Revitalizing Zazen Meditation & Monk-Style Meal (Toyama)
Experience meditation training with Zen monks in a 700-year-old temple, then relax and reflect over a healing vegetarian meal in this experience in Takaoka, Toyama.
Highlights
Zen lectures and zazen meditation with monks
Vegetarian cuisine prepared with local ingredients
Enjoy the carefully manicured, ancient temple grounds
10 meals
Experience Details
Established 700 years ago, Kokutaiji Temple serves as the head temple of the Kokutaiji School of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and a training center for zazen meditation. This is a one-of-a-kind experience where you can learn the same zazen practice taught to Zen monks by their masters. Meditation focuses the energies and purifies the spiritual body and mind, offering a respite from our busy lives.
The mountain retreat of Takaoka’s Kokutaiji Temple was recognized by Japan’s Emperor hundreds of years ago and has since been visited by major Zen leaders, such as Nishida Kitaro and others. The temple grounds sit among the tranquil mountains of Takaoka and feature a relaxing rock garden. After you engage in a zazen meditation practice, you’ll be able to try the temple’s traditional-style meals.
In Zen, eating is a part of "shugyo", religious training just like meditation or studying of sutra.
Meals are seen as an opportunity to reflect on oneself through food preparation, cooking, eating, and cleaning up. Shoujin ryouri, the vegetarian cuisine of monks, highlights each of the 5 flavors, plus a unique “taste” called lightness. This ‘light’ characteristic of food highlights the life of the ingredients by using only simple seasonings and preparation.
Engage in Zen practice with all 5 senses as you dine on a shojin ryori lunch at the end of your temple experience. The menu features seasonal, local ingredients, with the star, a characteristic dish using fresh bamboo, showcasing the area's freshest offerings.
Itinerary:
-Meet your host at Kokutaiji Temple
-Engage in a Zazen meditation practice at the temple gardens
-Enjoy a shojin ryori lunch with seasonal ingredients
What You Get
Good To Know
- Please dress appropriately/respectfully for the temple environment (modest clothing, socks/close-toed shoes)
- Please know that the temple is an active religious site with practicing monks
- Tour guests will meet on-location at the temple
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at Kokutaiji Temple in Takaoka, Toyama. More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Takaoka in western Toyama is the second largest city in the prefecture. Know as the "Land of Water," this area is abundant with natural spring water from seven large rivers. During the Edo period, under the Maeda family, the region became known for its impeccable craftsmanship. Popular crafts include copper and lacquerware. The area is also known for its temples, including the beautiful Zuiryuji Temple.
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10 meals
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