Zentsuji! The name itself conjures up powerful feelings and sparks the imagination. This is where Koubou Daishi was born. Those who are deeply knowledgable about the Ohenro Pilgrimage will tell you that this is one of three very important places to go in regards to Kukai. The other two places are Touji (temple in Kyoto) and Kongoubuji, which is on Mt. Kona. The other places are kind of far away right now, so let’s check out this Zentsuji!!
On the day we visited, there was a festival going on and a bunch of booths on the grounds. We could win great prizes with anime characters on them, have a delicious cake, buy a candied apple, or get some chicken on a stick, but we were on our way to pray. Next time for sure!
There is a tunnel here in Zentsuji, which you must try to find when you arrive. It runs for about 100 meters underground, and you must travel it in complete darkness. If you are evil or cruel, you will be trapped. Good luck to you as you go through. I did not want to go through myself. Best to hedge my bets on that one….
If you have a chance to walk around the outside of the temple area you will also find a great little shop that makes Japanese rice crackers. It is famous, and there is often a line. Highly recommended!