[Mikurodo Cave] A Sacred Site Associated with the Origin of Kukai's Name, Cape Muroto, Kochi Prefecture

Mikurodo is a sea cave located in Muroto Misaki-cho, Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture, associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai. Situated near Hotsumisaki-ji, one of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, it is said that Kukai used this cave as his residence during his ascetic training.

The story of how Kukai attained enlightenment

• Kokuzo Gumonji-ho training: Kukai performed a rigorous ascetic practice called the "Kokuzo Gumonji-ho" in this cave. This involved chanting the words of the Buddha many times within a certain period, and it is said that Kukai chanted the mantra over 10,000 times every day.

• Encounter with the Morning Star: It is said that during his training, Kukai had a mystical experience where a shining morning star, considered an incarnation of the Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha Bodhisattva), flew into his mouth.

• The scenery of the sky and the sea: At the same time as his encounter with the morning star, he was deeply moved by the scenery of the "sky" (ku) and the "sea" (kai) as seen from the cave, and it is said that he attained enlightenment. It is believed that he took the dharma name "Kukai" from the inspiration he felt at this moment.

Nearby are Hotsumisaki-ji Temple of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage, the Cape Muroto Lighthouse, which is one of the 50 best lighthouses in Japan, and the Bishago Rock, a natural monument.

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