Experience Zenkoji Temple’s ‘O-Asaji’ Morning Service

Under 20 minutes walk from Hotel Kokusai 21, Zenkoji Temple is one of Japan’s oldet and most important Buddhist temples. Founded in 642, Zenkoji Temple houses the oldest known Buddhist statue in Japan and as such, is a focal point of devotion for people all over Japan. It is also the third largest temple in Japan and with its history stretching back almost 1400 years, is one of the most celebrated cultural and spiritual sites in the entire country.

Enjoy a Warm Welcome at Zenkoji’s Morning Service

Referred to as the ‘o-asaji’, the ceremony takes places every morning of the year, led by the head of the Tendai and Jodo sects – the two Buddhist sects charged with responsibility for the temple – and welcomes anyone to participate regardless of background or faith. Shortly after sunrise, the head of each sect will walk from their respective temples to the Main Hall and lead the attendant monks and nuns in an ancient ritual, as sutras are recited and chanting evokes an otherworldly atmosphere.

Each ceremony takes 30 minutes to complete, meaning the overall ceremony lasts approximately 1 hour and is both preceded and followed by the ‘O-Juzu Choudai’ or ‘Rosary Blessing’. As the head of each sect moves to and from the temple, attendants line up and kneel before them, awaiting their blessing with the soft touch of a rosary upon their heads. This simple act is said to ensure a peaceful death and entry into the Buddhist paradise; a blessing which visitors can obtain four times during any one ceremony as the heads of both sects move to and from the main hall.

Taking place shortly after sunrise, ceremony times vary throughout the year. From October until April, expect a start time between 6 to 7AM with ceremonies conducted between May and September starting between 530 to 630AM. There is no charge to enter the temple grounds and receive the rosary blessing however should you wish to sit inside the main hall in observation of the o-asaji ceremony, you will be required to pay JPY500 for entry into the inner sanctuary. For the exact timing of the ceremony through the year, please refer to the temple schedule.