Relax and Meditate at the Oldest Temple in Miyajima

【Outline】

On this plan, you can experience "Zazen” (Zen meditation) and "Shabutsu" (Buddhist image tracing) at Daisho-in, the oldest temple in Miyajima in Aki Province.

During Zen meditation, your mind and body unification will purify your spirit and drive the evil spirits of daily life away.  While tracing a picture of a Buddhist image, you will show your genuine appreciation for the day to god and to Buddha.

【Highlights】

• Participate in traditional Buddhist practices at Miyajima's oldest temple.
• Experience the spiritual unity of Zen Buddhism in a historic temple.
• Trace and be comforted by the image of Buddha.
• Your English-speaking guide will make sure you can follow every step of the plan.

【Schedule】

1. Experience Zen meditation
Unify your body and mind to stabilize your spirit.  Concentrate on the practice and make sure that your posture is correct. 

2. Experience Shabutsu
Set a paper on the sample and trace a Buddhist image carefully with a brush, praying that your wish will come true.
When the tracing is done, place your work in front of the Buddhist statue and burn incense. 

3. The end of the experience
That is all for today's experience. We are looking forward to seeing you again!

【Details】

<Touching the spirit of Zen>

Zen meditation is a basic practice of Zen Buddhism that unifies your spirit while sitting down with your back straight. Sitting properly will unify your body, breath, and mind and purify your spirit. You might get tired and lose your posture during meditation. In that case, you might be corrected. This is merely an encouragement to rid yourself of bewilderment and distractions during Zen meditation, which can be a magical experience.

<What is Shabutsu (tracing a picture of a Buddhist image?>

Shabutsu is the practice of tracing a picture of a Buddhist image. You will trace a Buddhist image or draw Buddhist figures with a brush. Anyone can do it at their own pace. Even those who cannot write Kanji (Chinese characters) can participate in the experience and have a Buddhist image created by themselves. You can feel the tradition and culture of Japan through this experience.

【Things to note】

• Time：3 hour
  
• Meeting Point：
  At the reception of Miyajima Misen Daihonzan Daisho-in　[MAP]
  210 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima-ken, 739-0592
• ACCESS：
  ・ If you come by car, you can park in the precincts. (the parking space is limited)
  ・ If you come by train, take either ferry below to Miyajima Island.
      From Miyajimaguchi Station on JR Sanyo Honsen Line :　Walk for 6 minutes to Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal. 
      ①JR Miyajima Ferry at Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal on the right ahead
      ②Miyajima Matsudai Sightseeing Ferry at Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal on the left ahead
      Approx. 30 minutes walk from Miyajima Ferry Terminal     
      A 15-minutes walk from Itsukushima Shrine.
• Minimum number of participants：4 people
• Language support：English
  * An interpreter (English/Japanese) will attend.
• Included： 
  ・Experience fee
  ・material fee

【HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES】 

・Wheelchairs are accessible.
・Wheelchairs are accessible for all transportation.
・Strollers are accessible.
・Service animals are allowed.
・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.

【Cancellation policy】 

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price 
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price 
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour 100% of the tour price 
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation. 
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.