[Yamagata Prefecture] 5 temples where you can experience zazen and sutra copying! Recommended for beginners!

Yamagata Prefecture is a land rich in nature, and there are wonderful temples all over the place. Some of these places allow you to easily experience zazen and sutra copying, so even beginners and anxious people can easily go there.

In this article, we will introduce five recommended temples in Yamagata Prefecture where you can experience zazen and sutra copying.

Shoinji Temple

Shoinji Temple is the oldest temple in Yamagata City, having been in existence for over 700 years. This is a temple where you can experience zazen, and it is held every Sunday from 6:30 a.m. from April to the first week of December.

Participation is free and you can easily enjoy zazen. You can also try copying sutras for about an hour, but you must inquire by phone. There are also various other events held here, such as the ``Panflower Experience'' and ``Beads Experience,'' so it's also a great place to get a feel for the atmosphere of the temple.

INFORMATION

  • Name: Shoinji Temple
  • Address: 1-4-8 Teppocho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 990-2492
  • Phone number: 023-622-1654
  • Official URL: https://syouinji.com/

GOOGLE MAP

Sokoji Temple (Totakiyama Sokoji Temple)

Sokoji Temple is a temple in Sakata City that holds zazen and sutra copying experience sessions called ``Zazen of Sokoji Temple'' and ``Shaking of Sutras of Sokoji''. Regular zazen sessions are held on the third Sunday from April to December from 7:00 pm for about an hour, and you can experience it for a fee of 500 yen. You can also experience zazen from 10:00 to 16:00 if you make a reservation at least 3 days in advance.

You can experience sutra copying for a fee of 1,500 yen, which includes a mount, a copy of the sutra, matcha, and original dried sweets. Zazen and sutra copying while listening to the sound of the water stream in the garden are perfect for relaxing.

INFORMATION

  • Name: Mt. Horataki Sokoji Temple
  • Address: 8 Soko Terazawa, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-6831
  • Phone number: 0234-62-2170
  • Official URL: http://www.sokoji-sakata.com/

GOOGLE MAP

Kushoji Temple

Kyushoji Temple is a temple located in Kaminoyama City, about 30 minutes by car from Yamagata Station. We accept zazen experiences for groups, and you can participate for 500 yen per person in the zazen hall that can seat about 30 people. People with weak legs can also try the experience sitting on a chair.

You can also order matcha and porridge separately, so we recommend that you deepen your understanding of Zen by having a conversation with the monks along with your zazen meditation.

INFORMATION

  • Name: Kushoji Temple
  • Address: 2488 Makino, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-3211
  • Phone number: 023-674-2455
  • Official URL: http://www.buddha-zen.or.jp/

GOOGLE MAP

Nagaoka Kannon Chonenji Temple

Nagaoka Kannon Chonenji Temple is a temple in Sagae City that houses temple treasures such as the ``Wooden Seated Statue of Gochi Nyorai''. You can try copying sutras and Buddha statues for 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for high school students and under.Calligraphy tools and paper are also included, so you don't need to bring anything.

We also offer a training experience for making beautiful sand ripples, which can be enjoyed for 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for high school students and younger. Please note that advance reservations by phone or email are required for both experiences.

INFORMATION

  • Name: Nagaoka Kannon Chonenji Temple
  • Address: 2-4-19 Maruchi, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture 991-0023
  • Phone number: 0237-86-0016
  • Official URL: https://www.nagaoka16.com/

GOOGLE MAP

Tamagawa Temple

Tamagawa-dera Temple is located in Tsuruoka City and is a historic temple built during the Kamakura period. You can experience zazen and sutra copying, and zazen is held twice every month, except from January to February, on the 8th from 7pm and on the 4th Sunday from 7am. It is also attractive that the meal and matcha are included as a set only in the morning.

The price is 300 yen at night and 1,000 yen in the morning for members, and 800 yen at night and 1,500 yen in the morning for non-members. Reservations for copying sutras must be made by contacting us. At Tamagawa-dera Temple, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ``Gyokusen-dera Garden'', a nationally designated scenic spot, so it's a good idea to enjoy it with a refreshed mind.

INFORMATION

  • Name: Tamagawa-dera Temple
  • Address: 35 Tamagawa, Haguro-cho, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata 997-0121
  • Phone number: 0235-62-2746
  • Official URL: https://www.gyokusenji.or.jp/

GOOGLE MAP

Refresh yourself by experiencing zazen and sutra copying

This time, we introduced five temples in Yamagata Prefecture where you can experience zazen and sutra copying. There are many attractive places where participation is free and matcha and sweets are included. Even if it's your first time, the monks will carefully teach you how to do it, so give it a try and refresh your mind and body.

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