Easy methods to Take a Religious Journey within the Yamanashi Mountain

Yamanashi Prefecture is certainly one of Japan’s finest off-the-beaten-path locations for wandering and letting your self be taken within the breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and pure parks. Yamanashi is a must-see for all outside lovers. What’s extra, it’s solely a 1 hour and half-hour prepare journey from Tokyo, making it simple to suit into any journey itinerary.

Yamanashi’s mountain ranges are residence to a number of temples and spiritual websites. On this article, we’ll introduce a few outstanding spots that may remodel your journey to Japan right into a religious journey you’ll be proud to share with your mates. If we’ve piqued your curiosity, hold studying!

Discovering Interior Peace on the Minobusan Kuonji Temple

The primary spot on our record is situated on Mount Minobu within the Southern Japanese Alps. The Minobusan Kuonji Temple (身延山久遠寺) was established in 1274 and is the pinnacle temple of Nichiren Buddhism, an order based by Nichiren whose teachings advocate for individuals to unfold peace inside themselves and all through the world in accordance with the Lotus Sutra. Following his departure, the priest’s ashes have been returned to the Minobusan Kuonji Temple after his last journey to propagate the Dharma.

The Minobusan Kuonji Temple is just not solely a major spot for Buddhist doctrine but additionally a lovely sightseeing vacation spot, with the attractive cherry timber on his premises (together with a centuries-old weeping cherry tree) attracting many guests annually.

Immerse your self within the temple’s peaceable environment of the temple and be part of the various pilgrims who stroll up its 287 “steps of enlightenment,” a path that results in the advanced’s magnificent five-story pagoda.

Guests can attend the temple companies within the morning, afternoon, or night.

Hone Your Spirit with a Hike to the Shichimensan Keishin-in

The Shichimensan Keishin-in (七面山敬慎院) is one other Buddhist temple situated proper on the prime of Mount Shichimen, within the Southern Japanese Alps, at an elevation of 1982m. It is just accessible on foot through certainly one of two climbing trails: the Omotesando path and the Urasando path. Each hikes are usually not for the faint of coronary heart, with the ascent taking between 4 and 5 hours. The sight from the temple, nonetheless, is price it: after a mountain path that takes you thru stone lanterns, waterfalls, and different mystical landscapes, a gorgeous view of Mount Fuji greets you on the summit. Company who spend the night time on the temple may also get pleasure from a powerful dawn over the Southern Alps.

The temple grounds supply lodgings for pilgrims and guests that accommodate as much as 1,000 friends. Spending the night time on the temple is a chance to not miss, because it’ll provide you with an opportunity to expertise the lifetime of a Buddhist monk. In a single day stays embrace two vegetarian meals.

A As soon as-in-a-lifetime Expertise: Diamond Fuji

Make the climb to the Shichimen-san Keishin-in temple in spring or fall to have an opportunity to absorb the view of a lifetime: the so-called Diamond Fuji (ダイアモンド富士). This uncommon pure phenomenon happens solely twice a 12 months when the solar rises or units straight behind Mount Fuji, making its peak sparkle like a diamond. Whereas the precise dates fluctuate annually, the phenomenon happens across the spring equinox (March 20 or March 21) and the autumnal equinox (September 22 or September 23).

The most effective place to get pleasure from Diamond Fuji is the observatory of the Keishin-in, only a quick stroll away from the temple premises.

Easy methods to Get to Yamanashi Prefecture

The Yamanashi predominant middle is definitely accessible by JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and different main cities. Kofu Station and Otsuki Station are two predominant hubs from which you’ll be able to journey to all different locations through native trains and buses. For these on a tighter finances, the Azusa or Kaiji Restricted Categorical from Shinjuku Station can take you on to Yamanashi’s Kofu Station through the JR Chuo Line (approx. 1 hour and 30 min.) An excellent cheaper choice is to take one of many freeway buses departing from all main cities in Japan.

Whereas checking widespread vacationer spots off your record is a superb method to journey, some experiences are price deviating from the bigger cities for a number of days. We hope this text impressed you to seize your backpack and embark on a religious journey by way of Yamanashi’s mountains!

Sponsored by: Yamanashi Prefecture