Morning Prayer Service at Kuonji
Kuonji holds a dawn prayer service daily, attended by locals, pilgrims, and monks studying at the temple. Hayashi-san will lead guests to the precincts even before the sun has risen so they can witness the ringing of Kuonji’s massive bronze bell, cast in 1624. Two monks are assigned to the task, grasping the rope and freefalling backward with their whole weight to pull back the giant wood striker. The resulting gongs are near deafening at close range, but the reverberations ripple out nearly 4 kilometers over the mountains, calling the faithful to prayer. Inside the hall, guests can witness the soothing pageantry of voices joined in sutra recitation, swaddled in the thick aroma of incense rising from braziers and watched over by a dragon of sumi ink and gold, a water spirit protecting the buildings from fire.
- Length of practice About 90~120 minutes
- Cost Free of charge
Guided Visit to Kuonji Temple and Other Sites
Habanobo is surrounded by significant religious sites, including Kuonji’s famous five-storied pagoda and Sanmon Gate, the grave and former hermitage of Nichiren Daishonin, the steep stone Bodaitei Steps symbolizing enlightenment, and the mountain-top Okunoin Shishinkaku Temple with its sacred trees and views of Mt. Fuji. With Hayashi-san as a private guide, guests will not miss out on the sites’ long history and deep symbolism, as he shares stories not found in guidebooks or pamphlets and takes guests to areas barred to the casual visitor.
- Length of practice About 60~90 minutes
- Cost 1,500 yen per group
"Shabutsu" (Tracing a Buddhist image)
Experience the practice of copying Buddhist paintings using a brush and ink.
It takes place in the main hall of the temple, where you can calm your mind and concentrate.
It is difficult to copy Chinese characters for sutras, but even children and people who are not familiar with using a brush can enjoy copying Buddhist paintings.
- Length of practice About 60~90 minutes
- Cost 1,500 yen per person
"Shakyo" (Sutra transcription)
This is the practice of copying sutras using a brush and ink. Calm your mind and write carefully.
Recommended for those who want to have an authentic experience.
- Length of practice About 60~90 minutes
- Cost 1,500 yen per person
"Meiso" (Sitting meditation)
Meditation is a method of training in which you must adjust your breathing and reflect upon yourself.
Yoga and "zazen"(zen meditation) are said to be one of the methods of this meditation.
You can feel refreshed by focusing on your presence and the nature around you.
- Length of practice About 30~60 minutes
- Cost 1,000 yen per person
"Suigyo" (Water Purification)
Water purification rituals are a common element in myriad spiritual practices. In Japan, the ritual is often performed in a natural setting like under a waterfall, but in Nichiren, practitioners pour water over themselves, symbolizing their responsibility for their own spiritual life and growth. In this experience, guests don ceremonial white garments and stand before a basin of blessed water. Chanting words drawn from the Lotus Sutra, they repeatedly lift pails of water over their head, letting it wash down their neck until they emerge cleansed and energized in body and mind.
Available from October to April.
- Length of practice About 90~120 minutes
- Cost 2,000 yen per person
"Samugyo" (Cleaning)
In Buddhism, cleaning is considered to be one of the most important practices.
It is said that by cleaning, one's own mind will be cleaned as well.
You will feel refreshed by carefully cleaning the temple as if you were polishing your body and mind.
- Length of practice 30 minutes~(adjustable)
- Cost Free of charge
The experience is guided by a resident priest. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your request depending on the schedule.
