Omuro Eighty-eight Temple Pilgrimage
- January 4-2011
- Chikako Takemoto
- Green tour,Kyoto,Outdoor life,Temples,Travel
I enjoyed a unique hiking during New Year’s holidays. That’s called “Omuro Eighty-eight Temple Pilgrimage”, which was founded on Mt. Jyoju (成就山）located behind of 0muro-Ninnaji Temple, Ukyo Ward. This pilgrimage is about 3 km length, and the altitude of Mt. Jyoju, means accomplish one’s object, is 236m.
Eighty-eight Temple Pilgrimage was originally founded in Shikoku Island of Japan by Kukai who was a great Buddhist and a founder of Shingon sect of Buddhism in the 9th century. People follow this pilgrimage to achieve their goals or overcome their difficulties. Eighty-eight temples are located in four prefectures of Shikoku Island. In 1892, the then abbot of Ninanji Temple, Sainin founded a miniature of this pilgrimage on Mt. Jyoju. People can walk and achieve this mini-pilgrimage in about 2 hours.
The small statues of Kukai and Nyorai or Bosatsu (the images of Buddha) are displayed in each temple. The route is simple and gradual. I met some people who enjoyed exercising and walking with their dog.
The view from the top was a touching sight! The roofs of Ninnaji Temple appeared from a thick trees, and I realized that Kyoto city is surrounded by beautiful and sacred mountains.
I arrived at the final eighty-eighth point before sunset.
I prayed that my dad, passed away to heaven three weeks ago, is living in peace and free from any bitterness and pain. And I respected his whole life he had walked and thanked for his love to me. It is really by the grace of his efforts and his life itself that I am living here. I really love dad..
Omuro Eighty-eight Temple Pilgrimage
1. Get off at Omuro-Ninnaji Station of Randen line or get off at Omuro-Ninnaji-mae Bus stop of Kyoto City Bus no. 26 or 59.
2. Walk about 30m west from Ninnaji Temple and turn right at the corner next to Seven-Eleven store. You can see the sign with 第一札所. This is the start point of the pilgrimage.
