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Experience authentic zazen in a scenic Zen temple
Mt. Tenshin Shinsho-ji Temple, founded in 1965, is a temple of the Kennin-ji sect of Rinzai Buddhism. The temple grounds, which include the Tahoto Pagoda, Mumyo-in Temple, and the International Zen Center, are known as the “Zen Museum and Gardens,” a place to experience the world of Zen that is attracting attention from both inside and outside Japan.
The temple offers a very popular Zen training program for visitors, where you can experience self-reflection through zazen and sutra copying.
Zazen has its roots in Indian yoga. It is important to breathe deeply so as to let energy enter the body.
Seated Zazen meditation is held in the Zen Hall of the International Zen Center.
Gokan-do, where you can eat Shinsho-ji udon.（11:00am-2:30pm）
Shinsho-ji udon (1,200 yen). You can eat it with the actual utensils (Jihatsu) and chopsticks (Unsui Bashi) used in the monastery. *A separate entrance fee is required. Meal pictured serves two.
At Shinsho-ji Temple, we will practice copying the Heart Sutra.
Originally, it was the residence of successive head priests and a place for ascetic monks to study.
Somon, the main gate that’s made of keyaki (zelkova) wood, is a relocation of the former Kaya no-miya Palace gate in Kyoto.
The garden at Mumyo-in was created by Kinsaku Nakane, who is known as the “Kobori Enshu of the Showa Period.”
More than 200 Hakuin Zen bokuseki (“ink trace”) paintings are in the collection of Shogon-do, and they are exhibited in succession.
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Can you provide services in foreign languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
There’s an audio guide to Zen available to download via QR code in three languages (Japanese, English, Chinese). For live assistance, there are two staff members who can provide support in English.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Yes, they are located at the reception office.
Q
What is the recommended attire?
You are free to wear whatever you choose, but we request that guests planning to join the seated Zazen meditation experience please wear pants. You should be fine as long as you remember that conditions are hot in summer and cold in winter. Also, as this is a temple we would be grateful if you refrain from revealing clothing.
Q
Can I join without prior reservation?
For Zen meditation and one-day Zen experiences, we do require reservations. However, for sutra copying, viewing the art pavilion KOHTEI, and the permanent exhibition of Hakuin, no reservation is necessary.
Q
Is there shuttle service?
If you are by the closest bus station and a staff member is available to help we can provide shuttle service. (It takes approximately 15 min. to walk so this is only available when possible)
Q
Are the baths open?
There is a wood-barrel and stone-style bath. In order to enter there is a 1,500yen viewing fee, as well as a 800 bathroom fee. For the wood bath, women can use it on odd days and men can use it on even days. For the stone bath, men can use it on odd days and women can use it on even days.
Q
How long does it take to see everything?
The temple grounds are expansive. To leisurely view everything from the main hall to the art pavilion KOHTEI, we recommend setting aside about 2 hours. Please note that the art pavilion KOHTEI has specific start times for internal viewings.
日式庭園和美術館融合為一體是種絕妙的感覺意境，而膳食部分看似再平凡不過的烏龍麵搭配幾碟小菜雖然簡單卻是那麼的意猶未盡，很棒而且難得的體驗
