Japan Culture Experience

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Discover the Spiritual Wonders of Japan: A Journey to Shukubo

For many travelers, visiting Japan’s temples and shrines is a must-do experience. Not only do these sacred sites offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich historical culture and stunning architecture, but they also provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the practice of Zen.

Today, many temples and shrines in Japan offer a variety of experiences beyond just sightseeing. Visitors can participate in Zen meditation sessions, try their hand at Shakyo Calligraphy (Sutra copying), savor delicious vegetarian cuisine, and even engage in traditional training experiences at Shukubo (temple’s guesthouse, lodging). One such place that offers these enriching activities is the renowned Eiheiji Temple in Fukui prefecture placed Japan seaside. This time, I would like to explain about Shukubo based on my experience staying at a temple lodging of Eiheiji Temple.

The History of Shukubo
The tradition of Shukubo—temple lodging—dates back to the Heian period, around 1200 years ago. Initially, these lodgings were reserved for the emperor and nobility who visited the sacred Kumano Three Mountains. Over time, this privilege extended to samurai and eventually to the general public. By the Edo period, about 400 years ago, staying at temples and shrines became a popular practice among travelers. Although the practice waned as travel became more accessible, many temples and shrines have preserved this tradition, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality.

What is Shukubo?
Originally, Shukubo served as a place for monks and worshippers to stay and purify their minds and bodies. Today, many of these lodgings’ welcome general tourists, providing enhanced facilities and services. Staying at a Shukubo offers a distinct experience compared to a regular hotel, allowing guests to immerse themselves in living traditions and culture. Many temples offer morning pilgrimages, which are free to join and highly recommended for a truly immersive experience.
Guests can also engage in activities unique to Shukubo, such as sutra copying, Zen meditation, and listening to enlightening talks by monks.

Types of Shukubo
Shukubo accommodations come in various forms. Some stay in side of the temple offering a rigorous training experience similar to that of the monks.

Others are, some are located within the temple grounds, situated in buildings on the premises or in nearby facilities operated by the temple, providing a more relaxed experience akin to staying at a traditional Japanese Ryokan inn.

The availability of Shukubo varies, with some temples and shrines offering lodging only during specific times or seasons. It’s advisable to check in advance regarding the acceptance of overseas visitors and the availability of accommodations. Shukubo become popular for the tourist from outside of Japan now.

Here are some examples for accept tourist from outside of Japan:

What Can You Experience?

If you stay inside the temple, you will follow the same daily schedule as the monks. Here is a typical day in the life of a monk at Eiheiji Temple. (Please note that the schedule may vary depending on the day.) From morning to night, you will practice Zen meditation and work, with very few breaks. The monks’ day off at Eiheiji is on days ending in 4 or 9, during which they do laundry, bathe, study, and generally stay within the temple. While the exact schedule may differ from temple to temple, the general routine is similar.

A Day in the Life of a Monk at Eiheiji Temple:

3:50 AM: Wake up
4:20 AM: Zen meditation
5:30 AM: Morning pilgrimage
6:30 AM: Breakfast
7:30 AM: Cleaning
9:00 AM: Zen meditation and work
11:00 AM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Zen meditation and work
5:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Zen meditation
9:00 PM: Go to bed

If you stay at an outside Shukubo affiliated with the temple, you can participate in the entire experience freely. Here is a simple itinerary from check-in to check-out. Some Shukubo also offer additional activities such as yoga, flower arrangement and tea ceremony.

Day 1:
- 3:00 PM: Check-in
- 3:30 PM: Zen meditation at Eiheiji Temple
- 6:00 PM: Dinner
- 7:00 PM: Sutra chanting
- 9:00 PM: Go to bed
Day 2:
- 3:30 AM: Wake up
- 4:00 AM: Leave the inn and head to Eiheiji Temple
- 4:30 AM: Monk’s talk
- 5:30 AM: Morning pilgrimage
- 6:00 AM: Tour of the temple precincts
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast
- 10:00 AM: Check-out

As you can see, the experiences differ significantly between staying inside the temple and staying at an outside Shukubo. Choose your lodging based on the type of experience you want.

