Experience making Japanese sweets and tea ceremony to pray for longevity at a temple associated with Kukai, a great figure in the world of Japanese Buddhism (Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture)

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[A customized experiential museum for the entire town]
Zentsuji City in Kagawa Prefecture is the birthplace of Kobo Daishi Kukai, a great figure in the world of Japanese Buddhism known to all Japanese people. Born 1,250 years ago, Kukai trained and attained enlightenment in the magnificent natural surroundings of his hometown, Shikoku. Even now, more than 1,200 years after his time of activity, many worshippers who admire Kukai visit from all over the world and follow the pilgrimage route he left behind.
At the five temples in Zentsuji City associated with Kukai, we offer experiential content that allows you to confront yourself and hone your five senses, with themes of Mandala Temple (touch), Deshakka Temple (sight), Koyama Temple (hearing), Zentsuji (taste), and Kanakura Temple (smell).
In the city, where the culture of "Osentai," where local residents show hospitality to pilgrims, is deeply rooted, we offer experiences such as enjoying the region's traditional crafts and local cuisine.
Zentsuji City is a place where nature and faith are close at hand and you can get a glimpse of simple, everyday life; the entire city is truly an experiential museum!
Why not experience authentic Japan while experiencing the culture that has been cherished and nurtured by people since ancient times?


About Mandala Temple Mandala Temple is said to be the oldest of the 88 Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimages, which are made up of 88 temples associated with Kukai, and has a history of over 1,400 years. It was named "Mandala Temple" because it housed a mandala (a drawing of the world of Buddha) that Kukai brought back from China. The temple grounds have an elegant dry landscape garden, where you can feel the Japanese aesthetic sense of valuing the profound beauty that lies beyond the elimination of waste. The symbol of the temple is the large Kasamatsu tree "Furomatsu", which is said to have been hand-planted by Kukai. Although the tree itself has disappeared due to damage from pests, it has been transformed into "Kasamatsu Daishi", with Kukai's portrait carved into the trunk.

Pray for longevity while experiencing Japanese beauty at a historic temple - Mandala Temple's official name is "Gahaizan Enmei-in Mandala Temple." In addition to the temple name Enmei-in, which means "extending life," the pine tree, which is a symbol of eternal youth and longevity in Japan, is the symbol of the temple, and many visitors come to pray for a long and healthy life.

At Mandala Temple, you can experience making special Japanese sweets and a traditional tea ceremony.
First, you will make nerikiri while learning the techniques from a local Japanese confectioner. Nerikiri is a high-grade Japanese confection made with a base of bean paste made by straining and kneading white kidney beans. These small palm-sized confections express the beauty and wishes of each season, and are served with a spirit of hospitality so that invited guests can enjoy them with all five senses. In this experience, you will make nerikiri based on the concept of wishes for longevity, such as pine trees, in honor of the blessings of Mandala Temple.

The tea ceremony will be a classical tea ceremony. The teacher, dressed in a beautiful kimono, will teach you how to make and drink tea, as well as the highlights of the tea room. Enjoy your tea and sweets that you have made yourself while admiring the garden that can be seen from the tea room.