Mount Shigi in Nara Prefecture is a hidden destination for travellers who desire a spiritual escape while being encapsulated by myth, meditation, and wellness. Mount Shigi is an enclave that hosts the Buddhist temple, Chogosonshi-ji, where your clients can experience a temple stay at one of the few temple inns hosted by Buddhist monks, two being: Hyokuzo-in and Senjyu-in. The experience at this ancient temple further includes the seasonally curated Shojin Ryori and an early morning meditative cleanse through the Goma fire ceremony.
Although nestled close to the golden route of Japan, Mount Shigi and the temple stay experience at Chogosonshi temple is sparsely discovered by crowds–a gem kept secret by locals.Travellers seeking an immersive spiritual experience that is quietly tucked away from the joyous revelry of Osaka and Kyoto, may enjoy taking a tranquil break at Mount Shigi.
Temple Stay
Chogosonshi-ji, also known as the Tiger Temple, is an ancient and mythologised temple guarded by a giant handcrafted paper tiger. The temple’s winding corridors and stone paths encourage deliberate steps to meander up to the main temple. Here in the main hall, a test of faith called Kaidan Meguri awaits, a pitch dark hallway designed to leave you with your thoughts and encourage introspection. Completion of this test is said to purge your sins.
Hyokuzo-in and Senjyu-in are two notable inns to stay at Mount Shigi. Each run by monks, the stay opens up the opportunity to experience early morning Japanese Buddhist meditation called Asokukan in the heart of the temple’s spiritual core. Copying Buddhist sutras–Shakyo–and tracing the figures of the Buddha–Shabutsu–are also activities offered during the temple stays, promoting thoughtfulness. Travellers who are looking to experience a Buddhist monk’s daily routine and enter a state of peace, this temple stay is worth the pilgrimage.
Goma Fire Ceremony
Experience using sacred fire to cleanse sins and ward off evil with the Goma fire ceremony. Starting at 5 a.m. on the second day of the temple stay, participants can witness monks ritualistically chant and burn wooden prayer tablets called Gomagi. These prayers, when burned, catch the attention of worshipped deities. At Chogosonshi, protection is granted by Bishamonten, a member of the seven lucky deities. Those who can participate in the Goma ceremony at a Chogosonshi-ji are mainly those who are a part of a temple stay.
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