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Enter into the spirit of Zen in Kanazawa with a spiritual experience at Hoenji Temple that encompasses all five senses
Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
In Kanazawa, where the elegant old streets and traditional culture from the feudal era still live on, experience the mindfulness of Zen at Hoenji Temple. This special place has over 400 years of history and was once the family temple of the Maedas, the lords who ruled over the Kaga domain (modern-day Ishikawa Prefecture).
Your journey into Zen begins with purification and prayer rituals under the instruction of one of the temple’s monks. Next, it is time for zazen, the seated meditation at the heart of this sect of Buddhism. Under the guidance of the chief priest, seek to calm your mind and empty it of thought and distractions.
After your zazen session, return to the world and its flavors with a soothing bowl of matcha green tea and Japanese sweets. Finally, end your Zen experience with a private tour of the temple as the monk explains the history of and life at Hoenji. They will then play a powerful taiko drum so that you can feel the sound and vibrations reverberate through your entire body.
A professional, English-speaking guide will accompany you for the entire duration to ensure you get the most out of this special experience.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station (about 2 hours 30 minutes). Hoenji Temple is about 20 minutes by bus and on foot from Kanazawa Station.
6-14 Takara-machi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa-ken
