Biwako-Otsu Tours
Explore the historic Mii-dera Temple and its National Treasures, and try your hand at Zen meditation or making a Buddhist prayer bead bracelet. This immersive tour offers a fun and engaging way to discover Buddhist culture and history.
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Mii-dera Temple Buddhist Practice Experience Plan
The Highlight
■Buddhist Practice ･Experiences Zen Meditation (Shikan) Experience
Enjoy a peaceful meditation session incorporating traditional techniques unique to Mii-dera Temple. Guidance is adapted to participants' experience and abilities, helping beginners, older adults, and children participate comfortably. In the tranquil surroundings of the temple, take a moment to steady your breathing and turn your attention inward. This may offer an opportunity to discover aspects of yourself that often go unnoticed in everyday life. This meditation experience is available to healthy participants aged 15 and over. You can participate at your own pace in a quiet and peaceful environment.
･Sutra Copying and Buddhist Image Tracing
In the sutra copying activity, you will trace the characters of the Heart Sutra. The activity is designed to be accessible even to young children who cannot yet read the text. In the Buddhist image tracing activity, you will carefully trace an image of the Buddha onto paper. The emphasis is not on handwriting skills or speed, but on tracing each line with care and intention. Take a break from your busy daily routine and experience a moment of calm and mindfulness. Buddhist Prayer Bead Bracelet Making In Buddhism, prayer beads are an important ritual object that symbolize a connection with the Buddha. During this activity, choose your favorite beads from a variety of options and create your own original Buddhist prayer bead bracelet. Once completed, your bracelet will be blessed through a Buddhist prayer ritual, and you can take it home as a souvenir. It can be worn as a personal good-luck charm or given as a thoughtful gift to family and friends. An optional upgrade featuring higher-quality beads is also available.
The Experience
Discover Buddhist culture on a guided tour of Mii-dera Temple (Onjo-ji), the head temple of the Tendaijimon school of Buddhism, located in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore the historic temple grounds and take part in a Buddhist practice of your choice. Learn about the National Treasure Main Hall (Kondo) and the temple's collection of Important Cultural Property buildings, and enjoy a peaceful moment to calm your mind in this serene setting. The tour is suitable even for first-time participants with little or no experience of Buddhist practices. Rather than focusing on religious observance, we invite you to enjoy this experience as an opportunity to slow down and spend meaningful time reflecting on yourself. With morning and afternoon sessions available, you can choose the time that best fits your travel plans. The tour is limited to a small group, making it ideal for those who wish to enjoy a relaxed and unhurried experience.
Itinerary
- Meeting Point: In front of the Niomon Gate of Mii-dera Temple Morning Session 9:15–9:30 AM – Arrival and check-in Afternoon Session 1:15–1:30 PM – Arrival and check-in
- Choose one of the following activities: 1.Zen Meditation (Shikan) 2.Sutra Copying or Buddhist Image Tracing 3.Buddhist Prayer Bead Bracelet Making
- Explore the temple grounds with a local guide, including the National Treasure Main Hall (Kondo) and the Kannon-do Hall.
- The tour concludes with Japanese sweets and tea near the temple gate. •Morning session: Around 12:10 PM •Afternoon session: Around 4:10 PM
Price Details
Add-on Items
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
･Request-based booking: This tour is available by request. We will notify you within three business days of receiving your application whether the tour can be arranged. Please note that your preferred date may not always be available. ･Tour documents: Travel documents and a final itinerary will not be sent by post. Once your booking is confirmed, please check the link labeled “Reservation Details” in your confirmation email for the final itinerary and information for the day. •Activity selection: Please select your preferred Buddhist practice when booking. Changes cannot be made on the day of the tour. •Footwear: The temple grounds include slopes and uneven terrain. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. •Changes to the itinerary: Some viewing locations or activities may change due to temple events or other circumstances. •Weather: The tour will proceed in rainy weather. It may be canceled if severe weather creates unsafe conditions.
Important Booking Information
After your booking is confirmed, we will send you an email with the meeting point and important information. Please arrive at the main gate of Mii-dera Temple approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Buddhist practice activities will be introduced according to participants' ages and physical abilities. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you need to cancel, please contact us in advance in accordance with the cancellation policy.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 8 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 2 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)