Experience the sacred place where Kukai, a great figure in Japanese Buddhism, was born

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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 unpretentious, everyday life, is truly an experiential museum! Experience authentic Japan while experiencing a culture that has been cherished and nurtured since ancient times. About Zentsuji: Founded 1,200 years ago, Zentsuji is the head temple of the Zentsuji branch of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. This historic temple stands on the site of the former residence where Kukai was born. Its vast grounds, totaling 4,500 square meters, are home to numerous legends connected to Kukai. On the east side, you'll find the five-story pagoda, a beloved symbol of the city, and the Kondo Hall, which enshrines the Yakushi Nyorai Buddha, the Buddha who saves people from worldly suffering such as illness. On the west side, you'll find the Miedo Hall, where a statue of Meshun Daishi, said to have been painted by Kukai himself, is enshrined as a secret Buddha. At the temple lodgings, Iroha Kaikan, you can enjoy vegetarian cuisine and the secret hot spring "Daishi no Yu," which is only available to guests. In accordance with the Buddhist teachings found in the "Five Contemplations," you will be served special vegetarian cuisine in a special room at the temple lodging, made without meat or fish, which involve killing, or the five spicy ingredients such as chives and garlic, which can build up stamina and hinder training. The colorful dishes, made using local and seasonal ingredients, are full of ingenuity to allow you to enjoy food even during your training and to show gratitude to the ingredients and their producers. Take your time to savor the freshly prepared vegetarian cuisine and enjoy a pleasant conversation with the monks. During the tour of the temple grounds, the monks will share valuable stories that can only be heard on a special tour, such as the history of the temple, worship etiquette, anecdotes about Kukai that remain throughout the grounds, and highlights of the temple buildings. - Experience Outline - 10:00 Meeting point 10:00-11:00 Tour of the temple grounds 11:00-13:00 Lunch (special vegetarian cuisine, conversation with the monks) 13:00 Disbandment
• A monk will guide you around the temple grounds.
• During the tour of the temple grounds, the monks will carefully explain the anecdotes about Kukai that can be found throughout the temple grounds, the highlights of the temple buildings, and the proper etiquette for worship. You will also have the opportunity to take a special look inside the five-story pagoda, which is not open to the public.
• You can enjoy special vegetarian cuisine made with Zentsuji City's specialty, Daishimochi barley, and seasonal ingredients.