Journeys to unknown destination in Japan

(Request to readers)
This blog was written to help people learn about Japanese real nature and culture that is not well known to foreigners. If there are people around you who are interested in Japan, please tell them about this blog.


Tokai Village, Ibaraki Prefecture.
Everyone knows the name of this village.

Tokai Village is the birthplace of nuclear power in Japan, and research institutes such as the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, the High Energy Accelerator Organization, and the University of Tokyo have research facilities of various sizes. The High Energy Accelerator Organization is a national institution to which Makoto Kobayashi, who won the Nobel Prize, has belonged for many years.
There is also the Tokai Power Station of Japan Atomic Power Company. This power plant is the first commercial nuclear power plant in Japan.

"Muramatsu Kokuzoson" is located in Tokai Village, which is the cutting edge of science and technology.
It was founded in 807 AD. It was opened by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) and is a temple of the Shingon sect.
The principal image of "Kukaizo Bodhisattva" was carved by Kobo Daishi.
And, along with Asamagatake Kongoshoji Temple in Ise, Mie Prefecture, and Enzoji Temple in Yanaizu, Fukushima Prefecture, it is considered to be one of the "three Japanese Kokuzoson".


Although it is a very historical temple, it is not a tourist destination.
It is a temple where locals usually come for a walk or visit Shichigosan.


At this temple, Goma prayers are held four to five times daily.
Goma prayer is a secret method of Shingon esoteric Buddhism brought back from Tang (China) by Kobo Daishi at that time. It is to deliver our wish to the Buddha.

Since the fire is lit while actually chanting the sutra, the flame rises. Moreover, the drums are also beaten, and the power is amazing. If you haven't seen the Goma prayer yet, please take a look.
The time required for each Goma prayer is about 30 minutes.

This Muramatsu Kokuzoson has a very nice backyard, and the backyard has a three-storied pagoda with a height of 21m.
This garden is also worth a visit.

・Dwelling place
　8 Muramatsu, Tokai-mura, Naka-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture

・by Train / Bus
Tokyo Station (JR Joban Line approx. 1 hour 15 minutes) ⇒ Tokai Station (bus)
Bus: Get off at "Tokai Station East Exit" (bound for Kaihin Koen)-"Kokuzosonmae"
　Or "Tokai Station East Exit" (for Ibaraki East Hospital) -Get off at "Kokuzosoniriguchi"

・by Car
　15 minutes from Joban Expressway "Tokai Smart IC" (free parking)

・Highlights in the neighborhood
　Hitachinaka Seaside Park
　 Nakaminato (fish market)
　Science Museum of Atomic Energy

・Video
　I took a video of the state of the Goma prayer and the beautiful backyard including the three-storied pagoda.




【じゃらん】国内25,000軒の宿をネットで予約OK！2％ポイント還元！