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Empress & Buddhism
Kawahara-dera | Sutra Copying & Dedication Guided
by a Female Head Priest (with Matcha)
At 川原寺, sutra copying is personally guided by the temple’s female head priest.
Ink, brush, and characters — with each stroke, participants gradually enter the flow of time preserved
by the temple for centuries. Here, sutra copying is not positioned as a “workshop,” but as a complete
act of dedication. The finished sutra may be formally offered along with one’s personal wishes.
Instead of a souvenir to take home, what remains is something created by one’s own hands and entrusted
to this sacred place — a quiet testament of presence.
The experience concludes with a serving of matcha, allowing the moment to settle gently before
departure.
Small-group format / advance coordination required / limited availability.
A highly curated program that can only be realized in Asuka.
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＊This program takes place at a temple associated with historic empresses and at the site traditionally
regarded as one of the earliest places where sutra copying was practiced in Japan.
- Experience Investment
- JPY 15,000 per guest
(Same rate for adults and children)
Minimum of 2 guests required.
- Optional Enhancement
- A private sutra chanting ritual may be arranged for an additional JPY 10,000 per guest.
- Guest Capacity
- Program operates with a minimum of 2 guests.
- Duration
- Approximately 2 hours
- Scheduled Commencement
- 15:00
- Minimum Guests Required
- 2 guests
- Maximum Guests per Reservation
- 15 guests
Arrival at 川原寺 (Meeting Point)
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15:20
Private Temple Introduction & Viewing
Guided by Rev.
Ogitani, Chief Priest
Sacred Sutra Copying Experience (Shakyo)
Guests may choose from:
– Enmei Jukku Kannon-gyo (Ten-Phrase Kannon Sutra for Longevity)
– A devotional inscription dedicated to 弘法大師 (Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo)
Matcha & Traditional Japanese Sweet
A refined tea moment to conclude the spiritual practice.
Followed by an intimate cultural exchange with Ms. Asuka Asako (Q&A session).
Program Concludes
