[Kagawa, Zentsuji] Enjoy calligraphy in the unique Japanese alphabet "kana moji" and spectacular views at a temple associated with Kukai, a great figure in the world of Japanese Buddhism

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• [A Customized City-Wide Experience Museum] Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture, is the birthplace of Kobo Daishi Kukai, a legendary figure in Japanese Buddhism known to all Japanese people. Born 1,250 years ago, Kukai attained enlightenment through training amid the magnificent natural beauty of his hometown, Shikoku. Even now, more than 1,200 years after his time, many worshippers from around the world visit Zentsuji City, following the pilgrimage route he left behind. The five temples associated with Kukai in Zentsuji City offer interactive content that encourages self-reflection and sharpening of the five senses, with themes of Mandala Temple (touch), Deshakka Temple (sight), Kozan Temple (hearing), Zentsuji (taste), and Konzo Temple (smell). In the city center, where the culture of "osettai," or hospitality by local residents to pilgrims, is deeply rooted, experiences are available to enjoy traditional local crafts and cuisine. Zentsuji City, where nature and faith are close at hand and where you can get a glimpse of simple, everyday life, is truly an experiential museum! Experience authentic Japan while experiencing a culture that has been cherished and nurtured since ancient times. About Deshakkaji Temple: Deshakkaji Temple is located on a hill at the foot of a mountain, offering beautiful views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. Behind the temple grounds stands Mount Mitake, also known as Suteshingatake. A 40-minute climb leads to the inner sanctuary where Kukai, at the age of seven, threw himself off a cliff, praying, "I want to save many people through the power of Buddhism. If this wish can be granted, please appear to me, Buddha." Shaka Nyorai appeared accompanied by a celestial maiden, and his wish was granted. "There is a legend that says that the temple is a place where wishes come true. Drawing on this legend, many worshippers visit the temple as a place where wishes come true. The beauty of the kana characters, which can be seen with the eyes and felt in the heart, and the spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea Some people visit in search of the seasonal goshuin stamps, which are handwritten one by one by the head priest, who is also a monk and calligrapher. Goshuin stamps are generally given as proof of worship, but the goshuin stamps given by the head priest, who writes seasonal songs in elegant kana characters on paper with seasonal motifs, are also beautiful as works of art. Deshikaji Temple offers an experience program where you can learn kana calligraphy from the head priest. Kana characters are characters unique to Japan that are based on kanji, and when used in calligraphy, the flowing, smooth brush strokes and soft curves give a sense of elegance. The calligraphy experience takes place in the reception hall, which is not open to the public. You can practice using examples, and the head priest will provide careful advice on how to write beautifully. After deepening your understanding of kana characters through practice, you will write a poem on washi paper. Finally, you will sign in Japanese and stamp your name to complete the experience. You can take home your custom-made name stamp as a keepsake. Enjoy a moment of calligraphy while soothed by the beautiful scenery overlooking the calm Seto Inland Sea.
• The head priest, who is also a calligrapher, will explain how to write kana characters and correct each character.
• When it comes to calligraphy at temples, most experiences involve copying the Heart Sutra (a Buddhist text) which is composed entirely of kanji characters, but at Deshikaji Temple you can experience calligraphy in the uniquely Japanese "kana" characters.
• The venue will be a reception hall that is not open to the public.
• From the rooms you can enjoy beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and the garden.
• We will provide a name stamp with your name engraved into the stone.
• You can take the stamp home with you.