Summary

Temples are places of practice and worship. Spend a peaceful and quiet time here. The training experience inside the temple is very strict, cutting you off from the outside world. You will spend most of the day doing zazen and practicing in a tatami mat space called “half tatami mats when you wake up, one tatami mat when you sleep”, with limited time for breaks. Therefore, strict practice, it is up to the temple to decide whether or not you can take part in the training and stay inside of temple.

Some temples offer English support, although the schedule and availability may be limited, so it’s essential to check in advance.

All experiences at temple when you stayed at outside accommodations managed by temples are freely to participate in, allowing you to spend your time at your own pace. Even first-time Zen practitioners can easily join. Recently, more facilities offer not only shared room of large tatami rooms but also private and luxurious rooms, similar to high-end ryokan inns, along with various services such as tea ceremonies and flower arrangements.

As a special experience in Japan, the Shukubo stay will immerse you in history and culture, providing a tranquil moment to reflect and find inner peace.

Video of Eiheiji temple

Embrace the Magic of Retreat on Izu Oshima

Hello, everyone. Today, I’d like to share a retreat journey to Izu Oshima, one of Tokyo’s enchanting islands.
On this island, you can connect with untouched nature—the land, sea, and forest—while meditating, allowing your mind to clear and experience a sense of empowerment.
Izu Oshima, which can be reached in about 2 hours by boat from Tokyo, was a wonderful place where you can enjoy not only summer marine sports and hiking, but also mindfulness, ancient local life, and contact with the people. It is a recommended place for those who want to get away from the city and experience local island life, so I would like to introduce it.

What is Izu Oshima

It is the largest island of the Izu Islands, located 120 km south of Tokyo. At its center stands Mount Mihara, an active volcano with an elevation of 758 meters above sea level. The island is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, with about 97% of its land protected under the Natural Parks Act, preserving its natural landscapes and ecosystems.

Inhabited for around 8,000 years, the island currently has a population of about 7,000. Historically, it served as a penal colony, and intriguing legends surround its past. In literature, Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata depicted Izu Oshima as the setting for his masterpiece, “The Izu Dancer”. Additionally, the island is renowned for its abundant marine products, the Camellia and Ashitaba which is famous for the healthy food.

How to Visit

You can reach the island by both plane and boat. A 25-minute flight from Chofu Airport or a 2-hour boat ride from Takeshiba port in Tokyo will get you there. Alternatively, it’s just 45 minutes from Atami in Shizuoka. Once on the island, you can explore its 46-kilometer circumference by bus, taxi, rental car, or bicycle.

Recommendation spots

While there are many attractive spots on Izu Oshima, here are some highlights:

Ura Sabaku（Back Desert）
On the east side of Mt. Mihara, which rises in the center of the island, there is a “back desert” covered with black volcanic rock.
Picture this: Magma, unleashed by countless eruptions, scorched the land, leaving behind a desolate expanse. The earth itself bears the scars of ancient fire, and the once-green vegetation now lies charred. As you step upon the volcanic rocks, their crunch echoes—a symphony of footsteps, wind, and distant birdcalls.

Amidst this stark beauty, take a moment to breathe. Listen to the rhythm of the elements—the wind whispering secrets, the rocks beneath your feet, and the vast sky above. Here, in this “nothing” place, let your mind quieten, and your senses awaken. Feel the pulse of nature—the same force that shaped this black desert—and find solace in its ancient embrace.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or inner reflection, the Back Desert awaits, inviting you to lose yourself in its enigmatic allure.

Sa no hama（Black sandy beach）
Consisting of 1 km of basalt black sand, this black sand beach was formed by lava crushed by wind and rain over a long period of time, and volcanic ash flowing down mountain streams. The sand is moved by the waves and wind, but at the same time, the sand flows from the valley, so the coast is not eroded and this beautiful landscape is maintained. This place is also a spawning ground for sea turtles.

