Chuzenji Temple “16-Character SHAKYO or SHABUTSU (Copying Buddha’s picture) Experience”

A special time to reflect on yourself through the shakyo and shabutsu experience at a temple by Lake Chuzenji with a history of over 1250 years

Commonly, shakyo and shabutsu involve copying of the whole sutra or the whole image of the Buddha, but at Chuzenji Temple, we have prepared sheets of a sutra and an image that you can finish tracing within 15 to 20 minutes. In 16-character shakyo, you will trace a part of the Kannon Gyo sutra, written in light gray, with a brush pen. In shabutsu, you will trace the central area of the image of the Buddha, drawn in light gray, with a brush pen. In both practices, you will receive blessings by having your mind connected with the Buddha, feel relaxed both mentally and physically, and have the time to familiarize yourself with the Buddha and reflect on yourself. Time thus spent will be a priceless experience for you. After shakyo and shabutsu, you will be given a special red stamp as proof of paying respect to the temple and submitting the sutra/image.

※You can borrow a brush pen from the temple.

Location Map

Basic Information

Address	2578 Chugushi, Nikko-city, Tochigi, Japan
Telephone Number	81-288-55-0013
Website	https://www.rinnoji.or.jp/en/spot/08.html
Business Hours	【Time】 SHAKYO: 9:00-14:00 SHABUTSU: 9:00-1 hour before closing 【Chuzenji Temple viewing hours】 April-October: 8:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30) November and March: 8:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30) December-February: 8:30-15:30 (last entry 15:00)
Days Closed for Business	Open all year round. However, expierince of making a prayer at a temple may be changed or canceled due to events, memorial services, etc.
Price	【SHAKYO or SHABUTSU experience fee】 1,000 yen（Special red ink stamp included）【Admission fee】 Adults: 500 yen Elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen ※Prices as of August 2024.
DIRECTIONS	・40 minutes by bus (to Yumoto Onsen or Chuzenji Onsen) from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station, get off at "Chuzenji Onsen" and walk for 10 minutes ・30 minutes by car from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station
Map Code	947 239 311*60

Nikko Area

The Nikko area, in the northwestern part of the prefecture, is particularly mountainous. In the midst of the rich nature, including the 2,486-meter-high volcano Mt. Nantai, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls, there are numerous shrines and temples that are registered as UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites. From Kinugawa Onsen to Kawaji Onsen, hot springs can also be found throughout the area. There are a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy as well, such as stand-up paddleboarding in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.