Panduan
The Nokei Goma Kigan Kokai is a Buddhist ritual held at Futsunigami Kannon Oyama-dera Temple in Sakuragawa, Ibaraki Prefecture. 'Nokei' refers to the act of offering sutras to a temple for prayer and merit. Through this ritual, participants pray for the fulfillment of wishes for themselves, family, or friends, for the repose of ancestors, and for mental peace. Oyama-dera also offers year-round programs such as Zazen (meditation) and Shakyo (sutra copying) to help refine the mind and body.
The core of this event lies in the traditional Buddhist prayer ritual. Those who complete the Nokei may be eligible to receive a limited edition Goshuin (sacred stamp) upon request. Additionally, you can experience the tradition of Shakyo by copying the Heart Sutra, a practice believed to accumulate spiritual merit. The temple provides templates and paper, and you can choose between sitting on the floor (seiza) or using a chair. For those seeking deeper mental clarity, the Zazen sessions offer a process to detach from worldly desires and find inner peace.
The scheduled date for this event is July 11, 2026. However, programs like Zazen and Shakyo are available year-round. Please note that availability may change due to other religious services, so it is essential to check in advance. Detailed schedules are determined through prior consultation via telephone.
The venue is the Kyoden (Guest Hall) of Futsuniga Kannon Oyama-dera Temple in Sakuragawa, Ibaraki. The temple grounds feature a Nio-mon gate and a sacred tree. The main hall is surrounded by a three-storied pagoda and a bell tower. Please note that Shakyo sessions are held in the 'Kyoden' rather than the main hall.
Advance reservation is required. Please call 0296-75-4440 to provide your name, number of participants, and contact information. When participating in Shakyo, you can specify whether you prefer to sit in a chair or on the floor. Note that the Nokei fee and the Shakyo fee are separate; please confirm the details in advance.
Please prepare cash for ritual and experience fees (such as Nokei or Shakyo fees). Please check the official website or call for details.
Regarding English guidance or support, please inquire in advance.
Advance reservation via telephone is mandatory for this event and related sessions (Zazen/Shakyo). Please provide your name, number of people, and contact details.
For Zazen sessions, comfortable clothing (such as tracksuits) is recommended. You may also want to bring a shawl or blanket depending on the season. For Shakyo, brushes, ink, and paper are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own traditional tools if you prefer.