Discovery Course – Ikkyu-ji Temple × Fugen-ji Ito Residence (90 min, hotel guests only)

A roughly 90-minute introductory course at Shuon-an Ikkyu-ji Temple—associated with Zen Master Ikkyu—where you’ll experience a Dharma talk, a temple stroll, copying the sutra “Kū,” matcha tea and Japanese sweets, and a Q&A session with a monk. This is a special program exclusively for guests staying at the Ito Residence at Fugen-ji Temple.

This introductory course offers guests staying at the “Fugen-ji Ito Residence”—a nationally registered tangible cultural property—an exclusive opportunity to experience Shuon-an Ikkyu-ji, the ancient temple where Zen Master Ikkyu, renowned worldwide for his witty anecdotes, spent his later years. After learning about Zen teachings through a sermon by a monk and strolling through the historic temple grounds, you’ll calm your mind and participate in a sutra-copying experience, writing the single character “空” (emptiness). Take a break with matcha tea prepared in the traditional tea ceremony style and seasonal Japanese sweets, and conclude the session with a Q&A session where you can ask the monk questions directly. Spend approximately 90 minutes experiencing the morning at a vibrant Zen temple in Kyotanabe, far from the hustle and bustle of tourist areas. As optional add-ons, you can also choose a vegetarian cooking class featuring “Ikkyu-ji Natto”—a traditional fermented soybean dish passed down from Ikkyu-ji Temple—or enjoy a morning porridge experience unique to Zen temples.

Reservations & Registration

How to Register: Check-in at the front desk of the Ito Residence at Fugen-ji (for guests only)
Registration Period & Deadline: Please contact us in advance.
Cancellation Policy: Please contact us in advance.

Basic Information

Season: [Year-round: Excluding days when memorial services or events are held at Ikkyu-ji Temple]
Closed Days & Excluded Dates: January, February
Meeting Time & Hours of Operation: Please contact us in advance.
Schedule: Meet at Ikkyu-ji Temple → Sermon and talk on Zen by a monk → Temple tour → Sutra copying experience: “Emptiness” → Tea and Japanese sweets → Q&A session with the monk → End of program (approx. 90 minutes)
Duration: About 90 minutes
Group Size: Minimum 1 people – Maximum 6 people
Participation Restrictions: Exclusive to Guests Staying at the Ito Residence at Fugen-ji Temple
Language Support: Staff: Japanese,English(Interpretation Service (Reservation Required): 5,000 yen per group (approx. 90 minutes))
Guide: Available
Flyers with English translations are available
Accessibility: A tatami room and seiza (kneeling) are required. Please inquire in advance.
Notes: A special program exclusively for guests staying at the Ito Residence at Fugen-ji Temple. Details will be announced once the terms of the agreement with Ikyu-ji Temple have been finalized. Interpretation services are available (reservation required; fee applies).

Pricing

List Price: Please check our website or booking sites for details.
Included in Price: Dharma Talk, Temple Tour, Sutra Copying Experience, Matcha and Japanese Sweets, Q&A Session with a Monk
Not Included in Price: Optional experiences (Ikkyu-ji Temple Natto Cooking Class and Morning Porridge Experience) are subject to an additional fee.

Access & Meeting Place

Meeting Place & Ticket Pickup Location: Shuon-an Ikkyu-ji Temple: Please inquire in advance regarding the meeting location.
102 Takisato-no-uchi, Kyotanabe City, Kyoto Prefecture
Parking Information: Yes

Operator Information

Operator Name: Yamashiro Shachu Co., Ltd.
Address: 106 Kogeya, Fugenji, Kyotanabe City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone Number: 090-5622-4249
Official Website: https://fugenjiitoutei.com/

Area & City/Town Introduction (Kyotanabe City)

Kyotanabe City is a town where nature and history coexist in harmony. Known as one of Japan’s leading producers of “Gyokuro,” a premium tea, the city has nurtured a rich history and culture, home to landmarks such as “Shuon-an Ikkyu-ji”—affectionately known as “Ikkyu’s Temple”—and “Daigodo Kannon-ji,” which houses the National Treasure, the Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Statue. It is also a vibrant city home to Doshisha University. In April of Reiwa 8, the “Spiral View Terrace,” designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, was completed on Mount Kananbi. We invite you to experience the charm of Kyotanabe—a blend of traditional elegance and modern appeal.