“Aoba Festival in Kouyasan” A “holy place” of the world heritage, Mt. Koya and staying at Shukubo

Kouyasan in Kouya Town, Ito-gun, the northern part of Wakayama Prefecture is 800 meters high that is
surrounded by mountains that are 1,000 meters high.

In 816, Koubou Daishi, a founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, got here from Emperor Saga.

Then, Kouyasan was known as a holy place of the holy city, and it was designated as the world heritage of UNESCO
in 2004.

As for Shingon sect, June 15th is designated as the birthday of Koubou Daishi, and “Aoba Festival in Kouyasan”
is held as a celebration from the evening of June 14th.

At a pre-festival, parades by brilliant “Nebuta” is the bigger view point.
Nebuta’s lights grow gorgeously into the night sky.

The festival starts with a Buddhist service by 100 priests from 9:00 AM on June 15th.
In the afternoon, there is a gorgeous parade by Yosakoi dance, Soran dance, Awa dance, and marching bands
by local elementary school students.

People celebrate the birth of Koubou Daishi splendidly.

In Kouyasan, there are temples with accommodations called “Shukubo”, so that we recommend you to stay there
if you want to enjoy Aoba Festival from its pre-festival.
Passing through the Japanese tasteful gate, there is a silent place.

You’ll be shown the tatami floored Japanese room, that feels Japanese traditions.
After relaxing in this comfortable Japanese room, you can spend luxury time by rare experiences,
like worship or sutra copying, and eating seasonable Buddhist cuisines.

Even Fresh greens in Kouyasan are brilliant for our eyes.
Why don’t you stay at a place of the world heritage and experience “Aoba Festival” with history
and traditions?

Source of photos:https://www.itijyoin.or.jp/shukubou/rooms.html

https://ameblo.jp/nanzanbou/image-12171098965-13673784035.html

Tags:tatami Japaneseroom Shukubo Kouyasan AobaFestival KoubouDaishi Nebuta