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Yamagata Prefecture is a land of abundant nature, and there are many beautiful temples scattered throughout the prefecture. Some of these temples offer easy access to Zen meditation and copying sutras, making them appealing even for beginners who are a little nervous about going
By the way, "zazen" in Buddhist terminology "zazen ." Therefore, from here on, I will write it as "zazen."
In this article, we will introduce five recommended temples in Yamagata Prefecture where you can experience zazen and sutra copying
Shoinji Temple is the oldest temple in Yamagata City, having been in operation for over 700 years since its founding. It is a temple where you can experience zazen, which is held every Sunday from 6:30 AM between April and the first week of December
Another appealing feature is that participation is free, making it a casual experience of zazen. You can also try out copying sutras for about an hour, but you must make an inquiry by phone. There are also various other events held, such as "bread flower experience" and "beads experience," so it's also recommended for getting a feel for the atmosphere of the temple
Shoinji Temple <Information>
Name: Shoinji Temple
Address: 1-4-8 Teppomachi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-2492
Sokoji Temple is a temple located in Sakata City, and hosts zazen and sutra copying experience sessions called "Zazen of Sokoji Temple" and "Copying Sutras of Sokoji Temple." Regular zazen sessions are held on the third Sunday of each month from April to December, from 7pm for about an hour, and can be experienced for a donation of 500 yen. You can also experience zazen from 10am to 4pm if you make a reservation at least three days in advance
The sutra copying experience includes a mount, a copy of the sutra, matcha green tea, and original dried sweets. For a donation of 1,500 yen, you can experience the experience. Listening to the sound of the flowing water in the garden while practicing zazen and copying sutras is the perfect way to relax
Sokoji Temple <Information>
Name: Mt. Horataki Sokoji Temple
Address: 8 Sokojizawa, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-6831
Kushoji Temple is located in Kaminoyama City, about 30 minutes by car from Yamagata Station. They accept group zazen experiences, and participants can participate in the zazen hall, which can seat about 30 people, for 500 yen per person. Those with weak legs can also experience the experience sitting in a chair
Matcha tea and rice porridge can also be ordered separately, so it is recommended to combine zazen with conversation with the monks to deepen your understanding of Zen
Kushoji Temple <Information>
Name: Kushoji Temple
Address: 2488 Makino, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-3211
Nagaoka Kannon Chounenji Temple is a temple in Sagae City that houses temple treasures, including the "Wooden Seated Five Wisdom Buddhas." You can experience copying sutras and Buddha images for 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for high school students and younger, and calligraphy tools and paper are also provided, so you can come empty-handed
They also offer a hands-on experience of creating beautiful sand patterns, which can be enjoyed for 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for high school students and younger. Please note that both experiences require advance reservations by phone or email
Chonenji Temple <Information>
Name: Nagaoka Kannon Chounenji Temple
Address: 2-4-19 Marunouchi, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, 991-0023
Tamagawa-ji Temple is located in Tsuruoka City and is a historic temple that was founded in the Kamakura period. You can experience zazen and sutra copying, and zazen is held twice a month, from 7pm on the 8th of each month except for January and February, and from 7am on the fourth Sunday of each month. Another attractive feature is the morning-only meal and matcha set
The fee is 300 yen in the evening and 1,000 yen in the morning for members, and 800 yen in the evening and 1,500 yen in the morning for non-members. Reservations are required for sutra copying. At Gyokusen-ji Temple, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Gyokusen-ji Garden, a nationally designated scenic spot, so it's a great place to come and enjoy it with a refreshed mind
Gyokusenji Temple <Information>
Name: Tamagawa-dera Temple
Address: 35 Tamagawa Tamagawa, Haguro-cho, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, 997-0121
Refresh yourself by experiencing zazen and sutra copying
This time, we've introduced five temples in Yamagata Prefecture where you can experience zazen and copying sutras. Participation is free, and matcha tea and sweets are included. These are all attractive places. Even if you're a beginner, the monks will carefully teach you how to do it, so be sure to give it a try and refresh your mind and body
Freelance writer from Miyagi Prefecture. She loves words and letters and is an avid reader who reads over 15 books every month. Her recent hobbies include finding cafes where she can enjoy reading and sweets that go well with books.
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![Mogami safflower](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/30121446_m-1-150x150.jpg.webp ""Mogami safflower" certified as a Japanese heritage and Japanese agricultural heritage [Yamagata Prefecture]")
