Misen Main Hall — Local services in Hatsukaichi

Near Shishiiwa Observatory, I visited Misenhondo, a historic and sacred hall on Mount Misen. Misenhondo is part of the larger complex of spiritual sites on the mountain, and it plays a significant role in the area's religious heritage. Surrounding Misenhondo, you'll find several other smaller shrines and statues, each contributing to the sacred feel of the area. The hall is also a starting point for a variety of hiking trails that lead further into the mountain, offering opportunities for deeper exploration of the natural and spiritual beauty of...

A Buddhist temple in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture was reportedly founded by Kukai in 806 and became a training hall for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. The main principal of worship is the bodhisattva called Akasagarbha (Kokuzo Bosatsu), and the bodhisattva is flanked by Acala (Fudo Myoo) and Vaisravana (Bishamonten). The fire lit by Kukai when he was praying is still kept burning, and you can enjoy tea made by the spiritual water boiled in kettles...

Just below the summit of Mount Misen you come as a hiker to the spiritual highlight of Miyajima. It is a twofold highlight consisting of the Kiezu-no Reikado and the Misen Hondo. In the Misen Hondo, Kobo Daishi completed his 100-day "Gumonji" training (a secret Buddhist practice). A perfect resting point for...