Komyoji Temple welcomes visitors from Japan and around the world.
You can visit the temple for prayer, experience Zen meditation (zazen),
learn about Japanese Buddhism, and discover the temple’s historic Buddhist statues.

Individual visitors, families, schools, travel groups,
Buddhist organizations, and international exchange groups are all welcome.
Programs can be adjusted according to the size of your group,
your available time, and your interests.

Temple Experiences

Zen Meditation (Zazen)

Experience Zen meditation (zazen) according to the tradition of Soto Zen Buddhism.

For beginners, we explain the basic posture, how to sit on a zafu cushion,
how to position the legs and hands, and how to breathe naturally during zazen.
Chair zazen is also available for those who find sitting on the floor difficult.

Learn More About Zen Meditation

Buddhist Statue Viewing

Komyoji Temple preserves Buddhist statues from several periods of Japanese history,
including Jizo Bodhisattva, Yakushi Nyorai, Dainichi Nyorai,
a Buddha traditionally identified as Amida Nyorai,
Fudo Myoo, and Bishamonten.

Fudo Myoo and Bishamonten are especially ancient statues
believed to date from the late Heian period, approximately 1,000 years ago.

Visitors are welcome to pray at the temple freely.
If you would like a guided explanation,
the Chief Priest can introduce the history of Komyoji
and explain the Buddhist statues and their significance.

Learn More About Our Buddhist Statues

Dharma Talk & Introduction to Japanese Buddhism

The Chief Priest can give talks about Buddhism, Zen,
Soto Zen Buddhism, Japanese temple culture,
and the history and role of Buddhist temples in Japanese society.

For international visitors, talks can be given in English
and are designed to provide an accessible introduction
for people who may be encountering Japanese Buddhism for the first time.

The content and length of the talk can be adjusted according to your interests and schedule.
For detailed questions or specialized discussion,
an interpreter may be helpful.

Shakyo – Sutra Copying

Shakyo is the traditional Buddhist practice of copying a sutra by hand.
No previous experience in calligraphy or sutra copying is required.

Different texts and lengths are available,
from shorter versions suitable for beginners
to longer sutras for those who would like a more complete experience.
You can choose according to your experience, interests, and available time.

In the quiet atmosphere of the temple,
participants copy the Buddhist text carefully, one character at a time.

Goshuin

Komyoji Temple is popular among visitors for its goshuin,
the traditional seals and calligraphy received as a record of a temple visit.

In addition to our regular goshuin,
we offer special designs inspired by the seasons,
Buddhist observances, and temple events.
The designs available may change throughout the year,
so visitors can enjoy discovering a different goshuin on each visit.

Examples of goshuin offered at Komyoji Temple. Designs change throughout the year.

For group visits, please contact us in advance.
Goshuin for groups are generally prepared as pre-written sheets.

Soto Zen Prayer Ceremony

Komyoji Temple can conduct prayer ceremonies
according to the tradition of Soto Zen Buddhism.

A general prayer ceremony offers prayers for health,
happiness, peace, and well-being.
Special ceremonies can also be arranged for particular wishes,
including recovery from illness, protection from misfortune,
family safety, traffic safety, and the fulfillment of personal wishes.

Prayer ceremonies are available for individuals, families, and groups.

Prayer Ofuda

Ofuda are Buddhist prayer talismans blessed during a prayer ceremony.
They may be prepared according to the purpose of the prayer
and are traditionally kept as a symbol of the prayer and blessing received at the temple.

For group programs, a special prayer ofuda can also be prepared
for each participant.

The Six Jizo of Komyoji Temple

When visiting Komyoji Temple,
we also invite you to pray at our Six Jizo statues.
They have become one of the temple’s most distinctive and popular sights.

The clothing of the Six Jizo changes with the seasons and special occasions throughout the year.

The Six Jizo are dressed in different clothing throughout the year,
with their appearance changing according to the seasons and special occasions.
Their clothing has included seasonal designs,
Christmas costumes, and rainbow colors.

These changing colors and costumes also express an important message of Komyoji Temple:
everyone is welcome here.

Regardless of nationality, culture, background, or identity,
we hope that every visitor can feel comfortable entering the temple and offering a prayer.
The rainbow-colored clothing is one way of expressing this spirit of welcome.

Because their appearance changes throughout the year,
the Six Jizo may look different each time you visit.
Please be sure to stop and offer a prayer to them when you come to Komyoji Temple.

Group Visit Programs

Komyoji Temple welcomes visits by travel groups, schools,
international exchange organizations, and Buddhist groups.

The following are examples of our standard programs.
Programs can be adjusted according to the number of participants,
your schedule, and your interests.

Offerings & General Temple Visits

The amounts shown on this page are standard suggested offerings
for temple experiences, guided visits, and group programs.

Additional donations to support Komyoji Temple,
its activities, and the preservation of the temple
are gratefully accepted.

Visitors who do not require a special program,
guided explanation, or ceremony are welcome to visit and pray freely.
There is no fixed admission fee for a general temple visit.

For a general visit,
we kindly invite you to make a voluntary offering
in one of the temple’s offering boxes.

Reservations & Inquiries

Advance reservations are required for group programs
and recommended for Zen meditation (zazen),
guided visits, shakyo, prayer ceremonies, and Dharma talks.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss
a customized program for your visit.

Contact Us