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

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• [A Customized City-Wide Experience Museum] Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture, is the birthplace of Kobo Daishi Kukai, a legendary figure in Japanese Buddhism known to all Japanese people. Born 1,250 years ago, Kukai attained enlightenment through training amid the magnificent natural beauty of his hometown, Shikoku. Even now, more than 1,200 years after his time, many worshippers from around the world visit Zentsuji City, following the pilgrimage route he left behind. The five temples associated with Kukai in Zentsuji City offer interactive content that encourages self-reflection and sharpening of the five senses, with themes of Mandala Temple (touch), Deshakka Temple (sight), Kozan Temple (hearing), Zentsuji (taste), and Konzo Temple (smell). In the city center, where the culture of "osettai," or hospitality by local residents to pilgrims, is deeply rooted, experiences are available to enjoy traditional local crafts and cuisine. Zentsuji City, where nature and faith are close at hand and where you can get a glimpse of simple, everyday life, is truly an experiential museum! Experience authentic Japan while experiencing a culture that has been cherished and nurtured since ancient times. About Mandala Temple: Mandala Temple is said to be the oldest of the 88 Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Sites, a collection of 88 temples associated with Kukai, with a history spanning over 1,400 years. Its name "Mandala Temple" comes from the mandala (a diagram depicting the Buddhist world) that Kukai brought back from China and enshrined there. The temple grounds feature an elegant dry landscape garden, exuding the Japanese aesthetic valuing the profound beauty that lies beyond the simple. The temple's symbol is the giant Kasamatsu tree, "Immortal Pine," said to have been planted by Kukai himself. Although the tree itself disappeared due to pest damage, it has been transformed into the "Kasamatsu Daishi," with Kukai's portrait carved into its trunk. Mandala Temple, a historic temple where you can experience Japanese beauty and pray for longevity, is officially called "Gahaizan Enmei-in Mandala Temple." In addition to the temple name "Enmei-in," which means "extending life," the temple's symbol is the pine tree, a symbol of perpetual youth and longevity in Japan. Many visitors come here to pray for good health and longevity. At Mandala Temple, you can experience a special Japanese sweets-making experience and a traditional tea ceremony. First, you'll learn techniques from a local Japanese confectioner while making nerikiri. Nerikiri are high-quality Japanese sweets made with a base of bean paste made from strained white kidney beans. These small, palm-sized sweets express seasonal beauty and wishes, and are served with a spirit of hospitality, allowing guests to enjoy them with all five senses. In this experience, you will create nerikiri (steamed paper) based on the concept of longevity, such as pine, 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 prepare and drink tea, as well as the highlights of the tea room. Enjoy the experience with tea and sweets you have made yourself while admiring the garden view from the tea room.
• At this historic temple, which is filled with motifs of longevity, you can make Japanese sweets with wishes for longevity.
• A Japanese confectioner, a craftsman from a Japanese confectionery shop, will teach you how to make nerikiri, a type of confectionery that is highly valued at many tea ceremonies. The tea room will be decorated just for this experience program. For those who have difficulty sitting in seiza, you can experience the experience in a room with chairs.
• Your guide will also explain how to worship at the temple, so you can come with peace of mind.