The ‘BOZU Experience Light Plan‘ offers an immersive glimpse into the life of a Buddhist monk in Onomichi, Hiroshima. Participants don traditional Samue attire and engage in activities like making prayer beads, exploring the temple, and participating in light monastic duties. Led by an English-speaking guide and a Buddhist monk, the 4-hour experience provides insights into the Bozu way of life. While the price tag may seem steep, the opportunity to deeply connect with a centuries-old spiritual tradition could be a transformative experience for the right individual.
Key Points
- 4-hour immersive experience at Saikokuji Temple in Onomichi, Hiroshima, including donning traditional monk’s attire and engaging in spiritual activities.
- Guided by an English-speaking guide and a Buddhist monk, providing insights into Zen teachings and cultural significance.
- Participants create personalized prayer beads, explore the temple’s Niomon, and engage in sutra reading and ‘U-Organize’ work.
- Priced at ¥25,000 per person, with a minimum requirement of 2 participants.
- Unsuitable for certain groups, such as children under 11, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and individuals with specific health conditions.
About the Experience
The BOZU Experience Light Plan offers participants a unique opportunity to enjoy the serene and spiritual atmosphere of Saikokuji Temple, located in the charming city of Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture.
Over the course of 4 hours, visitors will don traditional monk’s attire known as ‘Samue‘ and engage in a variety of activities that provide a glimpse into the daily life of a Buddhist monk.
These include making prayer beads, exploring the temple’s Niomon (Two Deva Kings), reading sutras, and participating in ‘U-Organize’ work.
Led by both an English guide and a monk guide, the experience promises to be educational, enriching, and unforgettable.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Onomichi.
Duration and Location
The BOZU Experience Light Plan runs for 4 hours and takes place at Saikokuji Temple, nestled in the charming city of Onomichi within Hiroshima Prefecture.
Participants will meet at 12:45 to begin their immersive journey into the world of Zen Buddhism.
The temple setting provides a tranquil and serene environment for participants to fully engage with the activities and teachings.
By spending time in this sacred space, visitors can disconnect from the outside world and deepen their understanding of the Bozu, or Buddhist monk, way of life.
The duration and location of this experience have been carefully selected to offer participants a meaningful and transformative encounter with Japanese spiritual traditions.
Activities Included
Participants in the BOZU Experience Light Plan engage in a variety of immersive activities that allow them to deeply connect with the Zen Buddhist tradition. These include donning a traditional monk’s attire known as Samue, creating personalized prayer beads, exploring the Saikokuji Niomon temple gates, and participating in sutra reading sessions. Throughout the experience, participants also have the opportunity to complete ‘U-Organize’ work, which involves organizing and arranging temple-related items. The guided nature of the plan, with both English and monk guides, ensures participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the rituals and practices observed by Buddhist monks.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Samue Wear | Wear traditional monk’s attire |
| Prayer Beads | Create personalized prayer beads |
| Saikokuji Niomon | Explore the temple gates |
| Sutra Reading | Participate in reading sessions |
| U-Organize | Organize temple-related items |
Pricing and Participants
The BOZU Experience Light Plan is priced at ¥25,000 per person, with a minimum requirement of 2 participants.
This immersive Zen experience isn’t suitable for certain groups, including children under 11 years, pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, those with altitude sickness, and people over 80 years of age.
The plan includes the rental of traditional monk’s attire, as well as the services of an English-speaking guide and a monk guide.
With a focus on activities like making prayer beads, studying sutras, and engaging in ‘U-Organize’ work, this 4-hour program offers a unique opportunity to explore the practices and traditions of Japanese Buddhism at the Saikokuji Temple in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
More Great Thing To Do NearbySamue Rental and Guides
A key component of the BOZU Experience Light Plan is the rental of traditional Samue, the monk’s attire, which allows participants to fully enjoy the monastic environment.
Included in the package, you will receive guidance from both an English-speaking guide and a Buddhist monk, who’ll provide insights and lead activities throughout the 4-hour experience.
The presence of these knowledgeable guides ensures that guests can fully engage with and understand the cultural and spiritual significance of the Saikokuji Temple during their visit.
This comprehensive support enables participants to make the most of their BOZU experience and gain a deeper appreciation for the monastic way of life.
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Unsuitable for Certain Groups
While the BOZU Experience Light Plan offers a unique culture, certain individuals may face limitations or challenges in fully participating.
Children under 11 years, for instance, may not be suited for the program’s monastic activities and environment. Likewise, pregnant women and wheelchair users may encounter accessibility obstacles within the historic Saikokuji Temple grounds.
Individuals with altitude sickness or those over 80 years of age could also face health risks during the 4-hour experience.
The BOZU Experience Light Plan isn’t recommended for:
- Children under 11 years
- Pregnant women
- Wheelchair users
- Visually impaired people
Highlights of the Experience
Participants of the BOZU Experience Light Plan can look forward to an immersive cultural journey, engaging in a variety of traditional monastic activities throughout the 4-hour program.
They’ll don the iconic samue, a traditional monk’s attire, and study Zen teachings. Crafting personalized prayer beads is a highlight, as guests infuse each bead with their hopes and blessings.
The experience also includes a guided tour of Saikokuji’s Niomon, where the two Deva Kings stand guard, and a sutra reading session focusing on adjustment, arrangement, and fulfilling great vows.
Guests will also participate in the ‘U-Organize’ work, a Zen practice of mindful organization. This transformative experience promises to leave participants with a deeper understanding of Japanese Buddhist traditions.
Important Details to Note
The BOZU Experience Light Plan has a few important details participants should be aware of. Notably, the experience isn’t suitable for certain individuals, including children under 11, pregnant women, wheelchair users, the visually impaired, those prone to altitude sickness, and people over 80 years old. These restrictions aim to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees.
Key details to note include:
- Experience duration is 4 hours
- Location is Saikokuji Temple in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Meeting time is 12:45
- Price is ¥25,000 per person with a minimum of 2 participants
These guidelines help create a meaningful and accessible BOZU experience for those who can fully participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Camera to Take Photos?
Guests are generally allowed to bring their own cameras to take photos during the experience, as long as they respect the sacred nature of the temple and follow any instructions from the guides. Specific photography policies may vary.
Is There an Option to Purchase the Prayer Beads Made?
Yes, participants can purchase the prayer beads they make during the ‘Prayers and Blessings’ activity. This option is included in the BOZU Experience Light Plan and allows guests to take home their handcrafted items as a memento of the experience.
Can I Request a Specific Sutra to Be Read During the Session?
Guests can request a specific sutra to be read during the BOZU Experience Light session. The program’s Monk guide will accommodate such requests, allowing participants to personalize their spiritual experience.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the ‘U-Organize’ Work?
The ‘U-Organize’ work does not have any dietary restrictions. Participants can partake in the activities without any food-related limitations. The focus is on the spiritual and meditative aspects of the experience.
Can I Extend the Duration of the Experience if Needed?
The experience duration can be extended if needed, though additional fees may apply. Participants should discuss any requests for extended time with the organizers in advance to ensure availability and make the necessary arrangements.
Recap
The ‘BOZU Experience Light Plan’ offers a unique opportunity to take in the Bozu way of life at Saikokuji Temple.
Participants will don traditional attire, engage in temple activities, and gain insights from an English-speaking guide and a Buddhist monk.
While the experience isn’t suitable for everyone, it provides a one-of-a-kind chance to deepen one’s understanding of Zen Buddhism and Japanese culture.
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