Discover Toyama’s Rich History Through Temples, Tin, and Tea
Immerse in Toyama’s ancient culture: visit a copperware workshop, where you’ll make your own suzugami, explore Zuiryuji Temple, a National Treasure of Japan, and enjoy a tea ceremony on site.
Highlights
See a different side of Toyama Prefecture: Enjoy Japanese traditions and the wonder of a National treasure in this rare opportunity to explore the living testaments of Takaoka’s ancient history.
Visit Shimatani Shoryu Studio, and see some of Japan’s few remaining rin Buddhist bell artisans at work. Make your own suzugami vessel following their techniques.
Join a tour of Zuiryuji Temple, a national treasure, guided by its head priest. See the daily lives of monks and learn about the history and culture of one of the main Buddhist landmarks in Hokuriku.
Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at the onsite teahouse with matcha green tea and sweets, using the suzugami vessel you created during the copperware workshop.
10 meals
Experience Details
During this experience, you will dive into the spiritual heritage of Takaoka, a region in Toyama Prefecture with deep ties to Buddhism. You will visit a copperware workshop, Shimatani Shoryu Studio, where one of the few craftsmen in Japan who still make rin Buddhist bells can be found. You will also participate in the tradition, using the same techniques to create a contemporary Suzugami plate that you'll use during your afternoon tea ceremony.
Next, you'll visit Zuiryuji Temple, a striking example of 17th-century Zen design and the only temple in Toyama designated a national treasure. Here, the head priest will take you on a tour of the temple grounds, and you will participate in a traditional tea ceremony. You'll finish the experience relaxing in the temple teahouse, enjoying delicate wagashi sweets and sipping matcha.
Itinerary:
-Your experience starts at Shimatani Shoryu Studio, where you’ll see artisans at work and craft a suzugami vessel.
-Visit Zuiryuji Temple and enjoy a tour of the temple grounds guided by the temple’s head priest.
-Enjoy a tea ceremony in the Zuiryuji teahouse, located in a quiet garden. Enjoy matcha green tea and traditional wagashi sweets.
Takaoka in Toyama can be reached in under 3 hours from Tokyo on a Shinkansen bullet train or less than an hour from Toyama Station. This experience gives you a rare insight into the past and present of the area's local crafts and spirituality.
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.
- Cabs and chartered buses can be arranged for guests for a separate fee. Please inquire upon booking.
- The program content can be tailored to the needs of visitors, and it is possible to book only one part of the tour if desired. Please inquire about this directly with the host upon booking.
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host directly at the Shimatani Shoryu Studio in Takaoka, Toyama, a 15-minute taxi or 30-minute bus ride from Shin-Takaoka Station, which is serviced by a shinkansen train line to Tokyo. 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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