Discover Toyama’s Rich History Through Temples, Tin, and Tea

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.