EPISODE 02Enchin’s Journey to Tang China

After his training, Enchin was recommended as the Tendai sect's head of Shingon Studies in 846, at age 33. He began to desire studying new forms of Buddhism in Tang China. In 850, at age 37, he was encouraged in a dream by the Sanno deity to urgently embark for China. With substantial support from Fujiwara no Yoshifusa, one of his strongest supporters, Enchin received imperial permission in 851 and embarked on his journey. Leaving Kyoto, Enchin arrived at Dazaifu in May, staying at Shinou-in Temple on Mt. Shiroyama, and waited for a convenient ship. During this time, he visited Shinto shrines including Kawara Shrine in Buzen, and Kamado Shrine, Sumiyoshi Shrine, and Kashii-myojin Shrine in Chikuzen.

In July 853, he finally departed Japan aboard a ship of Tang merchants Qin Lianghui 欽良暉 and Li Yanxiao 李延孝, arriving safely in Fuzhou. Over the next six years, he visited famous temples and sacred mountains like Guoqing Temple on Mount Tiantai (Zhejiang Province), Qinglong Temple in Chang'an (Xi'an, Shaanxi Province), Kaiyuan Temple in Fuzhou, and Luoyang (Henan Province), studying Tiantai teachings and the latest esoteric Buddhism. Enchin's travels there are detailed in official documents issued by Tang authorities, including passports, providing a thorough history of his journey.