Kaidan Meguri is a ritual in which the participant must walk down temple stairs with no light. If you are able to find a lock within the pitch blackness, it is said that you will gain courage and overcome your fear of the dark.
Date: Open any day
Location: Zenkoji Main Hall
Fee:¥500
Shakyo
Shakyo (sutra copying), as the name implies, is the process of transcribing the sutras containing the teachings of Buddha. The experience of Shakyo, allows you to pray for the fulfillment of your greatest wishes and also to attain mental well-being by mindfully tracing the sacred scriptures. It is also said to help improve your concentration.
Date: Open any day
Location: Zenkoji Main Hall
Duration: Approx 30 minutes
Participation fee: ¥1,300 per person
Shabutsu
Our Shabutsu experience is provided in the main hall of the temple. It involves copying and painting Amida Nyorai, the principal image of Zenkoji Temple. Concentrating on drawing will refresh your mind and spirit, and is an experience that is said n to create feelings of gratitude for everyday life. After the session, you will receive a Goshuin, a red ink stamp of Zenkoji.
Date: Open any day
Location: Zenkoji Main Hall
Duration: Approx 30 minutes
Participation fee: ¥800 per person
Meditation
The chief priest of Zennouji, Kaiji, will guide you through a meditation experience. Beginners are more than welcome, with detailed explanations and breathing techniques provided. Experience the Buddhist meditation ritual to compose yourself.
Session Times: 8;00
※Reservations required.
Place: At the prayer hall
Duration: 1 hour
Participation fee: ¥3,000 per person
Yoga
Relax your mind and body through a session of yoga at the main hall of the temple. Please come in comfortable clothes.
※ Please feel free to bring your own yoga mat, or we can lend you one for free.
Date: Sessions will be held 2-3 times a month. ※ Morning yoga is held every Thursday from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. ※ Reservations required.
Location: Zenkoji Main Hall
Duration: 1 hour
Participation fee: ¥2,500 per person
Kimono
Experience wearing the Japanese traditional garment kimono. A kimono-dresser will assist in dressing you. Take a stroll through the neighborhood and take some pictures for a memorable experience. Just let us know how long you would like to wear it via a reservation.
*A Yukata (Summer Japanese dress) will be provided during the summer seasons instead of a kimono.
Date: Reservations required
Location: Zenkoji Main Hall
Duratione: For dressing; Women kimono: 30 minutes, Men kimono: 15 minutes
Participation fee: Women ¥6,000 including hair arrangement, Men ¥3,000
Zukou workshop
Cleanse your spirit and body with incense powder, Zukou. Experience making your original Zukou in the main hall. All of the ingredients are natural, and you can create your original incense fragrance to suit you.
Session Times: 10:00am – 6:00pm ※ Reservations required.
Location: Zenkoji Main Hall
Duration: 20~30 minutes
Participation fee: ¥3,500 per person
