日本仏教三大霊山「身延山」－日本の伝統文化の本質と出会う旅
Glor. [Music] Nestled among the mountains of southern Yamanashi Prefecture, Minobu Town is a place where centuries old Buddhist tradition and a serene natural setting have given birth to a rich cultural heritage. Rooted in Nitan Buddhism, Japan’s unique homegrown branch of Buddhist faith, this tranquil town offers a journey filled with authentic cultural experiences, opportunities for quiet contemplation, and even thrilling adventures. At the heart of Minopou lies Kuongji Temple, the main temple of Nitan Buddhism. Created by Niten, the founder of the sect back in the 13th century, Kuongji is an important spiritual center on par with Coyasan and Enyakuji. It continues to attract both the devotees of the faith and visitors fascinated by its culture and the natural beauty of its surroundings. Nearby Manoba University is home to one of Japan’s leading workshops for the restoration of Buddhist statues where experts meticulously revive these rare treasures. They work to preserve their significance both as cultural artifacts and sacred objects of worship. At the foot of the temple stretches the town of Mino, including long-standing temple ins and a picturesque shopping street offering traditional sweets and local cuisine. For generations, this town has offered hospitality to the pilgrims who visit Kuongji Temple and has grown alongside the Nijidan [Music] faith. Minobu offers visitors a rare chance to step away from the demands of modern life and explore Japan’s spiritual heritage. Begin your day with an all-inspiring morning service at Kuongji Temple. Witness the grandeur of the ceremony as the melodic chanting of the monks fills the sacred hall, creating a serene and reverent atmosphere. At Kakurimbo, a temple in with over 500 years of history, guests can immerse themselves in the meditative art of sutra copying. Experience the calming rhythm of morning yoga and join the deputy chief priest in Shodai, a form of chanting meditation using Nitan Buddhism’s sacred phrase. Yes, it was very incredible for me because I felt this peacefulness. I have a very busy lifestyle and sometimes I think a lot as but I was saying this meditation words and I was thinking only of these words. It was amazing. At Kakurimbo guests are treated to Shojin Diori, a traditional Buddhist vegan cuisine reimagined as a fine dining experience. Each dish is a harmonious blend of seasonal ingredients, beautifully presented to delight both the eye and pallet. Pay a nightly visit to the mausoleum of Nitan to learn more about the history of Mobu and experience the unique atmosphere of this hallowed space. Do it in night time. You can feel like the cal, you can hear everything. Understanding the environment, you can understand more deep like the souls of the monks and everything. As a fun cultural activity, guests can experience wearing a Japanese kimono. Draped in vibrant fabrics, they can walk the temple grounds and truly feel the grace and beauty of Japan’s traditional garments. Guests can also watch young monks in training perform gagaku, traditional Japanese court music with deep ties to Buddhism. They’ll have the opportunity to see the instruments up close and learn from the monks about them and the intricate scores that bring this musical tradition to life. Wiko performances bring a different kind of energy charged with intense beats and whimsical rhythm. Visitors can also try their hand at playing these drums, learning the basics of this fascinating musical style. Mobu’s local traditions come alive during the festival experience. Guests witness a captivating performance inspired by a local festival commemorating Niiden, gaining a rare insight into this aspect of Niiden Buddhism’s tradition. Mino Town and the surrounding area is also a haven for traditional craftsmanship. Visitors can try their hand at carving inkstones at a familyrun workshop, learning the intricate process behind this essential tool of Japanese calligraphy. They can visit a local washi paper factory and discover the delicate art of paper making, a tradition passed down through generations. They can make their own sheet of washi paper and have an image of their choice printed on it. [Music] [Music] Visitors can also learn how to make hoto, a hearty udo noodle dish native to Yamanashi Prefecture. It’s a delicious way to experience the region’s culinary culture. These hands-on experiences allow visitors to take home not just a souvenir, but a deeper appreciation of Japan’s artisal heritage. For those seeking adventure, Manobu offers breathtaking encounters with nature. Soar above the landscape on a helicopter tour, taking in stunning views of Mount Fuji. Trek up the sacred trails of Mount Mino, dawning traditional pilgrim attire and joining a rare esoteric Buddhist ceremony at the mountain’s peak. It was very transcendental because we were like one, two, one like doing the mantra like 2 hours doing the same mantra not talking at all. So it was very a very powerful experience. You know, I have done hiking before and the groups are like spread. Yeah. Like some people goes behind, some people goes more far than others. And this time like we all together and it’s a powerful feeling because you feel that you are just one. Yeah, just one. All together. And at some point we have the same steps and the same sound of the woods. That was really that was so cool. Mobu is a destination like no other. Offering a unique mix of culture, adventure, and peaceful reflection. It’s a place where spirituality, history, and hospitality come together in a vibrant community. More than just a sightseeing spot, Mobu invites you to experience tradition, find balance, and make lasting memories. [Music]
