Fukuozan Shogakuji Day Training: Zazen, Shojin Cuisine, and Sutra Copying
Highlights
Overview
Saitama
4.5 hour(s)
Available Daily
Pick-up not available
Lunch
What to expect
Overview
Schedule
Enter Shogakuji Temple
Nestled quietly in a serene mountain village, Shogakuji Temple offers a day in the life of a monk, including zazen meditation, tenzo ryori (shojin ryori), samu (temple work), and dharma talks.
*This tour is conducted in Japanese only.
The experience begins with a call to correct your posture and the phrase, "Please guide us for zazen training." In Soto Zen's "shikantaza," you abandon the desire for enlightenment and focus solely on zazen. Correct your posture, regulate breathing, and calm mind to connect deeply with yourself.
This is a rare opportunity to listen directly to the head priest's dharma talk. With your mind and heart emptied by zazen, the words of the Buddha will gently permeate your being. Listen quietly for life hints from the Buddha.
Sutra copying involves transcribing Buddhist scriptures. By writing each character with intention, you may discover insights within yourself. It's a rare moment to face yourself and listen to your inner voice amidst daily life.
Lunch consists of tenzo ryori (shojin ryori). "Tenzo" refers to the role of preparing meals for monks in a Zen temple. The food is prepared with the belief that "when the hearts of the cook and the eater resonate in joy, even the silent ingredients will attain enlightenment."
Hold your chopsticks at eye level and follow the head priest in reciting the "Five Contemplations." In Soto Zen, meals are taken in silence, focusing solely on eating as a form of practice. This allows you to savor the food deeply and mindfully.
Zen Master Dogen taught that "those who face food with gratitude and eat with beautiful manners naturally embody Buddha's teachings." Tenzo ryori returns you to the roots of food, nourishing both body and mind. The head priest will guide you on proper utensil handling and cleaning.
You will clean the main hall and the corridors in front of it. This practice purifies your mind through sincere and careful cleaning. Reflect on your heart, organize your thoughts, and perform the task with gratitude.
End of Experience
Location
Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location
Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location
Location
Location, direction and description
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●If You Are Coming by Train
About 55 minutes by Kokusai Kogyo Bus (Nagou or Yunozawa line) from Seibu Ikebukuro Line Hanno Station or JR Higashi-Hanno Station.
Get off at the "Nagou" bus stop and walk for about 1 minute.
▷Kokusai Kogyo Bus Hanno Station Timetable
http://transfer.navitime.biz/5931bus/pc/diagram/BusDiagram?orvCode=00021942&course=0001000934&stopNo=1
●If You Are Coming by Car
About 35 minutes towards Naguri from Ken-O Expressway (Hidaka-Hanno Interchange or Ome Interchange)Parking information
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Free on-site parking available.
Location, direction and description
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▷Kokusai Kogyo Bus Nagou Bus Stop Timetable
http://transfer.navitime.biz/5931bus/pc/diagram/BusDiagram?orvCode=00021942&course=0001000934&stopNo=1
Important activity information
Important activity information
Restrictions
- "No Meat, No Alcohol Beyond This Gate"
During zazen practice, alcohol, tobacco, and similar items are prohibited. The use of mobile phones is also generally not allowed. - This tour is conducted in Japanese only.
Required items to bring & attire
- For Zazen, please wear comfortable clothing such as training wear or slacks that allow you to easily cross your legs. Since zazen is practiced barefoot, it is convenient to have easily removable socks.
- Winter Precautions: the mountain temple gets very cold in winter. Please wear thick socks and take measures to stay warm.
Reviews
Activity Provider Shougakuji Shukubo
Activity Provider
FAQ
Payment / Cancellation Policy
- Credit card payment
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- Any cancellations made between 18:00 local time, 2 business days to 18:00 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 20% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made between 18:00 local time, 1 business days to 1 hours prior to the activity start time will be subject to a charge of 50% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made after 1 hours prior to the activity start time will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
- Everyday
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
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Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made between 18:00 local time, 2 business days to 18:00 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 20% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made between 18:00 local time, 1 business days to 1 hours prior to the activity start time will be subject to a charge of 50% of the total amount.
- Any cancellations made after 1 hours prior to the activity start time will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
Top-Rated Activities for Saitama
- "No Meat, No Alcohol Beyond This Gate"
During zazen practice, alcohol, tobacco, and similar items are prohibited. The use of mobile phones is also generally not allowed. - This tour is conducted in Japanese only.
- For Zazen, please wear comfortable clothing such as training wear or slacks that allow you to easily cross your legs. Since zazen is practiced barefoot, it is convenient to have easily removable socks.
- Winter Precautions: the mountain temple gets very cold in winter. Please wear thick socks and take measures to stay warm.
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STEP 1Book one (1) select tour or activity
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STEP 2Receive a coupon upon confirmation
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- STEP 3Book another activity, and use the coupon for a discount!
Coupon Participation Period:
- Valid for one (1) booking per account during the designated promotional period.
- Cannot be used on the same activity on the same date and time as the first activity, or applied to activities that have already been booked.
Fukuozan Shogakuji Day Training: Zazen, Shojin Cuisine, and Sutra Copying
