Ori-ori Sanpai

Zen Meditation and Artistic Imaginations, which was held last winter and got a great response, is held again in 2026 under the theme of “Saihoji in the Modern Times.”

For Saihoji, the “modern times” was a period when the garden, having become covered with moss during a time of devastation, came to be appreciated for its unique beauty as the “Moss Temple.” It was also a period of transformation that laid the foundation for the temple’s current visiting procedure, including the pre-reservation system.

The sliding doors, which were installed when the main hall was rebuilt, feature abstract paintings by Domoto Insho. These paintings were apart from the monochrome ink paintings that were mainstream in temples.
In this program, all of the 104 sliding door paintings will be displayed. We would like to invite you into a space of prayer, where vibrant colors create an experience like no other.

Come to the main hall during winter, center your mind, appreciate art, and stroll through the garden.
In the stillness, awaken your senses and take a moment to reflect on yourself, feeling the depth of 1,300 years of its history.

After centering your mind with a short zazen session* in the main hall, enjoy viewing the sliding door paintings by Domoto Insho.
Following the appreciation, take your time to stroll through the winter garden at your own pace.
*Short zazen session: In a relaxed posture, focus on your senses and breathing, turning your attention inward.
*Please note that some areas of the garden may not be accessible, and there may be some noise due to the restoration work.
[Dates and Start Time]
February : 8(Sun), 10(Tue), 11(Wed), 15(Sun), 22(Sun), 23(Mon)
*The meeting time is 5 minutes before each session.
*Deadline : The day before a desired date
[Required Time]
Approx. 90 min.
*After the program, please feel free to take your time until closing time if you like.

[Qualified]
Non-members and Saihokai members
*aged 13 or older at time of visit. Accompanying persons need not be members.
(About Membership)
[Admission fee]
10,000 yen
*Our system usage fee of 110 yen (tax included) will be charged per person per visit, aside from admission fee.
[Language]
Japanese


[Important notes when reserving your visit]
-The garden paths are not wheelchair accessible, as the temple grounds include steps and areas covered in gravel.
-There is no heating system during meditation, so please come in warm clothes.
-If it is hard for you to sit on a floor, you can practice zazen in a chair.
[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.