【Yamagata】Zen Experience at Zenpoji Temple

Welcome to Zenpoji Temple! Upon meeting a Buddhist monk and your interpreter at the main gate of Zenpoji Temple, you will begin your orientation into the world of Zen Buddhism with an introduction to meditation. Next you will be able to put this newly learned technique into practice with a zazen meditation experience, which is performed inside a hall normally off limits to anyone besides the temple monks.
After learning the ins and outs of zazen meditation, your training will continue with participating in an authentic Buddhist lunch ceremony. As the day proceeds, you will then move to a worship hall to undergo a Zen prayer ritual accompanied by a monk as your spiritual guide. Finally, your visit to Zenpoji Temple will conclude with a walk around the temple grounds, visiting some hidden areas of the complex that are only accessible when accompanied by a temple monk.
When the tour is concluded, your interpreter would be happy to call you a taxi to bring you to your next location. Public buses to Tsuroka Station are also available at the Zenpotera Bus Stop located within walking distance (5 minutes) of the main gate.

Learn the basics of Zen Buddhism from real monks. Many of these calming practices can be applied to everyday life.

Begin your day the same way the monks of Zenpoji Temple do - with a seated meditation practice known as zazen.

Continue your spiritual studies with sacred chanting and learning how to eat shoujin ryori (Buddhist cuisine)with the monks.