【STORY】

Kogen-ji Temple is a historic temple with a tradition of holding Asaji (morning Buddhist service) every day without fail for over 200 years.

The service begins at sunrise, moving at the island’s gentle, unhurried pace. Feel the refreshing sea breeze and the faint sound of waves in the distance as you leave the noise of daily life behind and spend a tranquil moment in stillness. After the service, take a quiet stroll through the temple grounds, including the main hall and inner garden, experiencing the serene atmosphere and deep-rooted history of the island’s morning.

As an optional add-on, you can enjoy a traditional Hiroshima-style breakfast called Nigomi, a Buddhist vegetarian dish made with simmered azuki beans and vegetables—said to have been a favorite of Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect. In this region, known for its strong Jodo Shinshu faith, people used to eat Nigomi and refrain from taking life on the 16th of each month, the memorial day of Shinran Shonin.

Surrender yourself to the slow flow of the island morning and enjoy a nourishing and fulfilling start to the day.

*Asaji refers to a morning Buddhist ceremony, typically held in Zen temples, where monks and worshippers gather early to recite sutras, reflect, and prepare for the day ahead.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Refresh your mind and body by joining the Asaji at Kogen-ji Temple, with over 200 years of history.

• Spend a peaceful moment immersed in the temple’s rich heritage and cultural setting.

• Savor a warm, traditional Nigomi breakfast made with local ingredients and steeped in history.

【SCHEDULE】

【Option】

■Nigomi Breakfast: ¥2,900 (incl. tax) per person
Nigomi, also known as Nigome or Nigomi in other areas, is a Buddhist vegetarian stew featuring azuki beans and vegetables, said to be a favorite of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu. In this region, where devotion to Jodo Shinshu is strong among followers known as "Aki Monto," people traditionally avoided killing animals and markets would close on the 16th of each month, eating Nigomi instead.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：Approx. 70 minutes
  *With Nigomi breakfast: Approx. 130 minutes
• Meeting point：Kogen-ji Temple
  3093-1 Takata, Nomi-cho, Etajima-shi, Hiroshima 737-2303 [MAP]
• Access：
  1. From Hiroshima (Ujina) Port: Approx. 25 min by high-speed ferry to Takata Port → 7-min walk
  2. From Hiroshima (Ujina) Port: Approx. 40 min by high-speed ferry to Mitaka Port → 7-min drive
  
• Language support：Japanese
• Included：
  ・Japanese guidance
  ・Experience fee
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation to/from the facility
  ・Breakfast (optional)
• Participation requirements：
  ・Children aged 12 and under may join for free.
  ・Stairs are involved in getting to the breakfast venue; please contact us in advance if you use a wheelchair.
  ・Strollers are accessible.
  ・Infants are required to sit on laps.
  ・Infant seats are available.
  ・Pregnant individuals may participate.
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ・Breakfast (optional) is priced the same regardless of age. Please book for the exact number of diners.
  ・Pets are not allowed.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 24 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 24 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%