Zenkyo-ji Temple (Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Access, and Funeral Service Information
Zenkyo-ji Temple, located in Hachiman-cho, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple belonging to the Shinshu Kōshō sect. As a historically significant temple deeply rooted in the community, it is also used for funerals and memorial services, making it an important religious facility for the citizens of Sakaide. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of Zenkyo-ji Temple, from detailed information to funeral service information.
Basic Information about Zenkyo-ji Temple
Location and Access
Zenkyo-ji Temple is located at 3-3-4 Hachiman-cho, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture. Sakaide City is located almost in the center of Kagawa Prefecture and is known as the gateway to Shikoku on the Seto Ohashi Bridge.
Address: 3-3-4 Yawata-cho, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture 762-0045
Sect: Shinshu Kōshōha (Jōdo Shinshū)
Nearest Station: Approximately 1.5km (about 18 minutes on foot) from Sakaide Station on the JR Yosan Line
Detailed Access Information
Sakaide Station is one of the main stations in Kagawa Prefecture, and is conveniently accessible from Takamatsu and Kanonji. Here’s how to get to Zenkyoji Temple:
By Train
- Get off at Sakaide Station on the JR Yosan Line
- Approximately 18 minutes on foot from the station
- Distance is approximately 1.5 km
By Bus/Taxi
- Approximately 5 minutes by taxi from Sakaide Station
- You can also use the Sakaide City Community Bus
- There is a taxi stand in front of the station, making access relatively easy
By Car
- Approximately 10 minutes from Sakaide IC on the Seto-Chuo Expressway
- It is recommended to check with the temple in advance regarding parking availability
Since it is a bit of a distance from the nearest station, using a bus or taxi is convenient, especially when attending a funeral or if you have a lot of luggage.
About the Shinshu Kōshō-ha
Zenkyoji Temple belongs to the Shinshu Kōshō-ha, a branch of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism. Jodo Shinshu is a Buddhist sect founded by Shinran Shonin, and it teaches that one can attain rebirth in the Pure Land through the power of Amida Buddha’s vow by chanting “Namu Amida Butsu.”
Characteristics of the Shinshu Kōshō-ha
The Shinshu Kōshō-ha is a sect whose head temple is Kōshō-ji Temple in Kyoto. It has its own unique history and traditions within Jodo Shinshu, and has the following characteristics:
- Head Temple: Kōshō-ji Temple (Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City)
- Doctrine: Salvation through the power of Amida Buddha’s vow
- Practice: A life of faith centered on chanting the Buddha’s name
- Funeral Customs: Funeral rites based on Jodo Shinshu customs
Jodo Shinshu funerals are conducted as a ceremony of “rebirth,” sending the deceased to the Pure Land as a disciple of Buddha. One of its characteristics is the bestowal of a “Dharma name” rather than a posthumous Buddhist name.
Regional Characteristics of Sakaide City and the Position of Zenkyo-ji Temple
Sakaide City is located almost in the center of Kagawa Prefecture, a scenic area facing the Seto Inland Sea. It is a medium-sized city with a population of approximately 50,000, and is a transportation hub as the Shikoku side starting point of the Seto Ohashi Bridge.
About Yawata-cho, Sakaide City
Yawata-cho, where Zenkyo-ji Temple is located, is a residential area close to the center of Sakaide City. Located southwest of JR Sakaide Station, it has long developed as a living area for the city’s residents. This area has several temples scattered throughout, and is characterized by a deeply rooted religious culture.
The Role of Temples in the Community
Besides Zenkyo-ji Temple, Sakaide City has many other temples, including Shikoku Zenko-ji Temple, Anyo-ji Temple, Komyo-ji Temple, and Seisho-ji Temple. These temples serve as spiritual pillars of the local community, functioning not only as venues for funerals and memorial services, but also as places for annual events and community activities.
Zenkyoji Temple, as a temple deeply rooted in the community, plays an important role in supporting the religious lives of its parishioners and local residents.
About Funerals and Memorial Services at Zenkyoji Temple
Zenkyoji Temple can be used as a temple hall for funerals and memorial services. Funeral rites are conducted according to the customs of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Types and Forms of Funerals
In modern times, funeral forms have diversified, and Zenkyoji Temple can accommodate funerals of various sizes:
Traditional Funeral
- A traditional funeral form inviting a wide range of attendees, including relatives, friends, acquaintances, and company colleagues.
- The wake and funeral service are held over two days.
- It is possible to conduct the funeral according to local customs.
Family Funeral
- A funeral form that has been increasing in recent years.
- A small-scale funeral held only with relatives and close friends.
- Allows for spending a peaceful final time with the deceased.
- Tends to be relatively inexpensive.
One-Day Funeral
- A form that omits the wake and holds only the funeral service.
- Reduces the burden on attendees.
- Also chosen as consideration for attendees traveling from afar.
Direct Cremation
- Only cremation is performed, without a wake or funeral service.
