Hamamatsu, Shizuoka: Zen Temple Meditation & Shojin Ryori
Step into the spiritual life of Buddhist monks and experience Zen through all senses in this experience at the picturesque Okuyama Houkouji mountain temple in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka.
Highlights
Partake in a peaceful zazen seated meditation in a private space at a renowned Zen temple
Experience life as a Buddhist monk by copying sutras (shakyo) or tracing a Buddhist image (shabutsu)
Enjoy a vegetarian shojin ryori meal based on Buddhist cuisine featuring imitation eel kabayaki made from tofu, lotus root, and yam
Explore the grounds of historical Okuyama Houkouji Temple and bask in its lush natural surroundings as you breathe in the refreshing mountain air
10 meals
Experience Details
In the mountains of Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture stands Okuyama Houkouji, an emblematic Zen temple in the Tokai region. In this experience, you’ll immerse yourself in Zen traditions as you partake in zazen meditation and other Buddhist activities and enjoy an authentic shojin ryori vegetarian lunch while learning about ancient history and culture.
On your way to the temple, you’ll be impressed by the over 500 statues of arhat – spiritual enlightenment or nirvana – that line the main road, greeting those seeking respite from the material world.
After checking in, you’ll begin your Zen retreat by clearing your mind through zazen meditation. This seated Zen meditation will take place in a private room to avoid interruptions. A monk will show you the proper form for this ancient meditation style.
Next, you’ll pick up a calligraphy brush and choose sutra-copying, called shakyo, or shabutsu, in which you’ll trace an image of the Buddha. Both activities are meditative and require a calm mind to guide the brush carefully. You can take your copies with you or leave them at the temple to be prayed upon.
Finally, you’ll enjoy a simple yet elegant shojin ryori meal. Shojin ryori is a traditional vegetarian cuisine eaten by Buddhist monks, which gained popularity around the 13th century. Your meal includes an imitation unagi kabayaki dish made with tofu, lotus root, and yam modeled after the famous local Hamamatsu eel dish, but completely vegetarian (please note that guests who book for certain time slots will have lunch first and do the other activities later).
After the experience ends, you can explore the temple grounds until closing.
Experience flow (the order of the activities is subject to change depending on the start time):
- Arrival
- Zazen seated meditation
- Copying sutras or tracing Buddhist imagery
- Enjoy a vegetarian meal reflecting Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori)
- Explore the temple grounds until closing time (optional)
Inclusions
Temple entrance fee
Zazen (seated Zen meditation)
Copying sutras (shakyo) or tracing a Buddhist image (shabutsu)
Shojin ryori meal
Interpreter
Exclusions
N/A
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host thirty minutes before the experience start time at the nearby Okuyama bus stop in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
After the experience ends, visitors can explore the temple grounds until closing time. Interpreters will only be available until the end of the experience.
Please note that the order of the activities is subject to change depending on the booking start time. In some cases, lunch will be before zazen meditation and shakyo or shabutsu.
The experience end time is subject to change.
Participants must remove their socks and walk barefoot when necessary. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for this purpose.
Bookings may be rejected if there is a temple event or function scheduled for that day. In that case, you will be promptly notified.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 3 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
A coastal prefecture located in central Japan between Tokyo and Osaka, Shizuoka is home to Mount Fuji (the highest mountain in Japan), beaches and hot spring resort towns, and a thriving agriculture industry producing some of the most delicious and highly coveted produce in Japan.
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10 meals
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