From Osaka to Kotohira Shrine: A Spiritual Journey to Challenge Human Limits

For this trip, I chose to depart from Osaka and head to Kotohira Shrine, known as the 'Shrine that every Japanese person must visit once in their lifetime.' This shrine is famous 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 countryside and small town scenery along the way. The train journey took about two hours, filling us with anticipation. Upon arriving at Kotohira Station, the cool air invigorated us, preparing us for the upcoming challenge. From Kotohira Station, we followed the signs to Kotohira Shrine. Along the way, the street was lined with shops selling local specialties, tempting me to stop and taste some delicious snacks. Soon, we arrived at the entrance of Kotohira Shrine, where a staircase leading up the mountain awaited us, filling us with both excitement and nervousness. Kotohira Shrine has a total of 1,368 steps, making this challenge anything but easy. With each step, we were treated to beautiful natural scenery and fellow pilgrims from all over, all striving towards 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 soared higher. Every time we paused to rest, we saw more believers and travelers, all working towards their own wishes. This sense of shared purpose gave us an invisible strength, motivating us to keep climbing. After nearly an hour of effort, we finally reached the main hall of Kotohira Shrine. Standing before the shrine, overlooking the beautiful view of Kotohira City, we felt an immense sense of accomplishment. In 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. The majestic architecture and the weight of history and culture deeply cleansed our souls. Strolling around the shrine, appreciating the surrounding natural beauty, our hearts were filled with gratitude. On the way back, we descended the endless stairs once more. Despite the fatigue in our legs, this challenge had strengthened our spirits. This journey to Kotohira 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 those stairs again in the future, ready to embrace new challenges and hopes.