Let's try experiencing Shakyo (Buddhist sutra copying) first! Places where you can experience Shakyo in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara.

September 26, 2025

It’s also recommended to casually try it out first.

There are many temples where you can experience shakyo (sutra copying), so we’ll introduce some of them.
It’s a great way to spend a relaxing time in between sightseeing.

Cafes where you can do shakyo

Recently, “temple cafes” offering shakyo experiences have appeared.
On your day off, you can enjoy shakyo casually at a nearby cafe.

Shakyo Experience in Kyoto

Here are some places in Kyoto, filled with sightseeing spots, where you can experience shakyo. ※Information as of January 2017.

Sanzen-in, Ohara, Kyoto

Sanzen-in is a Tendai sect temple located in Ohara, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. Also called Sanzen-in Monzeki, its mountain name is Gyozan, and its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai. Founded by Saicho, it is located in the Ohara area, once known as a retreat for aristocrats and Buddhist practitioners. Together with Shoren-in and Myoho-in, it is counted among the three Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect.

■Address: 540 Raigo-incho, Ohara, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
■Opening Hours: Mar–Oct: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Gate closes at 5:30 PM)
Nov: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Gate closes at 5:30 PM)
Dec–Feb: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Gate closes at 4:30 PM)
■Admission Fee: Adults: 700 yen (Groups 30+ 600 yen)
Junior High: 400 yen (Groups 30+ 300 yen)
Elementary: 150 yen; open year-round
■Shakyo Fee: 1,000 yen
Website: http://www.sanzenin.or.jp/

Daikaku-ji Monzeki (Old Saga Imperial Villa)

Daikaku-ji is the head temple of the Shingon sect Daikaku-ji school, located in Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto. Its mountain name is Saga-san, principal image Fudo Myo-o and the founder is Emperor Saga. Originally the emperor’s villa, it has strong imperial ties and historical significance in Japanese politics. The temple also preserves the Saga Go-ryu school of flower arrangement, originating with Emperor Saga. Due to proximity to Uzumasa, a hub for period drama filming, the temple grounds are often used for film and TV shoots.

■Address: 4 Osawa-cho, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
■Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Reception until 4:30 PM)
■Admission Fee: Depending on temple events, some areas may be restricted
Adults: 500 yen
Children: 300 yen
■Shakyo Fee: Sutra dedication: 1,000 yen
Gathy Sutra dedication: 500 yen
Shabutsu dedication: 1,000 yen (Admission fee required separately)
Website: https://www.daikakuji.or.jp/

Tenryu-ji

Tenryu-ji, in Saga Tenryu-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, is the head temple of the Rinzai Tenryu-ji school. Its mountain name is Reigizan, founded by Ashikaga Takauji and first abbot Muso Soseki. The principal image is Shakyamuni. As a Zen temple tied to the Ashikaga shogunate and Emperor Kanmu, it has been ranked first among the Kyoto Five Mountains. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”

■Address: 68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga Tenryu-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
■Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closes 5:00 PM from Oct 21 – Mar 20)
■Admission Fee: Garden (Sogenchi, Hyakkaen): High school and above 500 yen, Elementary & Junior High 300 yen, Preschool free
Temple halls: 100 yen extra, some days may be closed due to events
■Shakyo Fee: 1,000 yen (additional 600 yen admission required)
No need for shakyo tools
Website: http://www.tenryuji.com/

Hojyu-ji

Hojyu-ji is a Tendai sect temple located in Higashiyama, Kyoto.

■Address: 655 Sanzengendo-mawari-cho, Higashiyama, Kyoto
■Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
■Admission Fee: 500 yen (includes guide booklet)
Optional matcha and sweets: 500 yen extra
■Shakyo Fee: Shakyo and sutra dedication + admission fee: 1,500 yen
Website: http://www.jrtours.co.jp/kyoto_plan/enjoy/200806.html

Shourin-ji (Bishamondo)

Shourin-ji is a sub-temple of Tofuku-ji, known for blessings in victory and wealth. The principal image, Bishamonten, is a single wooden statue by Jōchō from the Heian period.

■Address: 15-795 Honmachi, Higashiyama, Kyoto
■Admission Fee: Adults 800 yen (with explanation of temple treasures)
Students 500 yen (groups of 8+ only)
■Shakyo Fee: 1,500 yen per person, 60 min, includes matcha and sweets
Website: http://shourin-ji.org/

Kennin-ji

Kennin-ji is Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple. It is famous for holding many cultural treasures including Tawaraya Sotatsu’s “Fujin Raijin-zu”.

■Address: 5 Komatsu-cho, Shijo-sagaru, Yamato-oji, Higashiyama, Kyoto
■Admission Fee: Adults 500 yen
Students 500 yen
■Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mar 1 – Oct 31)
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Nov 1 – Feb 28)
Closed Dec 28–31
■Shakyo Fee: 1,000 yen per person, 45 min
Website: http://www.kenninji.jp/

Todaiji, Nara

Todaiji, in Nara, is the head temple of Kegon sect, famous for its Great Buddha Hall and large bronze Buddha. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

■Address: 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara
■Admission Fee: Adults 600 yen
Elementary/Junior High 300 yen
Toddlers free
■Shakyo Fee: 1,000 yen per person, approx. 1 hour
Website: http://www.todaiji.or.jp/

Yakushiji, Nara

Yakushiji is a Buddhist temple in Nara, famous for Yakushi Nyorai statues and East and West Pagodas.

■Address: 13-46 Noboriojicho, Nara
■Admission Fee: Adults 800 yen
Children 400 yen
■Shakyo Fee: 1,000 yen per person
Website: http://www.yakushiji.or.jp/

Taimadera, Katsuragi, Nara

Taimadera is a temple with long history, famous for seasonal flowers and the eleven-faced Kannon statue.

■Address: 3066 Taimadera, Katsuragi, Nara
■Admission Fee: Adults 500 yen
Students 300 yen
■Shakyo Fee: 1,000 yen per person
Website: http://www.taimadera.or.jp/

Naritasan Tokyo Betsuin

A branch temple of Naritasan Shinshoji in Tokyo, providing casual shakyo experiences for beginners.

■Address: 1-1-1 Narita, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
■Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
■Shakyo Fee: 1,000 yen per person
Website: http://www.naritasan-tokyo.jp/

Temple Cafes

Temple Cafe Daikanyama

A small cafe offering casual shakyo experience along with tea and sweets. Perfect for beginners.

■Address: 3-5 Daikanyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
■Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
■Shakyo Fee: 1,500 yen per person, includes tea and sweets
Website: https://www.templecafe-daikanyama.jp/

Kamakura Otera Cafe

Located in Kamakura, offering a relaxing shakyo experience in a cafe environment.

■Address: 2-15 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa
■Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
■Shakyo Fee: 1,200 yen per person
Website: http://kamakura-otera-cafe.jp/

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