Experience the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism meditation method, Gekkan, at a temple associated with Kukai, a great figure in the world of Japanese Buddhism (Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture)

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[A customized experiential museum for the entire town]
Zentsuji City in Kagawa Prefecture is the birthplace of Kobo Daishi Kukai, a great figure in the world of Japanese Buddhism known to all Japanese people. Born 1,250 years ago, Kukai trained and attained enlightenment in the magnificent natural surroundings of his hometown, Shikoku. Even now, more than 1,200 years after his time of activity, many worshippers who admire Kukai visit from all over the world and follow the pilgrimage route he left behind.
At the five temples in Zentsuji City associated with Kukai, we offer experiential content that allows you to confront yourself and hone your five senses, with themes of Mandala Temple (touch), Deshakka Temple (sight), Koyama Temple (hearing), Zentsuji (taste), and Kanakura Temple (smell).
In the city, where the culture of "Osentai," where local residents show hospitality to pilgrims, is deeply rooted, we offer experiences such as enjoying the region's traditional crafts and local cuisine.
Zentsuji City is a place where nature and faith are close at hand and you can get a glimpse of simple, everyday life; the entire city is truly an experiential museum!
Why not experience authentic Japan while experiencing the culture that has been cherished and nurtured by people since ancient times?


About Koyamaji Temple Koyamaji Temple was built by Kukai in a place where he used to play as a child, using the reward money he received from the Imperial Court in recognition of his achievements. The principal image of the temple is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha who saves people from worldly suffering such as illness. On either side of the Buddha are Nikko Bosatsu and Gekko Bosatsu, who illuminate people with the light of sunlight and moonlight, and support Yakushi Nyorai's power so that it never fades. The moon ring held by Gekko Bosatsu has a rabbit drawn on it, and the temple is loved by people as a rabbit-related temple. Within the temple grounds, statues of 16 rabbits jumping out of the moon ring watch over the worshippers.

* Listen quietly to the sounds of nature and the voice of the head priest, and listen to your heart's voice - at Koyasan Temple you can experience "Gachirinkan," a meditation method of the Shingon sect founded by Kukai.
Sit upright on the tatami mat, regulate your breathing, and quietly picture the full moon in your mind. Starting from a small full moon that fits in your chest, gradually expand it into the world and the universe, and you will approach a heart as broad and calm as that of a Buddha. By listening to the sounds of the wind, the chirps of insects, and the guiding voice of the head priest while also listening to the voice of your own heart, you will experience a refreshing sensation that frees you from the distractions of everyday life.

The sliding door calligraphy, which can also be viewed, was created by calligrapher Okamoto Kohei, who is also a Kukai researcher. The 36 sliding doors that separate the five rooms are inscribed with the Heart Sutra, a Buddhist text, in the Hihakutai style of calligraphy that Kukai is said to have brought back from the Tang Dynasty. The flowing characters express rain, mountains, dragons, and more, making it a work of calligraphy that also has the beauty of a painting.

* After viewing the sliding door calligraphy, you will be asked to participate in a meditation experience. The meditation experience lasts for 20 to 30 minutes.