Hokoji Temple (Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido) Complete Guide | Details and Access Information for Zen Meditation, Yoga, and Sutra Copying Sessions
Located in Kita-Okadama, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Hokoji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple deeply rooted in the local community. This article provides comprehensive information useful for those considering a visit, from basic information about Hokoji Temple to experiential programs such as Zen meditation, yoga, and sutra copying sessions, access methods, and historical background.
Basic Information about Hokoji Temple
Hokoji Temple is a temple belonging to the Soto Zen sect, and its official name is “Daishinzan Hokoji.” It enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal deity and actively engages in various activities as a place for modern people to seek peace of mind.
Location and Contact Information
Address: 1-17-1 Kita-Okadama 4-jo, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Phone Number: 011-782-1854
Chief Priest: Takanobu Ono
Sect: Soto Zen
Minekoji Temple is located in a quiet residential area of Higashi-ku, Sapporo, maintaining a tranquil atmosphere despite being in an urban area. The Kita-Okadama area is blessed with a rich natural environment, making it an ideal place for a peaceful visit.
How to Access Minekoji Temple
Minekoji Temple can be accessed by both public transport and car. Detailed access information for each method is provided below.
Access by Train/Subway
The nearest station is Sakaemachi Station (Sapporo Municipal Subway Toho Line). From Sakaemachi Station to Minekoji Temple, it is convenient to use a bus or taxi.
- From Sakaemachi Station: Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from the station.
- From Shindo-Higashi Station: Shindo-Higashi Station on the Toho Subway Line is also accessible, and it’s about 10 minutes by taxi from there as well.
Access by Bus
If using public buses, the following route is convenient:
Bus from Shindo-Higashi Station:
- Take the Chuo Bus bound for “Nakanuma Elementary School” or “via Kita-Okadama Housing Complex.”
- Get off at “Kita-Okadama 4-jo 1-chome” or the nearest bus stop.
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the bus stop.
Bus schedules vary depending on the time of day, so it is recommended to check the Chuo Bus timetable in advance.
Access by Car
If coming by car, it takes approximately 20-30 minutes from central Sapporo.
- Take National Route 275 (Ishikari Highway) towards Kita-Okadama.
- Parking available (parking spaces for visitors).
When using a car navigation system, please search using the address “1-17-1 Kita-Okadama 4-jo, Higashi-ku, Sapporo” or the phone number “011-782-1854”.
Unique Activities of Minekoji Temple
In addition to traditional temple activities, Minekoji Temple offers a variety of programs to meet the needs of modern people.
Monthly “Yoga, Zen Meditation, and Sutra Copying Session”
One of Minekoji Temple’s representative activities is the “Yoga, Zen Meditation, and Sutra Copying Session” held on the last Sunday of every month.
Event Overview:
- Date: Last Sunday of every month
- Time: 14:00-17:00
- Venue: Minekoji Temple Main Hall
- Capacity: 10 people (Reservations required)
- Participation Fee: Please inquire
This event aims to refresh mind and body and promote spiritual growth, and is designed to be easily accessible even for beginners.
Program Contents
- Yoga: Loosen the body and regulate breathing
- Zazen: Experience traditional Soto Zen meditation
- Sutra Copying: The practice of copying Buddhist scriptures such as the Heart Sutra
Through these three practices, you can balance your mind and body and gain insights that can be applied to your daily life.
Evening Zen Meditation
Another distinctive initiative at Minekoji Temple is “Evening Zen Meditation”.
Event Overview:
- Time: Every evening from 7:00 PM
- Format: Limited to one group, reservation only
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Evening meditation is a program that allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the day and practice Zen meditation in the quiet hours of the night. Because it is limited to one group, you can concentrate on Zen meditation in a private space. It’s a precious time to face yourself, away from the noise of work and daily life.
How to Reserve
Reservations are required for both the yoga, Zen meditation, and sutra copying sessions, and the evening meditation.
Reservation Methods:
- Email: Check the inquiry form or email address on the Minekoji Temple official website
- Facebook: Reservations can be made via message on the Minekoji Temple official Facebook page
- Phone: 011-782-1854 (We recommend checking the reception hours in advance)
When making a reservation, please provide your desired date and time, number of participants, your name, email address, and phone number.
The Teachings of the Soto Zen School and Minekoji Temple
Minekoji Temple belongs to the Soto Zen school, a branch of Zen Buddhism introduced to Japan by Zen Master Dogen during the Kamakura period.
Characteristics of the Soto Zen School
The Soto Zen school emphasizes “Shikantaza,” or simply “sitting wholeheartedly.” It teaches that meditation itself is the form of Buddha, rather than seeking enlightenment through meditation.
At Minekoji Temple, based on these Soto Zen teachings, we value self-reflection through meditation and finding inner peace in daily life.
About the Principal Image
The principal image of Minekoji Temple is Shakyamuni Buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha is the founder of Buddhism, and is enshrined as the principal image in many Soto Zen temples.
Manners and Mindset for Visiting Minekoji Temple
When visiting a temple, it’s important to know the basic manners of worship.
Basic Manners for Worship
- Attire: If participating in a Zen meditation session or similar event, comfortable and understated clothing is recommended.
- Punctuality: For events requiring reservations, arrive 5-10 minutes before the start time.
- Mobile Phones: Turn off your phone or set it to silent mode on the temple grounds.
- Quietness: Act quietly on the temple grounds and avoid disturbing other worshippers.
- Photography: Obtain permission before taking photos inside the main hall.
For Zen Meditation Beginners
Even if you’re new to Zen meditation, you can participate with confidence. Minekoji Temple provides careful instruction on Zen meditation techniques and posture for beginners.
