The most notable part of our stay on Mt. Koya was that we were actually staying in a monastery with a group of monks.
It was a beautifully, traditional complex – with a couple temples and shrines interlaced with traditional rooms where visitors were allowed to stay.
And every morning (around 6:30am), guests were invited to take part in the monks’ daily prayer ceremony – sit with them, meditate with them, pray with them.
The room was alive with the smell of incense, the incantations of the head monk rang loud throughout the temple.
Sadly, photography was not permitted during the ceremony – and therefore, I have nothing to show for it.
However, we did visit Okunoin (the largest cemetery in Japan) – the site is lit by lines and lines of lanterns while a rich variety of headstones run deep into the mountain.
Below, are a few shots from the visit, hopefully conveying the spiritual importance and essence of Mt. Koya and Okunoin.
Ryan Cheng is the founder of The 88, and is passionate about telling stories surrounding travel, culture and identity.
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I love the serenity you’ve conveyed in this series, Ryan.
Thank you very much Jane! I’m still getting some film developed from this series in particular – so hoping they’ve turned out okay!
Old school. I remember that feeling!
Yeah I thought I’d try my hand at some film stuff – you have to try understand where the craft came from!
Wonderful photos, you are making me want to go to Japan.
Do it!!
Very beautiful, want to go even more now!
You should! It’s an awesome country!!
Incredible
Thank you so much!
Beautiful captures and a good read! I definitely need to check out Japan! 😍
Thank you so much!! Japan is a stunning spot, you’ll love it!
Wow looks so cool
it was such an incredible experience!
Ryan, pretty neat Japan blogs 👌
Thank you so much for the kind words 🙂 have a great week!