A Spiritual Journey from Osaka to Kotohira-gu Shrine: 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. Known for its magnificent architecture and endless stairs, this shrine became 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 cool air refreshed us, preparing us for the upcoming challenge. From Kotohira Station, we followed the signs to Kotohira-gu Shrine. Along the way, local shops sold specialties that tempted me to stop and 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 lined with trees, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows, making the whole process poetic. As we ascended the stairs, the fatigue in our legs became more apparent, but our spirits grew more excited. Whenever we stopped to rest, we saw more believers and travelers, all working hard for their wishes. This resonance 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 disappear, leaving only inner peace and joy. Inside the shrine, we participated in a simple prayer ceremony, silently making wishes for the future. Facing the magnificent architecture of the shrine, feeling the weight of history and the depth of culture, our souls were well cleansed. Strolling around the shrine, appreciating the surrounding natural scenery, our hearts were filled with gratitude. On the way back, we descended the endless stairs again. Although our legs were tired, this challenge made our spirits stronger. This trip to Kotohira-gu Shrine was not only a physical challenge but also a spiritual journey. For us, it was an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to climbing these stairs again in the future, embracing new challenges and hopes.