars. Suddenly we saw an incredibly bright shooting star and we all were thrilled.
Guide of the temple grounds by the chief priest
In the morning, the head priest showed us around the temple. There are Nio (Deva king) at the gate, Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru) in the hall, Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), Amida Nyorai (Amitabha), and Kannon (Avalokitesvara) in the main hall, and Fudomyoo (Acalanatha) in the goma hall.
I also tried copying a Buddha image in the main hall. I copied a picture of Buddha using ink and a brush. I felt calm after spending some quiet time there.
After copying the Buddha images, we all spent the morning in the common room eating bread, watermelon, and drinking coffee. The jam on the bread is a special one made by Koninji Temple, and is made from blackberries picked in the temple garden. It was sour and delicious.
