[Kagawa・Zentsuji] Enjoy calligraphy in the Japanese Kana characters and a spectacular view at the 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 Deshakkaji Temple Deshakkaji Temple is located on a hill at the foot of the mountain, and offers beautiful views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. Behind the temple grounds stands Mt. Sutemi-ga-take, and about 40 minutes up the mountain leads to the inner sanctuary where Kukai, when he was 7 years old, threw himself off a cliff, saying, "I want to save many people with the power of Buddhism. If that wish can be granted, please appear to me, Buddha." Then Shaka Nyorai appeared with a celestial maiden, and his wish was granted. "There is a legend that says, "The temple is a place where wishes come true." Inspired by 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 with the heart, and the magnificent views of the Seto Inland Sea Some people visit the temple 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 basically given as proof of worship, but the goshuin stamps of the head priest, who writes seasonal songs in graceful "kana characters" on paper with seasonal motifs, have the beauty of a work of art. At Deshikaji Temple, we have prepared an experience program where you can learn calligraphy in "kana characters" from the head priest. "Kana characters" are characters unique to Japan that are based on Chinese characters, and when used in calligraphy, the smooth, flowing brush strokes and soft curves give a sense of elegance. The calligraphy experience will be held in the reception hall, which is not open to the public. You will practice while looking at the model, and the head priest will carefully advise you 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 press a name stamp to complete the experience. You can take your custom-made name stamp home as a memento. Enjoy a moment of calligraphy while soothing yourself with the beautiful scenery overlooking the calm Seto Inland Sea.

When it comes to calligraphy at temples, the experience is often limited to copying the Heart Sutra (a Buddhist scripture) which is composed entirely of kanji characters, but at Deshikaji Temple you can experience calligraphy in the uniquely Japanese "kana" characters.

From the rooms you can enjoy beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and the garden.

You can take the stamp home with you.