Why don’t we visit “Kobo Daishi aka Kukai” together with the monk of Koyasan to Okunoin before noon?
Monks who have license to guide in English take you an enjoyable tour.
Things we talk about
・Kobo Daishi (aka Kukai) : The founder of Koyasan
・Legends (funny and scary stories in the cemetery)
・Daily life of monks
・History of Koyasan
・Tombs
・Teachings of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism
If the timing is right, we can see a special ritual called “Shojingu.”
◆◆ Shojingu Ritual◆◆
Monks prepare a meal for Kobo Daishi as part of a ritual that involves blessing food placed in a covered wooden box.
It’s said that Kobo Daishi aka Kukai is still alive and continues meditation in Okunoin, and meals are delivered twice a day.
This ritual has continued without a break for 1,200 years.
We will also visit the following places:
◆ Gobyo is the place where Kobo Daishi aka Kukai still remains alive to this day.
◆Touching a tree of 850 years old
◆The biggest tombstone in Okunoin
◆Samurai graves such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi
◆ The monument of Matsuo Basho
◆ Torodo: Spectacular lantern hall with more than 20,000 lanterns
◆ Senryo (Memorial tombs dedicated to teeth and nails of the imperial family)
◆ Torodo’s basement: We can approach Kukai very close. There are 50,000 tiny statues that have been donated to Okunoin.
When you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.