Private Zen Sutra Copying at Chikurin-ji Temple, Kochi

Copy Buddhist scriptures by hand and return to the same view with a calmer mind

A private two-hour Zen sutra copying class at Chikurin-ji Temple in Kochi, Japan, where you begin at Godaisan Observation Deck, practice traditional brush-and-ink copying of Buddhist scriptures in the temple's quiet setting, and return to the overlook for reflection. An English-speaking guide leads the experience. Admission, private instruction, photo assistance and refreshments are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Zen sutra copying and reflection

• Begin with panoramic views at Godaisan
• Practice sutra copying at Chikurin-ji Temple
• Return for reflective views at Godaisan

The experience

Two hours starts at Godaisan Observation Deck with a quiet moment over Kochi City, the surrounding mountains, and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. This opening pause is meant to slow you down before the main practice. Then you descend to Chikurin-ji Temple, where you sit on the floor in the temple's quiet interior and copy Buddhist scriptures using brush and ink: a meditative ritual preserved for centuries. Your guide provides instruction in the technique and the meaning behind the practice, and you work at your own pace. The copying itself is the point: the repetitive, focused movement of brush on paper is how the Zen practice works.

After you finish copying, you return to Godaisan for a closing moment at the same panoramic view. The landscape hasn't changed, but your attention has. The guide walks with you and invites reflection on how the view feels different now that you've slowed down. This three-stage structure (prepare, practice, reflect) frames the whole experience.

The class is private, so the pacing and instruction adapt to you. Your guide speaks English and is a certified tour coordinator. Admission to the temple, all materials for sutra copying, and a local snack (citrus juice and biscuits) are included. The guide also takes photos during the experience and shares them with you via Google Drive. If you're arriving by cruise ship at Kochi Port, the port is about 15 minutes by taxi from Godaisan. Your guide can meet you at the port and accompany you to the meeting point if you request it in advance.

What’s included

• Admission to Chikurin-ji Temple.
• private sutra copying instruction with brush and ink.
• guided Zen reflection walk at Godaisan and the temple.
• photo assistance from your guide shared via Google Drive.
• English-speaking certified tour coordinator.
• local citrus juice and biscuits.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kochi Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private, meditative practice rather than a group tour, and if you're comfortable with stairs and sitting on the floor. The two-hour structure (opening view, temple practice, closing reflection) is designed to fit a cruise ship schedule, so it works well if you have a limited window in port.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I do during the sutra copying practice?

You sit in the temple and use a brush and ink to copy Buddhist scriptures by hand, following instruction from your guide on the technique and the meditative focus that goes with it. The copying is done at your own pace in a quiet temple setting.

How much walking and stair climbing is involved?

The temple grounds and Godaisan area include stairs, slopes, and uneven paths. The experience involves extended walking between Godaisan and the temple, and you sit on the floor during the sutra copying itself. The full outing is two hours.

Is this experience suitable for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, it's designed for cruise guests. Kochi Port is about 15 minutes by taxi from Godaisan. If you request it in advance, your guide can meet you at the port and accompany you to the meeting point, though taxi fares are separate.

What's included in the experience?

Admission to Chikurin-ji Temple, private sutra copying instruction, a guided Zen reflection walk around both Godaisan and the temple grounds, photo assistance from your guide (shared via Google Drive), and a local snack with citrus juice and biscuits.

Can I do this if I have mobility concerns?

The experience involves stairs, slopes, and uneven paths on the temple grounds and at Godaisan, and you sit on the floor during the sutra copying. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, though it's suitable for all other fitness levels.