Ori-ori Sanpai

Obon, or the Bon Festival, is a seasonal Buddhist event in summer to hold memorial services for ancestors. It is an opportunity for us to think of your precious people, such as our parents, grandparents and ancestors, and to think of our origins.

It will remind us that our lives have been inherited from these people and encourage us to step into next  journeys in our life under their warmful eyes.  

Saihoji’s garden is “The Garden of Origins and Journeys”. We hope you will spend meaningful time calmly confronting your own heart with the memory of someone special to you.

In this program, we invite you to offer incense in memory of the deceased, accompanied by sounds of a bell, then write a gratitude message to them on Kuyoboku (a memorial wood stick) . You are welcome to enjoy a free visit to the garden afterward.

Before your visit, we suggest you check Saihoji’s journal Zen Talks for Your Heart “Life and Death”. A monk from Saihoji gives a talk on the theme of “Life and Death”. Life is brilliant because there is death. Then, how should we face it? The article, usually only available to Saihokai supporters, is open to the public until August 17.

[Dates]
August : 11(Mon), 15(Fri)
*Reception opens : 2 months before a desired date
*Deadline : The days before a desired date
[Start Time]
8:45 (Meet at 8:40 am)
[Required Time]
Approx. 60 min.
*After the program, you can stay until the closing time of the "Nichi-nichi Sanpai" without application.

[Qualified]
Non-members and Saihokai members
*aged 13 or older at time of visit.
(About Membership)
[Quota]
20 people
[Admission fee]
6,000 yen
*Our system usage fee of 110 yen (tax included) will be charged per person per visit, aside from admission fee.
[Language]
Japanese
*Even if you don't understand Japanese, please feel free to join this program. We will provide you with a leaflet with English information.

[Important notes when reserving your visit]
-Please refrain from taking pictures during the tour.
-Creation of your account is required for making a reservation.
-Personal data, such as names of each visitor, are required for making a reservation.
-The garden paths are not wheelchair accessible, as the temple grounds include steps and areas covered in gravel.

[Change/Cancellation]
The date and time of the visit cannot be changed. If you wish to change the date and time of your visit, please cancel your reservation and make a new one. Cancellations (including reduction in the number of participants) will be subject to the following cancellation fees.
Cancellation fees
(Up to 4 days before) Free of charge
(3 days before - 1 day before) 50%
(On the day of your visit) 100%
*The system usage fee(110 yen including tax per person)  is not refundable regardless of the date of cancellation.