- The simplest and most inexpensive form.
- Increasing in recent years, especially in urban areas.
Funeral Procedure
A Jodo Shinshu funeral generally follows the following procedure:
Wake Procedure
- Attendees enter and are seated
- Priest enters
- Chanting (Sutras)
- Sermon
- Incense offering
- Priest exits
- Reception (May vary by region)
Funeral Service Procedure
- Attendees enter and are seated
- Priest enters
- Chanting
- Reading of eulogies and condolence messages
- Incense offering
- Sermon
- Preparation for departure
- Final farewell
- Departure of the coffin
Cremation and Bone Collection
- Travel to the crematorium
- Chanting in front of the crematorium furnace (If applicable)
- Cremation
- Bone collection
- Return of bones memorial service (May be held on the same day as the first seven-day memorial service)
Estimated Funeral Costs
Funeral costs vary greatly depending on the scale and content of the funeral. A general breakdown of costs is as follows:
Main Cost Items
- Payment to the funeral home (altar, coffin, portrait, reception supplies, etc.)
- Offering to the temple (chanting fees, posthumous name fees, etc.)
- Crematorium usage fees
- Food and beverage expenses (wake reception, post-funeral meal, etc.)
- Return gift costs
In Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, the average cost of a funeral is estimated to be around 500,000 to 1,000,000 yen for a family funeral and 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 yen for a general funeral. However, this can vary significantly depending on the region, funeral home, and the chosen services.
The Importance of Pre-Funeral Consultation
Funerals are often needed suddenly, and many decisions must be made in a hectic situation. Therefore, it is recommended to consult in advance:
Benefits of Pre-Consultation
- You can calmly express your wishes.
- You can compare and consider cost estimates.
- You can share funeral arrangements with family members.
- You can make necessary preparations.
- You can confirm emergency contact information.
If you wish to hold the funeral at Zenkyoji Temple, you can consult directly with the temple or through a funeral home affiliated with the temple.
Information on Funeral Flowers and Condolence Telegrams
Funeral flowers and condolence telegrams are ways to express condolences to the deceased if you are unable to attend the funeral.
About Funeral Flowers
Funeral flowers are flowers used to decorate the altar and express condolences to the deceased.
Types of Funeral Flowers
- One Stand: One floral arrangement
- One Pair: Two floral arrangements arranged as a pair
How to Arrange Funeral Flowers
- Arrange through the funeral home (most common)
- Order directly from a florist
- Use an online funeral flower service
Points to Note
- Arranging through the funeral home ensures harmony with the altar.
- The types of flowers that can be used may vary depending on the religious sect.
- In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, white or light-colored flowers are generally used.
- The average cost of funeral flowers is approximately 10,000 to 20,000 yen per stand.
About Condolence Telegrams
A condolence telegram is a message sent to the bereaved family to express condolences when you are unable to attend the funeral.
How to Arrange a Condolence Telegram
- NTT Telegram Service (Dial 115)
- Internet Telegram Service
- Japan Post’s Letterfax
How to Send a Condolence Telegram
- Confirm the date, time, and location of the funeral
- Confirm the name of the chief mourner
- Arrange for delivery before the start of the funeral
- Select or create an appropriate message
Recipient of the Condolence Telegram
- Recipient Name: Chief Mourner’s Name (Full Name)
- Delivery Address: Zenkyoji Temple’s Address and Phone Number
- In the Remarks Section, write something like “Funeral for Mr./Ms. ○○”
Nearby Funeral Facilities
Besides Zenkyoji Temple, there are several other funeral facilities in Sakaide City.
Sakaide City Municipal Tao Crematorium
This is a public crematorium operated by Sakaide City. Citizens can use it at a relatively low cost.
- Location: Sakaide City
- Usage Fee: Varies for city residents and non-residents
- Reservation Required: Reservations must be made through a funeral home
JA Funeral Services Kagawa Sakaide Hall
This funeral hall is operated by the JA Group.
- Extensive services for members
- Available to the general public
- Accommodates funerals ranging from family funerals to general funerals
Private Funeral Halls
There are several private funeral halls in Sakaide City, each offering unique services.
- Dedicated hall for family funerals
- Facilities capable of accommodating large-scale funerals
- Facilities with ample parking
It is important to compare these facilities with Zenkyoji Temple and choose the location that best suits the wishes of the deceased and their family.
About Memorial Services at Zenkyoji Temple
Even after the funeral, the deceased is remembered through regular memorial services.
Main Types of Memorial Services
First Seven Days Memorial Service
- 7th day after death
- In recent years, it is often held on the day of the funeral.
Forty-Ninth Day Memorial Service
- 49th day after death
- Important as a memorial service marking the end of the mourning period
- Often involves interment of ashes.
First Anniversary Memorial Service
- One full year after death
- Held with relatives invited.
Third Anniversary and Beyond
- Third, seventh, thirteenth, seventeenth, twenty-third, twenty-seventh, and thirty-third anniversaries
- It is common for the scale of the service to decrease as the anniversaries progress.
