One of the joys of staying at a temple is the morning service. The services performed by a large number of monks are particularly impressive.
Here we introduce temple stays where you can attend large-scale services with dozens to over a hundred monks.
List of temple stays where you can attend large-scale services
Zenkoji Temple stays (Nagano)
Zenkoji Temple has been a popular temple visited by many travelers since ancient times. There are many temple stays in the temple town.
Morning services are held every day in the main hall, which is designated as a national treasure. Dozens of monks are in attendance, making it a truly impressive sight.
Another unique experience is the “Ozyuzu tyodai”. This is a ritual in which the head priest of Zenkoji Temple touches the head of each worshipper with a prayer beads. The photo above shows people waiting to the ritual.
If you stay at a temple stay, you will be guided through this service.
Minobu Temple stays (Yamanashi)
Kuonji Temple in Minobu is the head temple of the Nichiren sect. There are many temple stays in the temple town.
Morning services are held every day in the main hall of Kuonji Temple. The first highlight is seeing a monk ring the large bell in the temple grounds. The monk falls backwards to gain momentum, and uses the momentum to slam the mallet into the bell.
Once you enter the main hall, many monks will chant sutras. After the service, the monk will give you a flower-shaped colored paper called an “Okyoha.”
Afterwards, a service will be held at the Soshido Hall.
Eiheiji-Hakujukan temple stay (Fukui)
This temple stay is located along the approach to Eiheiji, the head temple of the Soto sect. Eiheiji is a temple where many monks from all over Japan gather to train.
You can attend the morning service early in the morning, guided by a Zen concierge. During the morning service, over 100 monks chant sutras to the sound of bells and drums.
It is a special experience to walk through the middle of the monks to the main image and offer incense.
Chisyakuin-Kaikan temple stay (Kyoto)
This is a temple stay located within the grounds of Chishakuin Temple, the head temple of the Chisan school of Shingon Buddhism. The morning service held in the main hall is attended by between 50 and sometimes as many as 150 monks.
Next, a Goma prayer ceremony is held at the Myo-o Hall. The sight of sutras being chanted while flames rise vigorously and large drums are being beaten is truly impressive.
After the service, the monk will guide you through the national treasure sliding screen paintings and the famous garden.
