【OUTLINE】

Try "shakyo", the practice of hand-copying Buddhist sutras, in Zuigan-ji Temple, a national treasure of Japan. Zuigan-ji was frequented by Date Masamune, a legendary warrior of the Tohoku Region from the end of the 16th to early 17th century. Your body and mind will become refreshed from the shakyo experience held in the Shoin, study hall, at the temple. Admission is included in the tour price. Please take your time to appreciate the gorgeous sliding screen paintings, history, and arts of the temple.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Try Shakyo in Zuigan-ji, the temple reestablished by Date Masamune!
• Receive the brush you used during the experience as a souvenir.
• Choose either "shakyo" or "shabutsu". Shabutsu is the practice of hand-copying an image of Buddha.
• Don't miss the sliding screen painting decorated with gold leaf in the temple's main hall.

【SCHEDULE】

Reception→Go to the Shoin→Experience Shakyo (or Shabutsu)→Receive the brush from the activity
*You can observe the inside of the temple before or after the experience.

【DETAILS】

Come try "shakyo", Buddhist sutra copying, in the tranquil study hall of Zuigan-ji by carefully writing letters one by one. Shakyo is a Buddhist practice. It will be held in the study hall of the temple, designated as a national treasure, will be a special memory of your time in Japan.

If you prefer, you can try "shabutsu", Buddhist image-copying, and bring the brush you used with you back home. It will be a special souvenir from your trip! You may also take home the finished work or offer it to the temple.

The tour price includes admission. Take a walk in the temple precinct and immerse yourself in the spirit of Japan after your experience!

〈Zuigan-ji Temple〉

Zuigan-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in the Tohoku Region reestablished by Date Masamune in Matsushima, a well-known tourist spot now. Inside the main hall is a collection of pieces that are considered national treasures, and you can find various pieces of art such as painting, carving and sculpture around the temple. It is certainly like stepping into another world.

Some of the must-sees are the caves carved into the rock, the memorial towers carved into rock, and the dry landscape garden.

The main hall houses the richly colored sliding screen painting. A wide array of Japanese art are on display here.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Time：40 minutes
• Meeting point：Zuigan-ji Temple ticket office [MAP]
  91, Matushima Chonai, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi-ken　　   
• Access：
  From JR Sendai Station, take JR Senseki Line to Matsushima Kaigan Station
  A 5-minute walk from JR Matsushima Kaigan Station
• Minimum number of participants：2 person
  
• Language support：English (basic level)
• Included：
  ・Admission
  ・Shakyo (or Shabutsu) experience
  ・souvenir brush
• Items to bring：None
• Participation requirements：None
  
• Free Wi-Fi： None
• Toilet： 〇 (Western-style)
• Other things to note ：
  ・Please show your voucher upon arrival
  ・No smoking in this site
  ・No pet allowed in the temple
  ・No food or drink on the premises
  ・No parking lot
  
  

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour 100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation. 

※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.