When you sit on the black sand beach and look at it, you will be amazed at the warmth of the sand even though it is winter. If you meditate on this sandy beach for a while, you will only hear the sound of the waves and the sound of the wind. It is also wonderful to spend time facing yourself while watching the slowly flowing clouds and crashing waves.

Hajikama Shrine

The enchanting eastern side of Izu Oshima, where myths and legends come alive. Here, in the Senzu area, the ancient tale of Hiimi-sama still weaves its Mystical. On every January 24th, locals honor this legend through time-honored customs. Deep within a serene forest lies the Hajikama Shrine, intricately tied to Hiimi-sama’s story. This sacred spot is renowned as one of the island’s strongest power spots—a place where energy flows freely.

As you step into the forest, a hush settles around you. Towering cedar trees reach for the sky, their ancient roots anchoring them to the earth. Here, amid the quietude, you can reflect on the eons that shaped this land. The whispers of history blend with the rustling leaves, inviting you to connect with your inner self.

Close your eyes and breathe and embrace the silence. Feel the pulse of the island—the same energy that resonates through the Hajikama Shrine. Let the stillness envelop you, and perhaps, just perhaps, you’ll glimpse the secrets whispered by the ancient cedars.

Whether you seek solace, inspiration, or simply a moment of wonder, the Hajikama Shrine awaits, ready to share its timeless wisdom.

Camellia & Flower Garden

Izu Oshima is renowned as the “Island of Camellias.” These elegant trees, planted across the island as windbreaks, grace the landscape with their beauty. Camellias, revered flowers in Europe, find in the “Camelia and flower garden”, where approximately 2,000 camellia trees thrive. This camellia orchard holds international acclaim as an excellent garden, drawing camellia enthusiasts from around the world.

From October to May, you can admire the camellias in beauty bloom. And on clear days, don’t miss the breathtaking view of majestic Mount Fuji in the distance.

Step into this floral haven, breathe in the fragrant air, and let the vibrant colors soothe your soul. Izu Oshima’s Camellia & Flower Garden invites you to experience the magic of nature’s artistry.

Habu Port Town
Step into the nostalgic Habu Port Town, a quaint fishing town nestled in the southern part of the island. Here, time slows down, inviting you to savor every moment.

It’s a Crater Lake’s Transformed to the port. Picture this place in its infancy—a crater lake cradled by ancient volcanic hills. But as the years unfolded, the harbor emerged, its waters teeming with life. In 1800, the first ships docked, and Habu Port was born—a gateway to adventure and memories.

You can also feel the literary echoes. As you amble along the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter echoes of literature. The inn was the setting for Yasunari Kawabata’s novel “The Izu Dancer” still stands—a testament to love, longing, and fleeting encounters. Imagine the characters who once sought refuge within its walls—their stories etched into the very inn.

But Habu Port City isn’t just a relic of the past. It breathes anew with renovated inns and cozy cafes, their wooden beams weathered by time. Step inside, and you’ll find warmth, freshly brewed coffee, and tales whispered by the sea breeze. Take a leisurely stroll through this harbor of memories.

Anko-san
Anko-san is a hard-working woman who lives in Izu Oshima. Anko-san played a vital role in supporting the island’s challenging life. While men were away working at sea or in the mountains, these women diligently visited the communal well known as “Hamanka”. There, they fetched water and carried firewood, ensuring the well-being of their homes and communities.

Anko-san’s attire includes a kasuri (traditional patterned kimono) and a tied mae-tare (a type of apron). They also wear a cloth headband. Their graceful posture and determined expressions left a lasting impression on visitors, including poets and artists who immortalized their beauty.
These traditional Anko-san dancers perform hand movements in sync with local folk songs, creating a unique and rustic beauty that captivates onlookers.

Summary

The retreat trip to Izu Oshima refreshed my mind and body, and I felt like I was infused with new energy.

