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T H E S O U L O F J A P A N
Taizoin offers “Zen Experience” sessions
that guide visitors through meditation and
a calligraphy lesson — another form of
meditation without the strict silence
A bamboo
grove provides
the best shade;
(inset) the art
of
ikebana
another form of meditation in Japan —
the planning of the design and even its
maintenance are forms of Zen Buddhist
meditation, thus the term “zen garden.”
After all this hands-on experience,
visitors will have worked up an
appetite. It is time for the grand finale
— a sumptuous vegetarian temple
cuisine lunch. Visitors who want the
full treatment may stay overnight at
nearby Shunkoin, another sub-temple
in the Myoshinji complex. Shunkoin
is accustomed to visitors from many
lands and faiths, who come to
meditate, learn about Zen Buddhism
and Japanese culture, or just go
sightseeing in Kyoto.
For the pure
shojin ryori
experience,
head to Shigetsu at Tenryuji Temple,
another UNESCO World Heritage
site known for its Japanese garden.
Reservations include admission to the
garden.
The meals here are a treat to behold
and taste, with sets evocatively named
Snow, Flower or Moon. They are served
on a tiny dish of pickles, a basket of
mushrooms, and a lacquer bowl of
soup — all so beautifully presented that
it feels almost profane to begin eating.
But you will.
Cebu Pacific flies from Manila to Osaka.
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One of the nicest temple
stays in Koyasan is Ekoin,
run by a friendly bunch of
English-speaking monks.
Many rooms overlook
beautiful gardens. Plan ahead
to make arrangements.
Accommodation charges per
person include two meals
at JPY9,000 (PHP4,705).
497
Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Koyasan;
tel: +81 736 56 2514
Shukubo temple stays are
scattered along the Shikoku
Pilgrims Trail. Try Zentsuji,
the 75th temple along the
trail that , s established by
Kobo Daishi as his birthplace.
Rooms with two meals cost
JPY5,000 (PHP2,614) per
person.
Tel: +81 877 62 0111
Myoshinji Temple in Kyoto
has two sub-temples that have
unique programs for visitors.
Hunkoin has spartan, clean
rooms that start at JPY4,000
(PHP2,091) per night. Visit
www.shunkoin.com.
Taizoin,
on the other hand, offers “Zen
Experience” meditation,
calligraphy and
shojin ryori
for JPY7,500 (PHP3,921).
Visit
www.taizoin.com. 42
Myoshinji-cho, Hanazono,
Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
At Shigetsu Restaurant in
Tenryu-ji Temple, set lunches
like Yuki (Snow) include five
dishes, a soup and dessert
at JPY3,000 (PHP1,568),
while Tsuki (Moon) includes
more dishes at JPY5,000
(PHP2,614).Open 11am–2pm.
Reservations are a must.
68
Saga Tenryuji, Susukinobaba-
cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
FIND YOUR
WAY THERE