Wakayama: Fire Prayer & Lunch in a 1,200-Year-Old Temple
In this private experience in Ekoin Temple in Koyasan, Wayakayama, enjoy a shojin ryori vegetarian Buddhist meal and attend a goma fire prayer ritual performed by monks.
Highlights
Explore the ancient historical grounds of Ekoin Temple in Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture, known for being one of Japan’s quintessential Buddhist hubs
Enjoy a beautifully presented shojin ryori traditional lunch that is naturally vegan and vegetarian. A gluten-free option is also available
Witness a goma fire prayer ritual performed by monks
Great for guests looking for unique destinations to explore near Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto
10 meals
Experience Details
Embark on a journey that connects you to centuries of tradition at the 1200-year-old Ekoin Temple in Koyasan Mountain, Wakayama Prefecture. The temple's ancient and whimsical atmosphere is the perfect setting for this unique experience. You'll taste an authentic shojin ryori lunch and partake in a private goma fire prayer ritual as you dive deep into esoteric Buddhism's rich cultural heritage.
Centuries-old shojin ryori are traditional meals that Buddhist monks eat. Nourishing and balanced, these meals are prepared with plenty of wild vegetables and hearty legumes and are completely free of animal products, making them naturally vegetarian and vegan. A gluten-free option can also be prepared upon prior request. Indulge in this unique dining experience by savoring your beautifully presented shojin ryori meal in a traditional room overlooking the verdant temple garden.
You'll also attend a private traditional goma fire prayer ritual. This captivating, deeply spiritual ritual begins with writing your wishes on wooden prayer tablets, which monks will burn into open flames. Prayer tablets represent human desires, while the flames are believed to embody Buddha's wisdom. Flames can sometimes reach a few meters high in this spiritually moving and visually striking experience.
This experience allows you to get a rare glimpse into the daily life of monks, from their rituals to their cuisine, at the heart of one of Japan's premier Buddhist hubs, Koyasan, nestled in the pristine forested mountains of Wakayama.
Inclusions
Shojin ryori vegetarian lunch (gluten-free option available)
One wooden tag per group
One wooden stick (gomagi) per person
Prayer fee
Exclusions
Additional prayer fee
Transportation to and from the temple
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at Ekoin Temple in Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Please note that the shojin ryori lunch is expected to be between 1 h and 1.5 h, while the goma prayer is expected to last about 45 min.
When booking at 10:00, the order will be goma prayer followed by lunch, while guests booking the 12:00 slot will enjoy lunch first and the goma prayer afterwards.
If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, please notify the host at least one week in advance. Please note that requests submitted with less than a week's notice may not be accommodated
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Whether you want a taste of tropical beach life, or traditional temple life, this diverse prefecture has you covered.
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
10 meals
Restore body and mind in this spiritual experience in Ekoin, a temple with over 1,200 years of history in the lush forests of Koyasan, Wakayama, where you can savor a vegan Buddhist lunch and participate in a traditional meditation guided by monks.
Enjoy a vegan Buddhist lunch in Ekoin, a temple with over 1,200 years of history in Koyasan, Wakayama. Learn about shojin ryori (traditional Buddhist cuisine) and feast on a variety of fresh dishes while overlooking the tranquil temple gardens.
Learn the traditional art of sushi-making at a 100-year old restaurant in Tokyo! Enjoy a hands-on class with a sushi industry professional, learning two methods of shaping sushi: kotegaeshi and tategaeshi.
Only an hour away from Tokyo by train, unwind in the peaceful tea fields of Sayama in Saitama Prefecture. Interact with farmers, tour the fields, and enjoy freshly brewed tea while delving into the area’s fascinating tea culture.