Minobu Sakura Sanctuary

#cherryblossom2024 One of the most important mountain temples A trip to Mount Minobu with its clean air and stunning views will help to cleanse the soul and refresh the senses. In 1274, Minobusan Kuon-ji, the main temple of the Nichiren Buddhist school, was built here. This branch of Mahayana Buddhism is named after its creator, Monk Nithiren (1222-1282). Many pilgrims come to the temple. Recommended Visit Minobusan Kuonji Temple, the resting place of Nichiren Admire the ceiling of the main temple building, decorated with a magnificent image of a five-fingered Japanese dragon To visit the Oeshiki Festival, which is held on the second weekend of October in memory of Nichiren's death How to get there Mount Minoba is easily accessible by train from Shizuoka and Shinjuku. Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen line to Shizuoka Station, then transfer to the JR Tokaido Main line to Fuji Station, and from there take the JR Minobu Line north to Minobu Station. From Shinjuku Station, you can take the express train to Kofu Station, transfer to the Minobu line there and get off at JR Minobu Station about three hours later. Minobusan Kuonji can be reached from the station by taxi or bus. The Path to Enlightenment One of the most impressive sights of Mount Minobu is bodai-tei, the stone staircase to enlightenment. It consists of 287 steps, and to climb it without stopping, you need to be in good shape. Even if you do not gain enlightenment, the reward will be an impressive view of the five-tiered Minobusan Kuonji Pagoda. Cherry blossoms and spectacular procession About one and a half million people visit Mount Minobu every year. Most people come here in mid-April to admire the flowering of the four-hundred-year-old weeping sakura in front of the main temple building. Views from the top If you are lucky with the weather, you will see behind the mountain range the majestic Mount Fuji and the river of the same name, carrying waters to the Pacific Ocean. At the top there is a spacious place to relax and an observation deck. Sights and beauty There are many smaller temples on the way to the top. They are also worth visiting. The first one is known as Pomegranate. He was so nicknamed for the small wooden tablets with prayers for the gift of healthy children — pomegranate in Japan is considered a symbol of fertility. In spring, the path goes under the shade of cherry blossoms, and in early summer, hydrangea covers the surroundings of the temple with a bright blue carpet. Meetings on the way If you are lucky, you can meet real pilgrims in white clothes on the way. On the way to the mountain and back, they chant the mantra "Nam-meho-renge-ke" — a prayer for enlightenment.