Yakuouji

The main hall of Yakuoji Temple was built in the early Edo period and is decorated with beautiful sculptures and paintings. In particular, the main statue of Yakushi Nyorai is known as Japan's oldest wooden seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai. In addition, the ceiling of the main hall is adorned with beautiful colored paintings that captivate viewers! If you love historic buildings, be sure to visit as it's an unforgettable experience.

Once you pass through the first Niomon gate, you'll find the 33-step Onna-Yakusaka staircase. It is said that the Yakushi Sutra is buried on each step, and if you climb up one step at a time while reciting the mantra and offering a small donation at each step, you can perform a Yakubarai, a ritual to ward off bad luck. By the way, it's okay to recite the mantra "On korokoro sendari matougi sowaka" in your mind. If you don't have enough change, you can exchange money at the office near the Niomon gate. Why not give it a try while you're there?

After climbing the Onna-yaku Slope, there is a bell tower (which seems to ring every day at 6:00 and 17:00 as the town's time signal), and beyond the bell tower is the Otoko-yaku Slope. The Otoko-yaku Slope has 42 steps, and like the Onna-yaku Slope, you can perform a Yakubarai (a ritual to ward off bad luck) by reciting the Yakushi Nyorai mantra and offering a coin on each step. By the way, there is also a 61-step Kanreki-yaku Slope for men and women. Be sure to bring plenty of coins and wear comfortable shoes when you visit!

Inside the temple grounds, there is something called the Suigu Bell, and it is said that if you ring the bell as many times as your age while reciting the Daisuikyo Mantra, your bad luck will be purified. You don't need to memorize the Daisuikyo Mantra as it is written under the bell, but it is quite long, so reciting it alone can be a challenge. As a temple for purifying bad luck, if you can manage to complete this ritual, it seems like you can really rid yourself of any misfortune.

After climbing the Men and Women's 60th Birthday and Yakusaka Slope, you will find the Yugi Tower. Why not pay a visit? This tower was built to commemorate the founding of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage and the 1150th anniversary of the founding of Koyasan. It was created in the form of the teachings of the Yugi Sutra, which states that "everything in the world is made up of two opposing things, but by becoming one, the foundation of world peace and family happiness is established, making everything abundant and leading to social peace." While there is a fee to enter the tower, it is a beautiful and interesting building that is definitely worth seeing.

At Yakuoji Temple, if you make a reservation, you can participate in various experiences. In the "Aji Kan Experience," you can concentrate your mind through Zen meditation, and in the "Shakyo Experience," you can slowly copy sutras on special paper to receive blessings. You can also enjoy "Shojin Ryori," a vegetarian cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. Be sure to make a reservation and visit!

The area around Yakuoji Temple is filled with beautiful nature, making it perfect for walks and hikes. In particular, "Akataki" is a must-see and has been selected as one of the Hiyosahakkei, offering a powerful waterfall with a drop of about 20 meters in a branching waterfall. The reason for its name, Akataki, is because it is a waterfall that flows down the reddish rock face in several streams. When visiting Yakuoji Temple, be sure to visit Akataki as well!

Around Yakuoji Temple, approximately 1,500 cherry blossom trees are planted, making it a famous spot for cherry blossoms in the spring. Especially during the Hiwasa Sakura Festival, you can enjoy the illuminated night sakura. During this period, tea ceremonies and koto performances are also held in the main hall of Yakuoji Temple, so why not take a break and rest at Yakuoji Temple if you are on a pilgrimage?