Sumi＆Shakyo Calligraphy Meditation TourSumi＆Shakyo meditation

🕒 Approx. 7.5 hours
👭　2-6 person

What makes this tour unique
✓ Guided by an expert in calligraphy
✓ Learn ink-making at Kobaien, Japan's oldest ink production establishment
✓ Experience “Shakyo” calligraphy (writing out Buddhist sutra) at Yakushiji Temple
✓ Guided tour of the Yakushiji Temple precinct by a monk

📋 Details
Head out from your hotel in Kyoto or Osaka with an English-speaking guide to Kobaien and Yakushiji temple.
Founded in 1577, Kobaien is Japan's oldest ink production establishment, preserving traditional ink-making methods through manual craftsmanship. During the ink production season from November to April, you can witness the actual ink-making process and engage in a unique experience of creating your own one-of-a-kind ink.
* The completed ink will be mailed to your home several months later.

During seasons when the hands-on ink-making experience is not available, you can enjoy a simple calligraphy session and take home some ink as a souvenir. Although you won't be able to witness the actual ink-making process during this time, you'll still receive a factory tour.

After the Kobaien tour, you'll visit Yakushiji, an ancient temple that has a long connection with “Shakyo” calligraphy. “Shakyo” or sutra transcription involves tracing the Heart Sutra with a calligraphy brush, and it's considered a form of practice that helps calm the mind. Concentrating on writing is said to dispel distracting thoughts and promote relaxation.

The transcribed sutra will be dedicated to Yakushiji Temple and preserved there for eternity. This temple was once quite large but suffered a major fire that destroyed most of its structures. To restore it to its former glory, many people have dedicated transcribed sutras, contributing to the gradual reconstruction of the temple into its current form.

Your sutra transcription experience will not only refresh your mind but also become a meaningful contribution to the temple's reconstruction. Why not embark on a journey to Nara, where the history of ink comes to life, and deepen your understanding of ink and calligraphy?