Preparations for Memorial Services
If the memorial service is to be held at Zenkyoji Temple, the following preparations are necessary:
- Scheduling: Confirm the availability of the monk and attendees.
- Securing a venue: Temple or home, etc.
- Sending invitations: Notifying attendees.
- Preparing offerings and flowers.
- Arranging a Meal (if applicable)
- Preparing Gifts
How to Contact Zenkyoji Temple
If you are considering a funeral or memorial service at Zenkyoji Temple, please contact us using the following methods:
Direct Visit
You can also visit the temple directly to discuss your needs. However, since a monk may not always be present, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
Telephone Inquiry
We also accept consultations regarding funerals and memorial services by telephone. You can inquire about specific dates, costs, and necessary preparations in detail.
Using a Funeral Referral Service
You can also consult about funerals at Zenkyoji Temple through a funeral referral service that provides information on funeral homes nationwide. These services offer:
- Free consultations
- Comparison of quotes from multiple funeral homes
- Often available 24/7
- Neutral advice
About the Danka System
Zenkyoji Temple is a temple with a Danka system. A Danka is a family that financially supports a specific temple and requests funeral and memorial services from them.
Benefits of Becoming a Temple Member
- Priority access to funeral and memorial services
- Access to the temple cemetery (if available)
- Easier consultation on Buddhist rituals
- Participation in temple events
Obligations of Temple Members
- Annual maintenance fee (temple upkeep fee)
- Cooperation with temple events
- Participation in cleaning activities of the main hall and temple grounds (varies by temple)
Use by Non-Temple Members
In recent years, funerals that are not bound by the temple membership system have increased, and it may be possible to hold a funeral even if you are not a temple member. It is recommended to check directly with the temple for details.
Funeral Culture and Customs in Sakaide City
Funeral customs and traditions in Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, have unique local customs and culture.
Characteristics of Funerals in Kagawa Prefecture
- Many areas have a deeply rooted culture of holding a wake reception.
- Both immediate and delayed return of condolence gifts are practiced.
- Funeral procedures vary by region.
Characteristics of Sakaide City
Sakaide City is a relatively urbanized area within Kagawa Prefecture, where traditional and modern funeral practices coexist. Family funerals are also becoming more common, and flexible funerals are conducted in accordance with the wishes of the deceased and their families.
The Importance of End-of-Life Planning and Preparation
In recent years, the term “end-of-life planning” has become widely known. End-of-life planning refers to activities aimed at preparing for the end of one’s life.
The Importance of End-of-Life Planning and Preparation ### What You Can Do with End-of-Life Planning
Funeral Preparations
- Clarify your wishes regarding the format and scale of the funeral
- Select a funeral venue
- Prepare for expenses
- Select a portrait for the funeral
Grave Preparations
- Purchase a burial plot
- Consider perpetual memorial services
- Contract for a columbarium
Creating an End-of-Life Note
- Your funeral wishes
- Record your assets
- Messages to family
- List of important contacts
Recommendation for Pre-Consultation
If you wish to have your funeral at Zenkyoji Temple, having a pre-consultation while you are still healthy will prevent panic when the time comes. During the pre-consultation, you can confirm the following:
- The flow and duration of the funeral
- An estimate of necessary expenses
- Things to prepare
- Temple policies and customs
- Facilities such as parking and waiting rooms
Kamakura Shinsho Group Sites
When searching for information on funerals and memorial services, it is convenient to use specialized information websites. Kamakura Shinsho Co., Ltd. (listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime, stock code: 6184) operates various services that are widely used as Japan’s largest funeral consultation and request site and cemetery portal site.
These sites feature information on temples and funeral homes nationwide, as well as information on columbariums and perpetual memorial graves, and can be searched by region and conditions. Detailed information on temples in Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, such as Zenkyo-ji Temple, is also provided, and free consultations regarding funerals and memorial services are available.
By utilizing these specialized sites, you can compare and consider multiple options and find the funeral and memorial service that best suits your needs.
Summary
Zenkyo-ji Temple is a Shinshu Kōshō-ha temple located in Yawata-cho, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, and is used as a place for funerals and memorial services rooted in the local community. It is approximately an 18-minute walk from JR Sakaide Station and is easily accessible by bus or taxi.
Funerals are conducted according to the customs of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, and various formats are available, from general funerals to family funerals and one-day funerals. When considering a funeral, it is important to consult with a temple or funeral home in advance to plan a service that aligns with the wishes of the deceased and their family.
In addition to Zenkyo-ji Temple, there are several other funeral-related facilities in Sakaide City. By comparing the features of each, you can make the best choice. As part of end-of-life planning, thinking about and preparing for your funeral while you are still healthy can reduce the burden on your family when the time comes.
For detailed information and consultations regarding funerals and memorial services at Zenkyo-ji Temple, we recommend contacting the temple directly or using a specialized website that provides funeral information nationwide.
