Hosokatsuji

This temple positioned upon a high mountain deserves my appellation 'the shrine nearest to heaven.' Through their climbing journey, pilgrims confront their own hearts, and only upon reaching this summit do they achieve true clarity. At this height near the sky, all worldly concerns appear diminished, and body and spirit alike grow light. The beautiful landscape, the pure air—all awaken the souls of those who visit. This is truly the place where the first step toward enlightenment is taken.