I went on a petit pilgrimage to 88 sacred sites to re-train my body, which had become limp during the New Year's holiday.In the latter half of the Edo period, 190 years ago, in the temple area of Ninna-ji Temple in Omuro, Ukyo-ku, the "Omuro 88 Sacred Sites" tour was created on the model of the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku Province.But that's it.

Stone monument for "Gozan Meguri

At a time when even visiting Ise was not easy, a pilgrimage to the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku was a must for the people of Kyoto.A grueling journey that takes about 50 daysThe temple was so badly damaged that people died on the way to the temple. Therefore, in accordance with the principal wish of the 29th Jinna-ji Priest, the temple doctor brought back soil from the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku and buried it in the mountains in the temple area, and built 88 halls on the site so that anyone from Kyoto could make a pilgrimage. From the first temple to the 88th temple,A 3-kilometer pilgrimage route that is analogous to the main Shikoku provinces of Awa, Tosa, Iyo, and Sanuki.The pilgrimage was to be completed and the pilgrims were to conclude their pilgrimage. People in Kyoto were eager to make the pilgrimage, as it was said that if one completed the entire route and made a wish, he or she would receive the same benefits as if he or she had made a pilgrimage to the 88 sacred sites in Shikoku. It was truly a petit pilgrimage!

From the spacious precincts of Ninna-ji Temple, exit the west gate and head for the first temple.

The first temple [Reizanji Temple]

Proceeding along the side of the standing statue of Kobo Daishi on the left, we found the second and third temple halls at the end of a grove of trees. The pilgrimage route in the mountains looked like something out of a period drama, with the desired halls appearing one after another without much space between them. However, the road and some of the halls were crumbling due to recent wind and rain, so we had to be careful where we stepped.

On the way, we met a local who was walking backwards from the 88th temple to the 1st temple. He told us that he walks this route almost every day.Interesting Blessing SpotsOne of them is the 33rd temple in the Tosa area. One of them is the 33rd temple in the Tosa area.

Statue of Kobo Daishi at the 33rd temple

Here, too, a standing statue of Kobo Daishi greets you. ThisThrow money into the basket held by the statue of the Great Teacher, and if it goes in, your wish will be granted.I made a wish and threw in some money. I immediately made a wish and threw in some money. This was quite difficult. After the third throw, I finally succeeded!　I was not told that the first throw was not good enough, so I decided to call it OK. The 41st temple in the Iyo area is the only hexagonal-shaped hall. If one turns clockwise around the hall three times and worships, he or she will be able to go to the next world without being cared for in the future, so I turn three times and worship carefully for the rest of my life.

Nor was this pilgrimage route only for the sake of good fortune. From the area past the 48th temple on the summit of the mountain,A series of spectacular spots overlooking the city of KyotoIt is. Below us we could see the temple complex of Ninna-ji Temple, Sougaoka Hill, the scenic views of Higashiyama and Nishiyama, and Kyoto Tower in the distance. Unfortunately, it was a little hazy, but on a clear day, Fushimi Castle and Otokoyama could be seen.

View of Kyoto City of the pilgrimage route and collection

An orb? On the Pilgrim's Progress

At the end of the tour, at the 80th temple in the Sanuki area, we came across one of Kyoto's mysterious stones, the "Omuro no Kuroishi" (black stone).A sacred stone that is said to relieve pain if you touch it and stroke the sore spot.So I touched it and stroked the part of my back pain that has been bothering me on a regular basis.

Black stones in Omuro," which are said to take away pain by touching and stroking them.

While experiencing firsthand the nature of Muro and the faith of the people of Kyoto that has continued since the Edo period, we passed by the pond and finally arrived at the 88th temple. We made it!　I was overjoyed, and then I suddenly realized. The pain in my back that I had been feeling until just before the visit to the mountains had completely disappeared. Was it thanks to the blessing or was it because my legs and back had been rubbed on the mountain path and the lack of daily exercise had been eliminated?

After completing the petit pilgrimage, I started the year with a refreshed body and mind.

The 88th temple for the fulfillment of one's vow [Okuboji Temple]