Guide
The Nokei Goma Kigan Koko-e is a sacred Buddhist ritual held at Koyama-ji Temple (Futo-ya Kannon) in Sakuragawa, Ibaraki Prefecture. 'Nokei' refers to the practice of offering sutras to the temple to pray for oneself, family, or friends, and to honor ancestors. Koyama-ji also offers year-round programs such as Zazen (meditation) and Shakyo (sutra copying) to help practitioners refine their mind and body.
The core of this event is the traditional Buddhist prayer ritual. Participants may receive a limited edition Goshuin (sacred stamp) as a token of their devotion. Additionally, you can experience Shakyo, the art of transcribing the Heart Sutra, to accumulate spiritual merit. For Shakyo, templates are provided, and you may choose to participate either in a traditional seated position (seiza) or using a chair. The Zazen sessions also offer a profound way to distance oneself from worldly desires and find mental clarity.
The scheduled date for this event is July 11, 2026. However, various programs such as Zazen and Shakyo are available year-round by appointment. Please note that availability may change due to other religious services, so it is essential to check the schedule in advance. Specific dates are determined through consultation via telephone.
The venue is Koyama-ji (Futo-ya Kannon) located in Sakuragawa, Ibaraki. The temple grounds feature a beautiful Niomon gate and a sacred tree. The complex includes a main hall, a three-story pagoda, and a bell tower. Please note that Shakyo sessions are held in the 'Kyoden' (Guest Hall) rather than the main hall.
Advance reservation is required via telephone (0296-75-4440). When booking, please provide your name, number of participants, and contact information. If participating in the Shakyo session, you can specify whether you prefer a chair or traditional floor seating. For Shakyo, you will trace the characters using a provided template. Please note that the Nokei fee and the Shakyo fee are separate charges.
Please prepare cash for ritual and experience fees (Nokei or Shakyo fees). Please check the official website or inquire by phone for details.
English language support availability should be confirmed in advance.
Advance reservation by phone is required for this ritual and all related experiences (Zazen/Shakyo). Please provide your name, number of people, and contact details when calling.
For Zazen sessions, comfortable clothing (such as athletic wear) is recommended. Depending on the season, you may want to bring a small blanket. For Shakyo, brushes, ink, and paper are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own specialized tools if you prefer. Please mention this during your reservation.