Experience

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

Rice ball and miso soup breakfast making(Only for guests)

We will make homemade onigiri (rice balls) and miso soup using fresh local ingredients. Since we generally do not use meat or fish, this experience is suitable for vegans as well. Enjoy a heartwarming time while experiencing Japanese food culture. People of all ages are welcome to join, and no experience is necessary. This unique experience will allow you to enjoy the flavors of Japan and find a sense of peace.

Session Times: 9:00am – 10:00am ※ Reservations required.
Location: Zenkoji Kitchen
Duration: 45~60 minutes
Participation fee: ¥3,000 per person

Dark meditation

Dark Meditation sharpens the senses, heightens consciousness, and provides an opportunity to connect more deeply with your spiritual essence. As you go through the darkness, you will touch the ‘Key to Paradise.’ Dark Meditation symbolizes the opening of enlightenment and the purification of the soul.

Date: Open any day
Location: Zenkoji Main Hall
Fee:¥500

Writing meditation(Sutra copying)

Writing meditation (sutra copying), as the name implies, is the process of transcribing the sutras containing the teachings of Buddha. The experience of Writing meditation, 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: ¥1,000 per person

Drawing meditation(Tracing the figure of Buddha)

Our drwaing meditation 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 to create feelings of gratitude for everyday life.

Date: Open any day
Location: Zenkoji Main Hall
Duration: Approx 30 minutes
Participation fee: ¥1,000 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

Table Style Tea Ceremony

This can be a wonderful introduction
to Japanese culture, the spirit of Japanese hospitality, Wabi-sabi and refined manners .

Mihoko Omori, a Tsubaki no Kai instructor who lived in New York and discovered the beauty of Japan, introduces the “Sado”-Tea ceremony popular overseas in modern style.

What is different in this tea ceremony?

No seiza ( sitting straight) is required!
This is Table style tea ceremony, sitting on a chair
comfortably as you experience it.

Let’s immerse yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves a lasting impression of Japan here in Takayama.

Session Times: 13:00～13:45 / 14:00～14:45 /15:00～15:45
※Reservations required.
Place: At the lobby
Duration: 45mins
Participation fee: ¥6,000 per person

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: ¥4,300 per person