Explore Kansai: Esoteric Buddhism - snow covered Mount Koya

There is said to be 13 schools of Buddhism in Japan. All of these are categorized as Mahayana Buddhism, but each teachings are far apart from the other's. But I feel that two figures are transcendent beyond school boundary. One is Prince Shotoku in 6th to 7th century, who endeavored to introduce Buddhism by assimilating its teachings to indigenous beliefs of Shinto. The other is Kobo Daishi Kukai in 8th to 9th century, who travelled to Chang'an (modern day Xi'an in western China) to absorb the latest Buddhism and brought Esoteric Shingon Buddhism to Japan. There are numerous legend on him, and Shikoku 88 pilgrimage is just to trace Kukai's undertakings. He is said to be the master of calligraphy also, thus there is proverb that "even Kukai errs his brush stroke", which means even the master sometimes makes mistakes.

Kukai established Esoteric Buddhism training complex in Mount Koya in the early 8th century, and thus Mount Koya is commemorating 1200th anniversary in the coming years. Mount Koya in northern Wakayama prefecture is home to more than 100 temples even today. It is located in the altitude of 1000 meter, so snow fall could be observed in the winter. Friday was day off. I followed the weather forecast and dry snow was expected on Friday, so I went there to undertake unique experience even though I don't know how cold it could become. I had been there only once and it was in autumn.

Okuno-in:
In Okuno-in, Kukai is said to be still meditating. So there is no tomb for him, but there are numerous memorial monuments from the past, including famous samurais, monks, modern day corporate entities, and just anybody.