While we were in Koyasan we decided to partake in a Jukai ceremony, which ended up being one of the most memorable experiences of my 6 months travelling.
Jukai is a formal ceremony usually administered to Buddhist laypeople, however partaking in Jukai doesn’t make you Buddhist unless you choose to practive it.
The ceremony takes place is a really darkly lit room (not as ominous as it sounds I swear), where you recite back to the priest chanting the ten Buddhist precepts. At the end of the ceremony the priest calls you to collect your certificate of participation and then you’re free to head off an practice Buddhism (or not, if you so choose) as you wish!
How to get there: Daishi Kyokai is a short walk from the Senjuinbashi intersection and just opposite the Kongobu-Ji temple.
Opening hours: The Jukai ceremony is held hourly between the hours of 09:00 – 16:00 (except 12:00).
Admission: 500 yen