Experiences
In Koyasan, the various facilities and programs are prepared for visitors
aiming for the experiences of Buddhism, the natural world and so forth.
Experiencing Buddhism
Otsutome
(Buddhist Ceremonies at Temples)
A Buddhist service is held early every morning at shukubo temples. During the ceremony, the chief priest and monks of the temple chant Buddhist sutras in the main temple hall. Depending on the temple, the ceremony may start at around 6:00 AM. Overnight guests as temples may also participate or watch.
Experiencing Ajikan
Ajikan is a form of Shingon meditation for integrating the practitioner with the Buddha. Only a few shukubo temples are able to provide an Ajikan experience to private visitors, so be sure to check first.
Jukai
(Receiving Buddhist precepts)
(Jukai fee: 1,000yen: Opens 8:30, last admission 16:30, closes 17:00)
Jukai (receiving Buddhist precepts) is given at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00. The ritual takes 30 minutes. Participants should come ten minutes before the scheduled time.
This building is the center of religious outreach activities at Kōyasan. At the Jukai-do (precept hall), visitors can receive ten Buddhist precepts for living a responsible life in a moving ceremony.