Greater Tokyo

TOCHIGI

Chuzenji Temple “16-Character SHAKYO or SHABUTSU (Copying Buddha’s picture) Experience”

A special time to reflect on yourself through the shakyo and shabutsu experience at a temple by Lake Chuzenji with a history of over 1250 years

Commonly, shakyo and shabutsu involve copying of the whole sutra or the whole image of the Buddha, but at Chuzenji Temple, we have prepared sheets of a sutra and an image that you can finish tracing within 15 to 20 minutes. In 16-character shakyo, you will trace a part of the Kannon Gyo sutra, written in light gray, with a brush pen. In shabutsu, you will trace the central area of the image of the Buddha, drawn in light gray, with a brush pen. In both practices, you will receive blessings by having your mind connected with the Buddha, feel relaxed both mentally and physically, and have the time to familiarize yourself with the Buddha and reflect on yourself. Time thus spent will be a priceless experience for you. After shakyo and shabutsu, you will be given a special red stamp as proof of paying respect to the temple and submitting the sutra/image.

※You can borrow a brush pen from the temple.

Access Information
・40 minutes by bus (to Yumoto Onsen or Chuzenji Onsen) from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station, get off at "Chuzenji Onsen" and walk for 10 minutes
・30 minutes by car from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station
Phone number
81-288-55-0013
Contact
81-288-55-0013
Business hours
【Time】
SHAKYO: 9:00-14:00
SHABUTSU: 9:00-1 hour before closing
【Chuzenji Temple viewing hours】
April-October: 8:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
November and March: 8:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30)
December-February: 8:30-15:30 (last entry 15:00)
Holiday
Open all year round. However, expierince of making a prayer at a temple may be changed or canceled due to events, memorial services, etc.
Charges
【SHAKYO or SHABUTSU experience fee】
1,000 yen(Special red ink stamp included)
【Admission fee】
Adults: 500 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen
※Prices as of August 2024.