🌸 Rediscover Japanese Culture in Ashikaga 🌸

Experience prayers and arts brought from ancient Asia — Bugaku Dance, Gagaku Music, Shōmyō Chanting, and Crystal Bowl Meditation

Welcome to Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture — the historic city of samurai warriors.
At Kisshō-ji Temple, a sacred place where Muromachi culture flourished, you can sharpen your senses and immerse yourself in the essence of Japanese tradition.
This special tour offers exclusive opportunities such as viewing hidden Buddhist statues, joining the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra chanting ritual, crystal bowl meditation, and enjoying gagaku and bugaku performances.

✨ Tour Highlights

Bugaku Dance That Moves the Heart

• Warawa-mai "Karyōbin" — a graceful dance performed by children, expressing the heavenly music of paradise.

• Its ethereal sound is said to purify the soul.

The World’s Oldest Orchestra: Gagaku

• Recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

• Enjoy a special performance by the Ashikaga Gagaku Ensemble, directly connected to the Ashikaga Shogunate, and experience the spiritual roots of Japan.

Crystal Bowl Meditation × Shōmyō Chanting

• The mystical resonance of crystal bowls combined with Buddhist chanting.

• A rare opportunity to enter a state of deep tranquility in a historic temple.

Learn About Muromachi Culture at a Historic Temple

• Kisshō-ji Temple, founded in 1261.

• Discover the background of Muromachi culture (tea ceremony, poetry, ikebana, calligraphy, ink painting, dry landscape gardens) and view ancient statues and temple treasures.

The Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra Ritual

• A traditional ceremony involving the chanting of 600 Buddhist scriptures.

• Known as the “Wind of Wisdom,” this prayer purifies participants and ensures safe travels.

Interaction & Commemorative Photo Session

• Meet monks and performers, try a short chanting or dance activity, and capture the memory with a group photo.

📍 Location

Gininzan Kisshō-ji Temple (Tendai Sect)
245 Egawa-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, 326-0067
Main deity: Eleven-faced Kannon Bosatsu
Founded in 1261 by the Ashikaga clan (5th generation lord, Yoriuji Ashikaga).

The temple grounds are surrounded by mountains and seasonal beauty, including cherry blossoms and crape myrtles, offering a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

📌 Tour Information

• Minimum participants: 2 (maximum 20)

• Duration: Half-day to full-day (depending on the plan)

• Language: Japanese

• Meeting & dismissal: On-site (transportation arrangements available upon request)

• Reservations: At least 2 weeks in advance (last-minute bookings possible depending on availability)

• Price: Please inquire

🔑 Recommended For

• Those interested in Japanese culture, Buddhism, and traditional performing arts

• Travelers seeking a healing and meditative experience

• Visitors who want something deeper than ordinary sightseeing

• Groups or individuals celebrating a special occasion

👉 “A journey into the timeless essence of Japanese culture — in a sacred space of silence and prayer.”
Create unforgettable memories at Kisshō-ji Temple in Ashikaga.