Experience

At Shoreki-ji Temple, the chief priest will be your own personal concierge on the day of your visit,
and he will propose an experience from about 20 different ones on offer to suit your purpose and feelings.

Please note that the experience is not included in the accommodation fee
for guests who book the overnight plan without meals.

Self-reflection experience

Zen meditation (Zazen) in a bamboo forest
Outdoor Zen meditation whilst feeling the sounds of the wind and birdsong
Fee: Included in the accommodation fee (no reservation required)
Click here for details

Zen lying down
Lie down under a 600-year-old tree and settle your mind.
Fee: Included in the accommodation fee (no reservation required)

Zen Meditation (Zazen)
Practice Zen meditation in the main hall to settle your breathing and mind.
Fee: Included in the accommodation fee (no reservation required)

Experiences to enjoy the temple

Evening bell ringing
You can do evening bell ringing with the monks. Strike it 13 times.
Fee: Included in the accommodation fee (no reservation required)

Priest’s garment experience
Try on a robe or kesa surplice etc., whilst receiving an explanation about them. You can also take photos in the garden.
Fee: Included in the accommodation fee (no reservation required)
Click here for details

Musical Instrument Experience
You can try using musical instruments used in Buddhist memorial services, such as bells, kin, hachi, wooden gongs, and Taiko drums.
Fee: Included in the accommodation fee (no reservation required)

Making Goshuin stamps
Create your own original Goshuin stamp. Use a proverb, motto, etc. to make a good memory.
Fee: Included in the accommodation fee (no reservation required)

Learning about Buddhism and Prayer Experience

Goma Prayer
You can entrust your wishes to a “Homa stick” and burn it in a ritual fire yourself.
Fee: ¥5,000 per person (no reservation required)
Click here for details

Morning Service
The meaning within the sutras will convey the importance of living a better life.
Fee: Included in the accommodation fee (no reservation required)

Suigyo Rinshin (Coldwater ablutions to purify the heart)
Using well water, we purify ourselves seven times. Pregnant women and people with high blood pressure should refrain from participating. Women should bring a bathing suit, and men will be given a fundoshi (loincloth).
Fee: Included in the accommodation fee (no reservation required)

Sutra Copying
Calm your mind and move the brush with single-minded concentration. It takes about 2 hours with the Heart Sutra.
Fee: Included in the accommodation fee (reservation not required)

Experiences for Enjoying the Local Area

Making Japanese sweets at a private home
Experience making Japanese sweets at a farm-inn in Ayabe City.
Fee: ¥7,000 per person (reservations required at least 7 days in advance)
Click here for details

Traditional Crafts Postcard Making
A papermaking experience using “Kurotani washi” (Japanese paper), designated as an intangible cultural asset by Kyoto Prefecture, has been handed down for over 800 years.
Fee: ¥16,000 per set (2 to 5 people)
(Reservations are required at least 7 days in advance.)

Rafting
Rafting on the Yura River. Enjoy it with your family or group.
Fee: ¥10,000/1 time
(Reservation required at least 3 days in advance)
*Up to 4 people can participate

Cycling
Free bicycle rentals are available.
Fee: Included in the accommodation fee (no reservation required)
Click here for details

Points to Note

*For guests who booked the “plan with 2 meals”, the activities listed as “included in the accommodation fee” can be experienced free of charge.
*Please note that for guests who booked the “overnight stay with no meals”, the experiences are not included in the accommodation fee.

*There will be a consultation about the experience to make it suit your needs, and the weather conditions.
*There is a timeframe of about 10 days a year when the chief priest is unable to attend due to funerals and other reasons. In this case, we will do our best to accommodate your request while adjusting the time. Please be understanding of this when you make your reservation.