Published date: September 17, 2024
Activities to Meet Kukai at OMO3 Kyoto Toji
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
It's about an eight-minute walk to Toji, and the half-coin system is set at a low fee, making it very reasonable! Plus, there are plenty of activities! This time, I participated in "National Treasure Morning Visit - A Morning with Kukai" and "Toji Mandala Walking".
I left the hotel at 5:45 AM and took part in the Shōjinku ceremony, where offerings are made to Kukai, who has continued for 1200 years at Toji. They lend you sutras and prayer beads. I was able to have the precious experience of seeing Kukai's statue, which can only be viewed at that time, and reciting sutras together with believers.
In addition, during the mandala walk, I enjoyed a 90-minute experience appreciating Toji's buildings and statues with the enjoyable and easily understandable explanation from the OMO Rangers.
Inside the hotel, there is a cashless OMO Food & Drink Station where you can freely choose delicious sweets, bread, beer, and sake, which was convenient for evening snacks and breakfast.
There are also many books about statues, mandalas, and Kukai that can be taken to your room, allowing for leisurely reading.
Experiences during the trip
The activity of mandala walking at Toji ended on site, and I then slowly walked around Toji by myself. A ticket to see only the main hall and lecture hall costs 500 yen, and for an additional 300 yen you can visit the Kanchi-in. After exploring thoroughly, I bought a manju from the Toji Mochi shop next to the Keigamon gate, and enjoyed a pudding parfait at a delicious pudding shop next door.