Instructor, Daiki Yamanoi
Born in 1971 in Nagano City, the head priest of Shinshu Zenko-ji Gyokushoin Temple, Rev. Yamanoi, conducts daily morning rituals at Zenko-ji Main Hall. Drawing from the origins of Buddhism, he strives to make the practice of "cultivating the mind" more accessible and applicable in daily life. To achieve this, he engages in missionary activities such as Zen meditation, sutra copying, rosary making, temple walking, and temple skiing, not only for individuals but also for schools and businesses
Eternal Lodging Temple Gyokushoin (Gyokushoin)
You will gather at the lodging temple 'Gyokushoin' located at the doorstep of Zenko-ji. The historical ambiance of this lodging temple enhances the anticipation for the upcoming plan
Preparation and Learning at Gyokushoin Lodging Temple
Inside the lodging temple, there will be classroom-style explanations about walking and guidance on promoting mental health through the lecture on 'Buddhist Approaches to Health
Form Check at Gyokushoin Lodging Temple
After the classroom session, there will be walking guidance by the head priest. You will experience the transformed form during the walk at Zenko-ji Temple afterward
Zenko-ji Temple Walking
The entire area around the national treasure Zenko-ji Temple is full of attractions. Starting right outside Gyokushoin, the walk begins from the impressive Nio-mon gate. You will pass through Nakamise Street, go through the mountain gate, and reach Zenko-ji Main Hall. While enjoying the scenery, you will also feel the results of the walking guidance
Zenko-ji Temple Walking
You will explore the grounds of the national treasure Zenko-ji Temple alongside the head priest. In addition to the walking experience, you can also visit Zenko-ji Temple with guidance provided by the monk himself
Zenko-ji Temple Walking
We will also visit the 'Buddha's Footprints' at Zenko-ji. These are stone carvings of the soles of Lord Buddha's feet, featuring a thousand-spoke wheel in the center and various other patterns on the soles.
Shojin Vegetarian Cuisine at Gyokushoin Lodging Temple
The lunch at the lodging temple is 'Shojin Vegetarian Cuisine.' During the meal, you will have the opportunity to hear from Head Priest Yamanoi about Shojin cuisine. Dining in such a special location will surely become a memorable part of your journey.
Shojin Vegetarian Cuisine
Shojin Vegetarian Cuisine' refers to dishes made exclusively from plant-based ingredients such as vegetables and tofu. It originated as the diet of ascetic monks who follow Buddhist precepts. In recent times, it has also gained attention as a healthy diet. In this plan, we offer a special menu with over 10 dishes prepared using seasonal ingredients
After the program concludes, you can explore not only Zenko-ji T
After the experience, with a refreshed body, you can enjoy activities such as visiting Zenko-ji Temple, shopping in Nakamise Street, and exploring the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum. In this plan, you will also have access to a convenient digital map for exploring the town