This is my first experience of such pure darkness! I think this level of darkness is a first for me in my life.

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture. It's a very famous temple, and I think I've been here many times before, but did I really come just to pay my respects? For the first time, I tried the "Kaidan Meguri" experience, which involves walking around the main hall under the main deity for a fee. This seems to be quite famous, but I had no idea about it at all. Walking under the main deity is an interesting way to pay respects. In the middle of the corridor, there is something called the "Lock of Paradise," which you are supposed to find with your hands to connect with the main deity. I wonder if it grants wishes?

Photography is not allowed, so I can't take pictures, but even if I did, it would just be pure black, like this.

Walking down the completely dark corridor while touching the wall with one hand. During that time, I calm my mind and pray for my wishes.

It's quite long, so if you have claustrophobia or can see things, it might be difficult.

But experiencing such pure darkness is something you can't do often, so it was a pretty good experience.

In the city, there are always lights, and when you go to the countryside, the moon and stars are beautiful, which makes it quite bright, but here, you can't see anything at all, really nothing. If you're alone, you might not have the courage to go.

Zenkoji Temple has a nice approach, and the Nio statues are wonderful.

The main hall building is a national treasure and truly magnificent.

If you go in the evening, you won't be able to see everything. It seems better to go early in the morning. The "Asaji" morning sutra is read every morning starting at 5:30 AM in summer and 7:00 AM in winter, but you can only see it if you stay overnight.

It's tough for those who oversleep.