”SAVOR JAPAN” has newly certified three regions

SAVOR JAPAN Certified Regions Ondo-town (Kure City) and Taiki town were featured in the JNTO Newsletter.

Chanting (Kakurinbo)

Chanting is a traditional Nichiren Buddhist practice that involves chanting the mantra “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.” At Kakurinbo, you can meditate and feel the Buddhist spirit by joining your hands together and repeating the mantra in the main hall, whether alone or with others.

Japanese paper making and calligraphy

Make Nishijima paper, a specialty of Minobu Town. Use the paper to write down any words that come to mind. In this calligraphy activity, you can create a one-of-a-kind hanging scroll to take home.

Harvest GI Akebono soybeans

You can harvest Akebono soybeans (Geographical Indication), a specialty of Minobu Town, in the field, boil them in a pot and taste them.

Kuon-ji Temple on Mt. Minobu

Kuon-ji Temple on Mt. Minobu, founded during the Kamakura period as the head temple of the Nichiren sect, is a sacred place of faith and history. The magnificent main hall and five-story pagoda that stand still among the cedar groves, as well as the majestic atmosphere that awaits after climbing the 287 stone steps, soothe the souls of all who visit. The temple’s changing seasonal landscapes are captivating with weeping cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. You can experience local spiritual culture through morning services and copying sutras.

Mausoleum and Sanmon Gate (one of Japan’s three greatest gates)

The Mausoleum is a sacred site built where Saint Nichiren spent his final years and was cremated. Many believers still visit to pray. Surrounded by a deep forest, the tranquil space exudes a sacred and special atmosphere. The Sanmon Gate, the main gate of Kuon-ji Temple, is a majestic wooden structure rebuilt during the Edo period, standing approximately twenty-one meters tall. Its imposing appearance invites visitors into a world beyond the ordinary.

Inner Sanctuary of Shishinkaku and Mt. Fuji

Located at the summit of Mount Minobu, the Inner Sanctuary of Shishinkaku is a sacred place where Saint Nichiren prayed in memory of his parents back home. Located at an altitude of 1,153 meters, the summit is easily accessible by ropeway. On clear days, you can see majestic Mt. Fuji directly in front of you from the temple grounds. The breathtaking sight will touch the hearts of everyone who visits. This special place symbolizes Minobu, where nature, faith and views come together as one.

Temple Lodging Kakurinbo

The temple offers a Buddhist multi-course vegetarian meal that generously uses bean curd skin dishes from Kakurinbo, the sacred site of Nichicho Shonin (the founder of the Mt. Minobu revival), Minobu bean curd skin, and GI (Geographical Indication) certified Akebono soybeans as well as temple lunches that utilize local resources.

ZENCHO Farm Café

ZENCHO Farm Cafe This cafe in a traditional old house on the site of the area’s only sake brewery was certified by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as serving food that has been enjoyed for over one hundred years. The specialties include hoto flat noodles, sweets, and drinks made with local ingredients.