- In front of ‘Hondo’ the grand Main Hall
Zenko-ji is one of the largest temples in Japan with as long as 1400-year history, which attracts some 6 ~ 7 million of people annually.
A temple named Zenko-ji Tokugyo-bo started its unique package for visitors from all over the world. It includes traditional cultural experiences such as kimono, sado (tea ceremony), zazen (Buddhist meditation), shojin-ryori (Buddhist-style Vegetarian meal) as well as the guided tour of Zenko-ji.
They have already done several demonstrations inviting people in tourism, which have been successful. Their operation starts in this coming June after the Grand Festival ‘Gokaicho’. I bet this will be a must for visitors from overseas for even us Japanese would like to join this tour.
They had a chance to receive the touch of Buddhist Rosary from the Top Priestess of Zenko-ji temple with Japanese people
Sado - Japanese tea ceremony in a tatami-mat room in the temple
Zazen - Buddhist meditation at Zenko-ji
- Ladies clad in kimono having a pleasant time strolling downtown Nagano
Under the first temple gate, Nio-mon or Deva King Gate with temple priests
If you would like to experience real Japan and its traditional cultures in a tranquil surroundings, come to Zenko-ji Temple!
Tags: culture, Experience, history, tea ceremony, temple, tradition, zen
The 5 ladies look indeed enjoying! And the weather seems warm,too. Wasn’t it early in the morning that they got the blessing from the Priestess?
Thanks, Mariko.
Zenko-ji temple traditionally starts the Morning Ritual at dawn, 365 days a year without fail, but sometimes there are special occasions when the top priestess and/or the top priest of the temple have other ceremonies in the daytime. It would be better to go there in early morning to make sure to receive blessings from them, but you may have a chance to meet them in the daytime if you are lucky.
FYI
The morning ceremonies start at 5:30 in mid summer and 7:00 in mid winter.
You will have 4 chances to get the rosary blessing, their way to and from the Main Hall — the Top Priest has the ritual first then the Top Priestess
Thank you for the very precise answer! It is so informative, I have to book-mark this page.