azen is a basic meditation pose for Zen Buddhism, where a person sits with their legs crossed and their back straight. Zen is one of the many Buddhist sects, and it spread from Japan to the US and Europe in the 20th century. Zazen is part of training in Zen sect. A person meditates and releases himself from worldly desires, making zazen a great way to relieve stress.
Shakyo, copying a Buddhist sutra, is not as well known as zazen, but it is another great way to relax and relieve stress.
■Experience Zazen Shakyo (Shosha Engyoji Temple)
Travel a bit from Himeji Castle and you’ll reach Engyo-ji Temple on Shosha Mountain. Also known as the Mt. Hiei of the west, this well known temple where many monks have trained was even used as a filming location for the movie the Last Samurai. Here, visitors can experience zazen and shakyo. Doing zazen and shakyo while surrounded by beautiful scenery is an experience you won’t forget.
- Activity:
- Zazen (Starts at 14:00～), Shakyo session
- Fee:
- Zazen ￥500 (Free session every 3rd Saturday from 11:00)
Flower Shakyo: ￥300 each - Reservation:
- Zazen -Please make a reservation at least 3 days prior. TEL：050-3532-2379
Shakyo- Reservation accepted at Maniden or at cafeteria.
Shosha Engyo-ji: http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/guide/map/shosha/engyou.html
Shosah: http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/spot/67_engyoji.html
ne of the specialties from Hyogo is Tamba Tachikui style pottery, which is considered one of the six oldest potteries in the nation. In Sasayama city, there are about 60 pottery makers that have been around since the Heian era, never letting the fires go out. From creating your very own pottery to hiking around and enjoying the beautiful surroundings, there’s much to do in this traditional pottery town.
Creating your own artwork at one of the most traditional pottery towns in the country is a great experience. No reservation necessary for small groups.
- Operating Hours:
- April ～ Spetember 10am～4:30pm
October ～ March 10am～3:30pm
Open daily except for December 29 through January 3 - Activity:
- Creating ceramic pottery (30～90 min.)
Large (plates, bowls, etc) ￥1500
Small (cups, rice bowls, etc) ￥900
Cup Painting \600 Plate Painting ￥800
Pottery making (using a lathe) ￥1500/hr.
*Only for people with an experience in using a lathe
All the artworks will be fired on the site, so it will take anywhere from a month to month and a half. There are places that offer international shipment (shipping fee applys).
- Link to more information on Pottery Class
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/spot/133_tanbapotteryexperience.html - Link to more information on Tamba-yaki (Tamba-style pottery)
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/spot/132_tambapottery.html - Link to more information on Tachikui Sue-no-Sato (Tachikui Pottery Village）
http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/spot/134_tatikui.html
At Sue-no-sato, there’s a Pottery Street (Kamamoto Yokocho) with over 50 pottery studios and stores. Visitors can purchase the work directly from the artists, so the price is very reasonable and there are many high-quality works.
http://www.tanbayaki.com/en.htm
Also, next to Sue-no-sato, there’s the Hyogo Museum of Ceramic Art where they have different exhibitions and events. Come to the museum, be inspired by the beautiful artworks, then visit one of the kilns and create one of your own.
http://www.mcart.jp/e%20sisetu.htm