Basic Zen Meditation Posture:
- Straighten your spine and tuck your chin.
- Form the Dharma Realm Mudra (Hokkaijo-in) with your hands.
- Look straight ahead with your eyes half-closed.
- Breathe naturally, focusing on diaphragmatic breathing.
It’s natural to experience leg pain or distracting thoughts at first. It’s important to continue at your own pace without forcing yourself.
Annual Events at Minekoji Temple
At Minekoji Temple, in addition to regular Zen meditation sessions, yoga, and sutra copying sessions, important Buddhist events are also held.
Main Annual Events
- Spring Equinox Ceremony: March (One week centered around the Spring Equinox)
- Flower Festival (Buddha’s Birthday): April 8th (Buddha’s birthday)
- Obon Festival: August (Buddha’s memorial service)
- Autumn Equinox Ceremony: September (One week centered around the Autumn Equinox)
- Enlightenment Ceremony: December 8th (The day Buddha attained enlightenment)
Information regarding the dates and participation methods for these events is regularly posted on the Minekoji Temple official website and Facebook page.
About Minekoji Temple’s Branch Temple
Minekoji Temple has a branch temple located in Atsubetsu Ward, Sapporo City.
Location of the Branch Temple: 1-3, Atsubetsu-Higashi 3-jo 3-chome, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Nearest Station: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Shin-Sapporo Station Exit 7
The branch temple also holds memorial services and various activities, making it an easily accessible base for those living in the Atsubetsu-ku area.
Nearby Attractions and Facilities
When visiting Minekoji Temple, we recommend exploring the surrounding area.
Characteristics of the Kita-Okadama Area
The Kita-Okadama area is located in the northeastern part of Sapporo City’s Higashi-ku, and is a quiet area with a mix of residential and agricultural land. It is close to the Ishikari River and blessed with a rich natural environment.
Nearby Shrines and Temples
There are many other shrines and temples in Sapporo City’s Higashi-ku. If you have time when visiting Minekoji Temple, you can also enjoy visiting the surrounding temples and shrines.
- Sapporo Suwa Shrine: The main guardian shrine of Sapporo City’s Higashi-ku
- Sapporo Mura Shrine: A historical shrine
These temples and shrines each have their own unique history and charm. ## Life’s Milestones at Minekoji Temple
At Minekoji Temple, we not only hold Zen meditation sessions, yoga classes, and sutra copying sessions, but also memorial services for various milestones in life.
Various Memorial Services and Ceremonies
- Funeral and Memorial Service: To remember and commemorate the deceased
- Memorial Service for Stillborn Children: A memorial service for the unborn child
- Ancestral Memorial Service: To express gratitude to and commemorate ancestors
- Prayer: Prayers for family safety, business prosperity, etc.
We recommend contacting Minekoji Temple by phone or email in advance regarding these memorial services.
Minekoji Temple’s Modern Initiatives
While preserving tradition, Minekoji Temple is developing activities adapted to modern society.
Online Information Dissemination
Minekoji Temple actively disseminates information through its official website and Facebook page. Event announcements, Buddhist teachings, and daily reflections are regularly updated, allowing even those far away to learn about the activities of Minekoji Temple.
Introduction of a Reservation System
We strive to provide careful and personalized instruction to each participant, such as limiting evening meditation sessions to one group at a time by reservation only. This creates an environment where even first-timers can confidently engage in Zen meditation.
What You Gain at Minekoji Temple
Through Zen meditation, yoga, and sutra copying at Minekoji Temple, participants gain various insights and learnings.
Peace of Mind
The time spent quietly reflecting on oneself, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, brings deep peace to the mind. Many participants report improved stress coping abilities through continued Zen meditation.
Improved Concentration
Zen meditation and sutra copying train you to concentrate on one thing. This concentration can be applied to various aspects of daily life, such as work and studies.
Connections with the Community
Regularly held yoga, Zen meditation, and sutra copying sessions provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. New relationships can develop through interaction among participants.
Physical Health
Yoga and Zen meditation have positive effects on physical health through improved posture and deeper breathing. They are particularly effective in alleviating common modern ailments such as stiff shoulders and lower back pain.
Inquiries about Minekoji Temple
Inquiries regarding Minekoji Temple are accepted through the following methods:
Inquiry Methods
- Phone: 011-782-1854 (We recommend checking reception hours in advance)
- Email: Via the inquiry form on the official website
- Facebook: Messaging function on the official Facebook page
- Direct Visit: Please contact the temple office in advance.
We recommend contacting us in advance if you are visiting for the first time or wish to participate in an event.
Summary
Minekoji Temple, located in Kita-Okadama, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple that develops unique activities that blend traditional Buddhist practices with modern approaches.
It features flexible programs tailored to modern lifestyles, such as the “Yoga, Zen Meditation, and Sutra Copying Session” held on the last Sunday of every month, and “Evening Zen Meditation” held every evening. With a reservation-only system, each participant receives careful instruction, creating a safe and comfortable environment even for beginners.
Accessible by bus or taxi from Sakaemachi Station or Shindo-Higashi Station on the Toho Subway Line, and also accessible by car. Despite being only about 20-30 minutes from central Sapporo, it offers a tranquil environment where one can find peace of mind.
Through Zen meditation, yoga, and sutra copying, Minekoji Temple offers many benefits, including inner peace, improved concentration, and enhanced health. If you are seeking time to escape your busy daily life and reflect on yourself, why not visit Minekoji Temple?
For reservations and further information, please visit the official website, Facebook page, or contact Minekoji Temple by phone. You will be warmly welcomed by the head priest, Takanobu Ono, and all the staff at Minekoji Temple.
Minekoji Temple is a place of solace and support in various stages of life.