Izu Oshima, where nature weaves its magic, and power spots await your discovery. This island, cradled by the sea, invites you to embark on a journey of wonder and self-reflection.

From ancient shrines to mystical forests, each spot resonates with energy. Perhaps you’ll find solace at the Hajikama Shrine, where whispers of centuries past linger. Or lose yourself in the Back Desert, where black volcanic rock tells tales of primordial fire.

Gaze upon vistas that defy description. The azure sea stretches beyond sight, and if luck favors you, Mount Fuji graces the skyline—a majestic scenery.

Indulge in the island’s warm embrace. Soak in mineral-rich hot springs, their healing waters soothing both body and spirit. And when hunger calls, savor local delicacies—seafood fresh from the ocean, camellia-infused treats, and flavors that dance on your tongue.

Engage with the islanders—their stories, laughter, and resilience. Share a cup of tea, listen to their tales, and feel the heartbeat of this place.

And as night falls, let the silence envelop you. Close your eyes, face the mirror of your thoughts, and find answers—or perhaps more questions. In this tranquil nature, you’ll rediscover yourself.

So, I recommend staying for minimum two days, let the island’s magic seep into your heart, and emerge anew—a seeker, a dreamer, and a soul ready to face the world.

Japan Culture Experience

Kintsugi embracing the Beauty of Imperfection

Hello, everyone. I had a Kintsugi experience the other day, so I would like to introduce you to a fascinating aspect of Japanese culture and aesthetics: kintsugi. Kintsugi is a pottery repair technique that has been used for a long time in Japan, and it was born out of the spirit of continuing to use broken parts while admiring them as individuality, by decorating cracked parts with golden seams.
The philosophy of thinking about scratches as part of the history of the item and breathing new life into it is connected to the Japanese aesthetic sense. Therefore, Kintsugi is not only a craft, but also a philosophy that embraces imperfection and impermanence.

Recently, the reverse idea of making these scars stand out and turning them into art, the Japanese spirit of “Mottainai” and also it feels like a meditation through the Kintsugi experience have become popular with many people from overseas.

The origin of kintsugi dates back to the 13th century, when a prized celadon bowl from China was broken and sent back for repair. The Chinese craftsmen used metal staples to join the pieces, which made the bowl look like it had large insects on it. The bowl was named Bakouhan, meaning “locust bowl”, and it became more valued for its unique appearance. It was cherished by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa and the tea master Sen no Rikyu, who appreciated kintsugi and spread its knowledge. Sen no Rikyu had a spirit of wabi-sabi, which is finding beauty in imperfection. He thought kintsugi was a suitable expression for that.

Kintsugi requires specialized skills and materials. It uses natural lacquer, which is made from the sap of the lacquer tree. Lacquer hardens by reacting with the moisture and oxygen in the air, creating a strong and durable bond. Gold powder is sprinkled on the lacquered parts to decorate the cracks and chips. Kintsugi can also use silver, copper, or other metals and colors, depending on the pottery and the preference of the kintsugi-shi, the kintsugi craftsmen. Kintsugi-shi think of the best method and design according to the condition and characteristics of the broken pottery. Kintsugi makes the pottery look different from its original form, but that is considered to enhance its individuality and value.

Kintsugi reflects the Japanese aesthetics and philosophy of life. It shows the respect for the history and the story of the pottery, rather than discarding it or hiding its damage. It celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence, rather than seeking perfection and permanence. It creates a new value and meaning from the brokenness and the repair, rather than lamenting the loss and the flaw. Kintsugi teaches us to embrace our own scars and wounds, and to turn them into something beautiful and precious.

If you are interested in kintsugi, you can visit museums or workshops that display kintsugi works. You can also try kintsugi yourself with a simple kintsugi kit that is sold online or in some stores. Kintsugi can be applied not only to pottery, but also to other objects and materials. You can use your creativity and imagination to make your own kintsugi art.

Kintsugi is a wonderful way to experience the Japanese culture and aesthetics.

You can see the movie from Instagram here.