Behind the Scenes Toyama Temple Tour and Lunch Box

After 23 years of renovation and repair work, the national treasure Shokoji temple is proud to reopen to visitors and practitioners. Founded in 1471 as the seat of the Honganji school of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, this temple is a prime example of the sect’s presence in Toyama, the Shinshu Kingdom. This exclusive tour will take you to areas usually closed off to parishioners, such as the Kin-no-ma (Golden Room) and Kyodo sutra hall. Here, you will discover the mysticism and history of Jodo Shinshu monks’ daily rituals. This fully guided tour includes commentary from an expert of the preservation of Japan’s Important cultural properties. Your guide will give an in-depth look at the who/what/whys, and hows of this temple’s 600 year history and the recent restoration process that brought back its former glory. After your tour of the inner halls and grounds of Shokoji, you'll enjoy a bento lunch box courtesy of the local farmers and chefs of Niji no Koya. "Every day, by hand, with nothing extra" is the motto that has earned their food a high reputation throughout Japan. Their crafted bento are a huge hit at events, and this experience offers a one-of-a-kind chance to try a menu specially developed just for participants. You'll enjoy a vegetarian shoujin-ryouri lunch box inspired by the 7 wonders of Shokoji temple. Example menu items include chickpea croquettes, vegetable chirashi-zushi, soymilk mayo potato salad, fresh spring rolls and more!