[Kagawa, Zentsuji] Experience the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism meditation method and moon viewing at a temple associated with Kukai, a great figure in the world of Japanese Buddhism.

[A city-wide customized experience museum] Zentsuji City, 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 nature of his hometown, Shikoku. Even now, more than 1,200 years after his active days, many worshippers who admire Kukai visit from all over the world to follow the pilgrimage route he left behind. At the five temples associated with Kukai in Zentsuji City, we offer experience content that allows you to face yourself and hone your five senses with the themes of Mandala Temple - touch, Deshakka Temple - sight, Kozan Temple - hearing, Zentsuji - taste, and Kanakura Temple - smell. In the city center, where the culture of "Osentai" (hospitality) is deeply rooted, where local residents entertain pilgrims, we offer experiences such as enjoying local traditional crafts and local cuisine. Zentsuji City, where nature and faith are close at hand and where you can get a glimpse of unadorned, everyday life, is truly an experiential museum! Experience authentic Japan while experiencing the culture that people have cherished since ancient times. About Koyamaji Temple Koyamaji Temple was built in a place where Kukai used the reward money he received from the Imperial Court in recognition of his achievements to build a temple in the place where he used to play in his childhood. The principal image is Yakushi Nyorai, a Buddha who saves people from the suffering of this world, such as illness. On either side of him, he carries 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 temple related to rabbits. Within the temple grounds, statues of 16 rabbits jumping out of the moon ring watch over the worshippers. 〇 Listen quietly to the sounds of nature and the voice of the chief priest, and listen to the voice of your heart - At Kozanji 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 imagine the full moon in your mind. Starting from a small full moon that fits in your chest, gradually enlarge it and expand it to the world and the universe, and you will approach a broad and calm mind like a Buddha. Listening to the sounds of the wind, the voices of insects, and the voice of the chief priest guiding you while also listening to the voice of your own heart, you will feel a refreshing sensation as if you are freed from the distractions of daily life. The sliding screen calligraphy that can also be viewed was created by calligrapher Kohei Okamoto, who is also a Kukai researcher. The 36 sliding screens that separate the five rooms are inscribed with the Heart Sutra, a Buddhist text, in a style of calligraphy called Hihakutai, which Kukai is said to have brought back from Tang Dynasty China. The flowing characters express rain, mountains, dragons, and more, making this 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.

The head priest will explain the meditation method carefully, so even beginners can experience it with ease. Chairs will be provided for those who have difficulty sitting cross-legged on the tatami mat.