| Activity time | Morning |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Location | Indoor |
| Cuisine type | Japanese cuisine |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Cultural experience type | Traditional culture experience |
The Goma training experience will begin at 7:00 AM, so please check in at Naritasan Hakodate Betsuin Hakodate Temple by 6:45 AM. (You will be given a breakfast buffet ticket to use at the breakfast buffet venue when you check in.)
Please make your own way from Naritasan Hakodate Betsuin Hakodate Temple, where the Goma training experience will take place, to Premier Hotel - CABIN PRESIDENT - Hakodate, where the breakfast buffet will be held.
Please present the "Breakfast Buffet Ticket" given to you when you register for the Goma Training Experience at the entrance to the buffet venue. (Please keep the "Breakfast Buffet Ticket" in a safe place, as you will not be able to receive the service if you lose it.)
Please note that the last entry to the breakfast venue is 9:30 and the restaurant closes at 10:00.
Naritasan Hakodate Betsuin Hakodate Temple is conveniently located. From Hakodate Station, you can take a tram (Hakodate City Tram) towards Yunokawa and alight at the "Shōwa-bashi" stop. From there, it's approximately a 5-10 minute walk to the temple. Alternatively, taxis are readily available from central Hakodate areas for a direct and quick journey.
The Goma Ritual Experience at Naritasan Hakodate Betsuin Hakodate Temple typically lasts around 30 to 45 minutes. This duration includes time for participants to settle, observe the ritual led by the priest, and engage in the burning of goma wood. It's designed to be a focused spiritual practice that fits well into a morning itinerary.
The Goma Ritual is an ancient Buddhist fire ceremony where a priest burns goma wood sticks inscribed with wishes. This act symbolizes the burning away of worldly desires, impurities, and negative karma, while manifesting wishes. Participants observe the chanting and rhythmic drumming, and can offer their own goma wood to the sacred fire for personal prayers and purification.
The hotel breakfast buffet at CABIN PRESIDENT Hakodate is renowned for its diverse selection, featuring luxurious local ingredients. You can expect a rich spread of fresh seafood such as sashimi bowls (kaisen-don), grilled fish, and regional vegetables. Western options like freshly baked bread, eggs, and sausages are also available, alongside traditional Japanese staples like miso soup and rice, showcasing the unique flavors of Hokkaido.
When visiting Naritasan Hakodate Betsuin Hakodate Temple, it is respectful to dress modestly. Remember to remove your shoes before entering the main hall or designated sacred areas. During the Goma ritual, maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Always check for signs regarding photography restrictions, especially within the main hall or during ceremonial times, or inquire with temple staff.
Yes, the Naritasan Hakodate Betsuin Goma Ritual Experience is highly suitable for solo travelers and first-time visitors seeking a meaningful cultural immersion. The peaceful and structured nature of the experience provides a serene environment for personal reflection. Participating alone can be a uniquely calming and enriching experience, allowing for deeper introspection into Japanese spiritual practices.
You can conveniently book the Naritasan Hakodate Betsuin Goma Ritual Experience and breakfast buffet package through KKday. Booking via KKday offers a seamless process to secure your spot in advance, providing the advantage of confirmed reservations for popular morning activities like this and ensuring a hassle-free start to your day in Hakodate.
Before the Goma ritual commences, visitors can expect to experience a tranquil atmosphere at Naritasan Hakodate Betsuin Hakodate Temple. This is an opportune time to explore the temple grounds at your own pace, admire the traditional Japanese architecture, and perhaps engage in a moment of quiet contemplation. It allows you to absorb the spiritual ambiance before the ceremony begins.