Introduction to Yamamotobo Temple
Yamamotobo is a temple founded by Nittyo, one of the six direct disciples of Nichiren, who founded Kuonji Temple. Oman (1548-1620), a concubine of the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, also stayed here.
Shukubo (temple stay)
We stayed in two Japanese-style rooms, one with 10 tatami mats and the other with 8 tatami mats. The room had a TV and air conditioning. Tea and snacks were also provided. There was a carving that looked like Mt. Fuji on the transom.
I could see the Sanmon Gate of Kuonji Temple from the window.
The men’s bath has three showers and a spacious bathtub that can fit 3-5 people. The women’s bath is about the same size.
Dinner
Dinner is a healthy menu centered around vegetables. The stewed dishes, including shiitake mushrooms, green beans, carrots, pumpkin, and chicken meatballs, were full of flavor. The spinach and konnyaku mashed tofu salad with persimmon had a sweet flavor that spread throughout my mouth and was delicious. There was also shrimp grilled with soy sauce and sashimi.
Morning service
The next morning I got up early and went to the Kuonji Temple for service. It was the end of November and cold, so the staff at the shukubo provided us with a heat pad.
It takes about 10 minutes on foot to reach the main hall of Kuonji Temple. On the way there you will have to climb a long and steep stone staircase. It is dark so please be careful. On the way there, we had to climb a long, steep stone staircase. It was dark and a bit scary.
In the main hall, many monks were chanting sutras, which was a very impressive sight.
After the service was over, we returned to the shukubo and had breakfast. It was a comforting breakfast of oden, grated yam, carrots and green beans dressed with sesame seeds, scrambled eggs, miso soup, rice, pickled plums, pickled radish, and seasoned seaweed.
After breakfast, we were guided to Myoo Inari Shrine. It is said that if you pray here, you will find what you are looking for. It’s on top of a hill that’s a 3 minute walk up, but the views are beautiful.
