Miyajima:Experience Japanese spiritual culture at Daisho-in
ID: GYG768576-1235945
Category:
Country: Japan
Duration:
03:30 hours
Description
This is a tour where you can experience the spirituality of Japanese people using all five senses and feel the warmth guided by local residents.
A Sensory Journey of Mind and Spirit - Exploring Spiritual Culture at Daishoin Temple, Miyajima
Daishoin Temple is your gateway to a deeper experience of the sacred island of Miyajima and insights into Japanese spirituality. The island’s oldest temple and protector of its ancient forests, serene Daishoin is the perfect place to become acquainted with some fundamental Buddhist teachings, expertly interpreted by local guides.
Our journey of introspection begins as you pass through the temple gate. Surrender to the sound of drums and Buddhist chants that fill the air. Clear the mind by walking the dark passageway beneath the hall which houses the bodhisattva of compassion and encourages self-reflection.
Returning to the light of day, commune with nature in a secluded meditation space that overlooks Itsukushima Shrine and its grand vermillion shrine gate, floating in the bay below.
Feel centuries of history and devotion in the presence of an eternal flame, tended for 1,200 years in a cave illuminated with the light from hundreds of lanterns and filled with the aroma of incense.
Experience for yourself the revelatory power of the simple act of tending to a traditional Japanese garden that exemplifies the concept of “shojin”, followed by the quiet pleasure of enjoying a bowl of matcha tea.
We conclude our journey by sharing our impressions and how our insights might be carried into our daily lives, further deepening bonds of warmth and connection forged along the way.
Why not join us in walking a path to inner peace in the natural and historical splendor of Daishoin Temple?
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■Itinerary
9:00 A prologue at the六角茶房 "Hexagon.cafe"
9:15 A visit to 五百羅漢 "GOHYAKU RAKAN"
9:25 A visit to 観音堂 ”Kannondo”
9:40 A visit to 戒壇巡り "KAIDAN MEGURI"
10:00 An experience prayer and meditation in 摩尼殿 "MANI DEN"
11:10 A visit to 遍照窟 "HENJO KUTSU"
11:30 Japanese garden cleaning・Draw sand ripples
12:15 An epilogue at the六角茶房 "Hexagon.cafe"
12:30 The end of a journey
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■About Daishoin
Daishoin is one of Miyajima's most significant temples. Intimately connected with Itsukushima Shrine for many centuries prior to the separation of Shinto and Buddhism at the end of the 19th century, Daishoin is a temple that accepts gods and Buddhas of all religions.
■Kukai, the Founder of Daishoin
Daishoin was founded in 806 by the 9th-century monk Kukai, whose name means "sky and sea." One of Japan’s most famous religious figures, many tales of superhuman feats are associated with him and he had a wide-ranging cultural impact. Kukai is closely associated with the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and, to this day, is believed to remain in a state of deep meditation within his mausoleum on Mt Koya.
Highlights
- You can receive prayers and meditate at “Maniden”
- You can clean a Japanese garden and draw sand ripples.
- You can learn deeply about the cultural history of Miyajima through ”Daisho-in”.
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
・This is a tour aimed at inbound tourists. Please contact us separately for tours for Japanese people.
・The meeting points will be Hexagon.cafe, which is on the right as soon as you pass through the gate of Daisho-in Temple.
・Daisho-in Temple is approximately 20 minutes on foot from Miyajima Pier.
・Children 12 years and older are charged the same price as adults. Free if you are 11 or under and do not pray.
・Please participate in clothes that are easy to move in.
・For changes or cancellations, please contact the organizer.
■Organizer: MADE IN MIYAJIMA
■Mail:miyajimatours@gmail.com
■Tel:090-5263-8351 (Hexagon.cafe)
六角茶房(Hexagon.cafe)
※The meeting points will be Hexagon.cafe, which is on the right as soon as you pass through the gate of Daisho-in Temple.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.