Short winter break and traveled to Penang, Malaysia.

We took a short winter break and traveled to Penang, Malaysia.

Although it is a single island, it feels as if we are crossing borders with every step—colonial buildings, Hindu temples, mosques, and Chinese shophouses (homes with shops). Many different cultures and people mix together, and we travelers naturally blend in as well. Watching that mix of chaos and harmony, we suddenly felt it was close to Esoteric Buddhism: the center is one, but the forms are many, and each has its own role and is there in its own way. That atmosphere felt very comfortable.

Spending time abroad as “guests” again brings back the feeling we had when we first started our guesthouse— the relief of putting down our luggage after arriving, the time to take a breath when we come back to the accommodation, the casual advice from the host that becomes surprisingly helpful, and making plans with our family about what to do next.

Now we are back in Koyasan, and the crisp, cold air makes us truly feel, “We’re home.” KOKUU is open again.

And a new breeze is blowing, too. We have a new staff member: Daisuke Yamada from Toyama.

We met him when he stayed at KOKUU during Oreimairi（to express gratitude after one’s prayer has been answered） after completing the Shikoku pilgrimage. During his stay, we noticed the way he carried himself and the natural, comfortable distance he kept with other guests, and we thought, “It would be amazing if someone like him were on our team.” So at check-out I asked, “Would you like to try working in Koyasan? Would you like to try rickshaw guiding?” It turns out that on that very day, he had seen me guiding a customer with a rickshaw (surprisingly!).

A place you visit can quietly become a place you belong—and even a place you work. Isn’t that what we call a (GOEN)meaningful connection?

With our new team member, we look forward to welcoming you again.