Exclusive for Earthboat Guests
The Zenkoji Temple, a National Treasure – A Day of Vegetarian Food, Sutra Chanting, and Special Prayers by Zenkoji Temple Priest
Mr. Yamanoi, the chief priest of Shinshu Zenkoji Temple's eternal lodging temple "Gyokushoin", will give a private tour of the National Treasure Zenkoji Temple to one group per day. This is a valuable opportunity to deeply learn about the history and culture of Zenkoji Temple. After visiting the shrine, enjoy a special Buddhist vegetarian lunch at Gyokusho-in Temple. The dishes are made with seasonal ingredients and are dishes that soothe the mind and body. Listening to the chief priest's etiquette instructions and sermons, and being exposed to the teachings of Buddhism will calm your mind. In addition, you will have a sutra copying experience that improves your concentration and calms your mind, and you will spend time facing yourself. Finally, receive a special prayer at the Gyokusho-in temple to refresh your mind and body. Your special day at Zenkoji Temple will be an unforgettable memory.
Price
The elegance of visiting National Treasure Zenkoji Temple - Special experience of vegetarian cuisine, sutra copying, and special prayers
per person
| Adults・Children same amount | 20000Yen The target age is 6 years old and up. |
|---|
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Plan Details
| Period |
2025/1/6(Mon)～2025/1/31(Fri) |
|---|---|
| Excluded days | January 16, 21, 26, and 28 |
| What is included in the travel/plan price |
・ Zenkoji Priest Private Guide Fee ・Dharma talk by Zenkoji priest ・vegetarian cuisine ・Shakyo Experience ・special prayer ・Interpreter Guide Fee |
| Minimum number of participants per group | 1 person/people |
| Minimum number of participants | 1 person/people |
| Maximum number of participants | 5 person/people |
| Tour Conductor | No |
| Start Time | 11:30 |
| Tour Time | 3 hours |
| Reservation Deadline | Up to 7 days prior to departure |
| Payment Method |
Creditcard    
|
- Tour itinerary -
Gather at Gyokushoin Temple (11:30) ... Tour of Zenkoji Temple precincts (11:30-12:30) ... Gyokusho-in Temple *Shojin ryori (vegetarian meal): Dharma talk and etiquette by the priest (12:30-13:30) ... Experience sutra copying (13:30-14:00) ...Special prayer at Gyokusho-in Temple (14:00-14:30) ...Dismissal
＜Legend: ...walking＞
- Meeting Place -
Address is displayed when location is selected.
Gyokushoin
- Important Points -
- Participation Requirements
The target age is 6 years old and up. Children under elementary school age are not allowed to participate. - Clothing
Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Luggage can be checked in at Gyokushoin. - About Shakyo
This is a sutra copying experience of about 50 characters. - About meals
Lunch (vegetarian food) is included in the plan. Please inform us in advance if you have any allergies. - For those coming by car
Please use the Zenkoji Temple Parking Lots 1 and 3. A 100 yen flat rate ticket will be given at Gyokushoin upon your arrival. Please let us know in advance if you will be using the parking lot.
- Other -
- About Taxi Option
You can request a taxi service from any of Earth Boat's accommodations (Lake Nojiriko, Kurohime, Hakuba, Togakushi) to Zenkoji Temple. Please select this option when you apply.
Cabs are available for 1 to 5 persons in one vehicle. - All photos are for illustrative purposes only.
- Cancellation Fee -
In cases where the customer cancels the contract after the contract has been completed, 1 customer will be charged a cancellation fee from their travel fee at the following rates. In cases where multiple people are participating and a portion of the customers cancel their contracts, we will charge the remaining customers a fee based on the difference according to the change in the number of people (around 1 vehicle/1 room per person) using transport and accommodation facilities.
| 10 to 8 days before | 7 to 2 days before | day before | On the day (before departure) | No-show or no-show after departure on the day of the event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 100% |
- Plan Provider Company -
field design, Inc.
1-3-16 marusa Bld.3F, Minamichitose, Nagano Shi, Nagano Ken
Registration of Travel Services：Governor of NaganoTravel Services Type 2 660
Certified General Travel Services Manager：Kotaro Hayashi
Contact Phone Number：026-227-8955
Application
Please select a course
Plan Contents
【Gyokushoin】
You will gather at the “Gyokushoin”, located at the knee of Zenkoji Temple.
The historical setting of the lodge will heighten your anticipation for the plan that is about to begin.
【Visit the National Treasure Zenkoji Temple】
During your visit to the National Treasure Zenkoji Temple, you will be guided by a priest himself as your private guide. This is a rare opportunity to learn deeply about the history and culture of Zenkoji Temple, and to hear detailed explanations about the temple's famous landmarks and hidden Buddha statues. Enjoy Zenkoji from a special perspective.
Priest/Guide: Taiki Yamanoi, born in 1971 in Nagano City
Based on the morning service at the main hall of Zenkoji Temple in Shinshu Zenkoji, he conducts missionary activities such as zazen meditation, sutra copying, making bead charms, temple walking, and temple SKI for individuals, schools, and companies so that they can feel familiar with the origin of Buddhism, “how to adjust the mind,” and apply it in their daily lives.
【Shojin ryori】
"Shojin ryori” refers to dishes made exclusively from vegetables, tofu, and other plant-based ingredients.
It originated as a diet for ascetic monks who observed Buddhist precepts. Recently, it is also attracting attention as a healthy food.
In this program, we will prepare more than 10 special dishes utilizing seasonal ingredients.
【Explanation of vegetarian cuisine and instruction on how to prepare it】
At the vegetarian lunch, you will enjoy dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients while receiving detailed explanations and instructions on how to prepare them from a Buddhist priest. Please enjoy a special moment to heal your body and mind while learning about the dietary principles based on Buddhist teachings.
【Shakyo Experience】
This is a sutra copying experience of about 50 characters. Beginners and experienced practitioners alike will be able to focus on the sutra at their own pace and calm their minds as they perform the sutra. Through this experience, you will have a time to face yourself and feel inner peace.
【Special prayer at Gyokushoin sutra hall】
The special prayer at the Gyokushoin Sutra Hall will be conducted using the sutra you have experienced. Through the prayer, you can pray for purification of your mind and body and fulfillment of your wishes, and experience a moment of peace and tranquility. Please enjoy this special time to feel deeper blessings and emotions through the sutras you have written yourself.
Cab pick-up and drop-off (for Earthboat guests)
Cab transfers are available from Earth Boat to Zenkoji Temple. Enjoy a special Zenkoji experience as soon as you arrive in comfort. This convenient service allows you to fully enjoy sightseeing without worrying about transportation. Please feel free to ask for this service.