For those seeking a unique Japanese travel experience – try matcha tea ceremony and make incense at Seishoji Temple.

The journey begins at Kansai International Airport.

To make this trip more comfortable and flexible, we recommend renting a car here. Visiting Seishoji Temple in Kawachinagano by car makes getting around much easier, and allows you to leisurely enjoy the surrounding nature and scenery. This is especially ideal for those with luggage or who want to have plenty of time.

Click here for rental car details

After driving for about 50 minutes from the airport, the scenery gradually changes to a more tranquil landscape, and eventually you arrive at Seishoji Temple in Kawachinagano , Osaka .

Even half a day, or even a full day

The stay at Seishoji Temple lasted approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Approximately 50 minutes by car from Kansai International Airport

• Visiting hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

A place of prayer that has existed for 1200 years.

A story is preserved at this temple.

Approximately 1200 years ago, a monk visited this area. The path he took was a pilgrimage route known as the " Koya Kaido," which leads to Mount Koya, and the history of many people walking this path remains to this day.

His name is Kobo Daishi Kukai. He is one of the most well-known Buddhist monks in Japan.

At that time, an epidemic was spreading in the region, causing much suffering. People sought help and turned to Kukai for assistance.

He offered prayers and shared his wisdom for living with people. This included keeping water clean, maintaining a healthy environment, and eating "yuzu miso" on the winter solstice to protect one's health.

This teaching is still passed down at Seishoji Temple today.

Walking through the temple grounds – tranquility and playfulness

Estimated stay time: Approximately 60 minutes

The moment you step inside the temple, you can feel the atmosphere change. Time seems to slow down, and a space enveloped in tranquility unfolds before you.

And the charm of this place lies in how its appearance changes with the seasons.

In early summer, lotus flowers bloom gently, and in autumn, the ginkgo trees, approximately 120 years old, turn golden.

Even outside of seasonal highlights, the birdsong and trees swaying in the wind offer a different view each time you visit.

It is in this setting that you encounter the little characters known as "YUZUBO".

YUZUBO is inspired by the yuzu citrus fruit and was created based on the concept of "two traveling together." This means walking alongside Kobo Daishi and represents a constant companion.

There are over 100 statues scattered throughout the temple grounds, each with a different expression and appearance.

By walking while searching, you naturally slow down your pace, allowing you to enjoy the scenery of the temple grounds more carefully.

It's a special time where tranquility and playfulness intertwine.

Experiencing Japanese Culture – Incense Making and Matcha

Estimated stay time: Approximately 120 minutes

The "Terakoya" is a 107-year-old building located within the temple grounds.

Here, it's not just about experiencing things; it's about a time to confront your own feelings.

First, we'll make incense. Using natural aromatic woods that have been used since ancient times, such as agarwood and sandalwood, you'll blend your own unique fragrance.

In front of me were ingredients, each with a different aroma: deep fragrances, soft sweetness, and even a hint of spiciness.

By mixing them little by little, you can find a scent that you find pleasant.

After the incense is made, matcha tea and Japanese sweets will be served.

Because I focused on the aroma beforehand, the flavors of matcha and Japanese sweets seemed more impressive than usual.

The warmth of the wood, the soft light, the calm atmosphere—all of these elements make this experience even more special.

Here you'll find a quiet moment unlike anything you'd experience in a cafe.

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Estimated stay time: approximately 20-30 minutes

A small pilgrimage experience

Within the temple grounds, there is also a hexagonal hall made from sand collected from the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku.

It is believed that by walking around clockwise, you can receive the same blessings as a pilgrimage that would normally take several days.

Even in a short time, it's a special experience that allows you to connect with Japanese spiritual culture.

Experiences you can easily add

These aren't essential, but they add another layer of enjoyment to your stay. They're experiences you can easily incorporate into your routine without any special preparation.

If the dates work out, you can experience sutra copying.

Sutra copying experience

Date: Only on the 21st of each month / Duration: Approximately 30-60 minutes

It's a simple experience where you trace lightly printed letters with a brush pen.

There's no need to understand the meaning; as you concentrate on writing, your mind will naturally become more focused.

You can work calmly in a quiet environment.

Buddhist image copying experience

Estimated time: Approximately 30-45 minutes

No prior drawing experience is necessary, and you can proceed at your own pace.

If you are interested, please check the details below.