A Journey to Kotohira-gu Shrine from Osaka: A Spiritual Journey Challenging Human Limits
For this trip, I chose to depart from Osaka and head to Kotohira-gu Shrine, which is hailed as a must-visit shrine for Japanese people at least once in their lifetime. This shrine is renowned for its magnificent architecture and endless stairs, making it one of the biggest challenges of our journey.
Early in the morning, we took a train from Osaka to Kotohira, enjoying the beautiful rural scenery and small towns along the way. The train journey took about two hours, filling us with anticipation. Upon arriving at Kotohira Station, the refreshing air invigorated us, preparing us for the upcoming challenge.
From Kotohira Station, we followed the signs to Kotohira-gu Shrine. Along the way, the street was lined with shops selling local specialties, and I couldn't resist stopping to taste some delicious snacks. Soon, we reached the entrance of Kotohira-gu Shrine and saw a staircase leading up the mountain, feeling both excited and nervous.
Kotohira-gu Shrine has a total of 1,368 steps, making this challenge anything but simple. With each step, we could see the beautiful natural scenery around us and pilgrims from all over, all striving for the same goal. The stairs were flanked by trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows and adding a poetic touch to the journey.
As we ascended the stairs, the fatigue in our legs grew more pronounced, but our spirits grew more excited. Every time we paused to rest, we saw more believers and travelers, all working hard for their wishes. This sense of shared purpose gave us an invisible strength, motivating us to keep going.
After nearly an hour of effort, we finally reached the main hall of Kotohira-gu Shrine. Standing in front of the shrine, overlooking the beautiful view of Kotohira City, we felt an immense sense of accomplishment. At that moment, all the fatigue seemed to vanish, leaving only inner peace and joy.
Inside the shrine, we participated in a simple prayer ceremony, silently making wishes for the future. Facing the shrine's magnificent architecture, feeling the weight of history and the depth of culture, our spirits were thoroughly cleansed.
Strolling around the shrine, appreciating the surrounding natural beauty, we felt a deep sense of gratitude. On the way back, we descended the endless stairs once again. Although our legs were tired, this challenge had strengthened our spirits.
This journey to Kotohira-gu Shrine was not only a physical challenge but also a spiritual practice. For us, it was an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to climbing these stairs again in the future, ready to embrace new challenges and hopes.