Daibunehakusan Entsu Shofukuji Temple

The Main Hall of Daibunenkyozan Entsuji Temple is a magnificent building with a thatched roof that is said to be the largest in Japan. The hall has an impressive scale, with a width of about 30 meters and a depth of about 21 meters, and exudes a commanding presence. The thatched roof is grand and enhances the traditional Japanese temple's dignity. The interior of the hall is also vast, with the characteristics of a modern Buddhist temple beautifully expressed. The unique atmosphere, beautiful carvings, and decorations harmonize to create a serene ambiance. In addition, there is also a large thatched building, the Kuri, which is almost as large as the Main Hall, with a width of about 33 meters and a depth of about 17 meters. These buildings symbolize the importance of Daibunenkyozan Entsuji Temple's history and status. Visitors will be charmed by the grand scale and traditional architectural style, and will be able to feel the solemnity and beauty of a Zen temple.

The majestic gate of Daibunehakka Sannenji Temple is an important presence that evokes the dignity of an ancient temple. This gate is the entrance to the temple and survived the fire that destroyed the temple in the 11th year of the Kansei era (1799). As a result, it has become a valuable structure that tells the story of the temple's long history. The gate is a four-legged gate with a gabled roof and is covered with tochi bark. It was built in the fifth year of the Kanbun era (1665) by a master carpenter from Sendai named Nitta Sakubei. This gate is the oldest surviving structure of its kind in Iwate Prefecture and is considered a very valuable piece of architectural history. Together with the serpentinite stone steps of the gate, it exudes an atmosphere of an ancient temple. For visitors, the moment they pass through this gate, a solemn atmosphere spreads, allowing them to feel the history and traditions of the temple.

The grounds of Daibunehyakusan Engakuji Temple are blessed with a beautiful natural environment that changes with the seasons. In spring, various trees such as the blue maple and the giant cedar in the surrounding mountains and within the grounds begin to bud, spreading vivid greenery under the sunlight. You can feel the breath of new life signaling the end of the long winter. In summer, the temple grounds are surrounded by lush greenery along with the surrounding mountains. The verdant trees shine in the sunlight, creating a beautiful contrast with the large thatched roof. It's a refreshing season with a pleasant breeze blowing through. In autumn, various autumn leaves such as the ginkgo and the maple color the large thatched roof with a vivid background. The nostalgic and beautiful scenery harmonizes with the atmosphere of old-fashioned Tohoku. In winter, the snow covers the temple grounds, creating a world of white. You will be captivated by the beauty of the snowscape in the peaceful silence. Even in the severe cold, the scenery is breathtaking. The changing seasons adorn the grounds of Daibunehyakusan Engakuji Temple, providing visitors with a rich and fulfilling time.

At Enpukuji Temple on Oume Nekosuka Mountain, regular Zen meditation sessions are held. These sessions offer an opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and clear your mind and body. Through meditation, participants seek to engage in a dialogue with themselves and encounter their true selves. During meditation, participants focus on their posture, breathing, and mental stability. They let go of any distractions from their surroundings and simply sit, accepting any thoughts or emotions that come to mind and freeing themselves from attachments to the past or future. In this state, they forget themselves and concentrate on the meditation as a pure existence. The Saturday Zen meditation session, in particular, is held at the temple and takes place on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. The participation fee is 500 yen per person, and reception begins at 1:30 pm, with the meditation session taking place from 2 pm to 4 pm. The participating monks, known as yakuryo, are responsible for assisting and guiding participants. Zen meditation sessions are a great opportunity for those who are interested in practicing meditation seriously or in Zen or Buddhism. First-timers or those who want to participate casually are also welcome. Through meditation, you can deepen your inner peace and insight!

At Daibunenka Mountain Entsuji Temple, shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) is served. While this mountain temple may not offer luxurious ingredients or visually stunning dishes, they provide carefully crafted dishes using seasonal ingredients without wasting any food, under the guidance of Head Priest Tenzo and practicing monks. Shojin ryori is based on Buddhist precepts and does not use animal products, instead highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. The dishes are made with sincerity and cooked carefully over time, offering a well-balanced meal that brings out the natural deliciousness of the ingredients. The course meal for shojin ryori is 5,000 yen per person (including shojin ryori and admission fee) and requires advanced reservation. Please call to check availability when making a reservation. Through shojin ryori, you can purify your mind and body and enjoy your meal as part of your spiritual practice.