Travel

Experience the Life of a Monk: Temple Stay in Koyasan

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Out of the bustling city and into the wilderness of Wakayama Prefecture, Shizuka experiences a day in the life of a Japanese Buddhist monk. Koyasan is a renowned Shukubo Temple, aka a temple that allows visitors to stay the night. During the stay, Shizuka experiences meditation, Buddhist rituals, and excellent Shojin Ryori, the traditional vegetarian cuisine of Japanese Buddhist Monks.

Join Shizuka as she explores the beautiful temple grounds and the Buddhist rituals unique to this temple. Shizuka witnesses the ritual presentation of a meal to a monk in eternal meditation, the morning chanting ceremony, and the preparations of Shojin Ryori for 50 hungry pilgrims. There’s even a surprising memorial to Japan’s favorite probiotic drink! Learn all about the rules and ideas behind Shojin Ryori, the flavors of this cuisine, and the fascinating life of Buddhist monks in Japan.

FEATURED FOODS:
Shojin Ryori: traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine. Follows strict rules on ingredients, excluding things like spices and garlic.

LOCATION
Eko-in Temple
497 Koyasan, 高野町 Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan
〒648-0211 和歌山県伊都郡高野町高野山497

TIMELINE

0:00 Intro
1:05 Temple Tour
2:30 Buddhist Meditation
3:50 Temple Tour
5:15 Shojin Ryori Cooking Process
8:00 Okunoin
10:05 Shojing Ryori
17:30 Morning Ceremony and Fire Ritual
19:40 Buddhist Breakfast
12:15 Outro

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Best of all, for every experience that’s booked on byFood, 10 school meals will be donated to children in need through the Food for Happiness program.

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🎬 CREDITS:
HOST » Shizuka Anderson
DIRECTOR » Esteban Haga
VIDEO EDITOR » Esteban Haga
PRODUCER » Eliska Sikulova

Alo Japan.