Buddhist Reading, Sutra Copying, and Waterfall Meditation Experience at Hokkeji Temple

Travel to the rural farming community of Tanto just south of Kinosaki Onsen and learn the ways of Buddhist meditation and spirituality with the help of Rev. Yoshiki, a local English-speaking monk who resides at Hokkeji Temple.

Under the guidance of Rev. Yoshiki, learn about the religious traditions of "dokyo" (Buddhist chanting), "shakyo" (Buddhist sutra copying), and "takigyo" (waterfall meditation) while also trying all three for yourself.

Yoshiki will pick you up in front of JR Kinosaki Onsen Station and drive you to Hokkeji Temple, a Buddhist temple in Tanto 50 minutes south of Kinosaki Onsen.

After arriving at Hokkeji Temple, take a seat and relax your body and soul amongst the peaceful temple scenery.

Rev. Yoshiki will give you a brief explanation in English about Buddhist chanting before beginning to recite the chant for a safe journey and experience during your waterfall meditation.

Visitors are more than welcome to close their eyes and relax during the ritual, but those who would like to be an active participant are encouraged to recite the chant as well with the help of a pronunciation script.

Once your Buddhist chanting experience comes to a close, take a short 15-minute hike from the Temple grounds to Jinryu Falls, the place where visitors will experience their waterfall meditation. During your hike, you will have the option of carrying small boulders on your back and shoulders as an added method of testing perseverance.

Visitors will be able to test their mindfulness and cleanse one's mind, body and soul during this unique experience.

Before beginning the ritual, you will enter a small changing room next to the waterfall and change into special garments: a white loincloth for men and a lightweight white garb for women.

After changing and hearing a brief explanation from Rev. Yoshiki about the purpose and benefits of waterfall meditation, visitors will stand underneath Jinryu Falls one by one for 3-5 minutes as Rev. Yoshiki recites a Buddhist chant.

During this time, cleanse your mind of outside thoughts and worries, and try to focus on oneself, the power of the waterfall, and the chant resonating throughout the forest.

*If you begin to feel too cold and/or unwell during the waterfall meditation, please do not feel pressured to remain underneath the water. Feel free to end the meditation at any time.

Visitors will then dry off, change back into their clothes, and return to Hokkeji Temple.

Rest your bones and muscles upon returning to Hokkeji Temple, and enjoy the relaxing art of sutra copying, a form of writing meditation that encourages mindfulness and positive manifestation. Write your family name and first name as a takehome keepsake.

Afterwards, enjoy a cup of tea and feel free to ask Rev. Yoshiki about spiritual guidance, your worries, or even about the life of a monk.

Drive back to Kinosaki Onsen Station, and bid farewell to your local guide and new friend!