ZEN Sutra Copying by 91generation Priest

Experience "Shakyo", a practice of hand-copying Buddhist Sutras, and find peace of mind at a quiet temple surrounded by lush green.

Shakyo has long been part of religious training for Buddhist monks, but has recently become a popular means of meditation even among non-Buddhists. If you are looking to have a deeper cultural experience in Tokyo than simply visiting popular tourist attractions, this is a perfect choice.

Your experience takes place at Gionji Temple in Chofu City, located within an hour from Shinjuku. Upon arrival, feel free to look around and take pictures of the temple which has 1,300 years of history.

First, you'll try out reading a simple Sutra in the main hall, which will help get you in the right frame of mind. After that I will deliver a short sermon.

Then, we'll head to the guest house where your Shakyo experience commences. Rub an ink stick to produce ink, focus your mind, and put your heart into each stroke of the brush to hand-copy Sutras. A stool will be provided for those who have difficulty sitting on the heels, so don’t hesitate to ask for it.

After the Shakyo session, let's have a fun chat while enjoying some Japanese tea and snacks!

Duration: About 90 min.
Location, Instructor: Despite being only half an hour away from bustling Shinjuku, This Temple is surrounded by an abundance of greenery.

The temple was built in the early 8th century to enshrine Jinja-Daioh, a god of water who is said to have helped bring together the founder's parents.

Thanks to its romantic heritage, today, Gionji Temple is known as a “ matchmaking temple” where people's love-related wishes are granted.
　
What's Included: ・Experience fee
・Facility usage fee
・Material cost of Japanese tea and snacks
・consumption tax
Notes: ・Please booking in groups of two or more.
・Those under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a guardian
・Customers who are unwell or under the influence of alcohol at the time of arrival will not be permitted to participate
・If you are late, you will not be able to experience all or part of the experience at our discretion
・Please check with the instructor before taking photos inside the facility

Reviews

Shingology 2020/2

Tour was exceptional! Try this if you want to experience Zen Buddhism in Japan. I had the help of a interpreter, a very cheerful, patient and friendly interpreter to help me out with the tour. She waited for me even though I was late, and was really a expert in her field. She tries her very best to help me and we really got along very well! Tea and sweets were given as a small treat after the session and I had the opportunity to ask questions to the monk. She really helped to get my questions across to the monk as accurate as possible. She still also walked me and back and to the station, ensuring that I was really well taken care of.

Thank you so much, I hope we cross paths again! :)