Tendoji Temple (Hokkaido) Complete Guide | Experiencing Zen Meditation, Buddhist Hymns, and Sutra Copying at a Soto Zen Temple in Sapporo
Located in Kita-ku, Sapporo, Tendoji Temple is a historic temple belonging to the Soto Zen sect. It conducts religious activities open not only to local parishioners but also to the general public. It offers opportunities for spiritual experiences that modern people can easily participate in, such as gratitude-based Zen meditation sessions, Buddhist hymn workshops, and sutra copying sessions, making it a popular destination for many seeking peace of mind.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Tendoji Temple, including its history, sect, facilities, access, and the various activities you can experience.
Basic Information about Tendoji Temple
Location and Access
Address: 2-13, Kita 23-jo Nishi 9-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Tendoji Temple is located approximately 8 minutes on foot from Kita 24-jo Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line. Exit from Exit 4 of Kita 24-jo Station and head west to reach the temple. The surrounding area is a quiet residential neighborhood, offering a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you are coming by private car, you can enter from Kita 23-jo Street, and there is parking available for visitors on the temple grounds. If using public transportation, it is also accessible by bus, and the nearest Hokkaido Chuo Bus stop is within walking distance.
Contact Information
Phone Number: 011-716-1353
For inquiries regarding various events, Zen meditation sessions, graves, and perpetual memorial services, please use the phone number above. Some events require advance reservations, so we recommend contacting us beforehand if you are attending for the first time.
Sect and Mountain Name
Sect: Soto Zen
Mountain Name: Daitozan
Chief Priest: Okuma Eikyo
Tendo-ji Temple is a Soto Zen temple, inheriting the teachings of Zen Master Dogen and Zen Master Keizan. It belongs to a branch of Zen Buddhism with Eihei-ji Temple (Fukui Prefecture) and Soji-ji Temple (Kanagawa Prefecture) as its two main head temples.
What is Soto Zen? | Tendoji Temple’s Doctrine and Teachings
History and Characteristics of Soto Zen
Soto Zen is a branch of Zen Buddhism introduced to Japan by Zen Master Dogen during the Kamakura period. It emphasizes “Shikantaza,” that is, simply sitting in meditation, as the foundation of its practice, and values the teaching that daily life itself is practice.
A defining characteristic of the Soto Zen school lies in its philosophy of “Shusho Itto” (the unity of practice and enlightenment), which holds that Zen meditation itself is the very essence of Buddhahood, rather than simply seeking enlightenment through meditation. This philosophy emphasizes that practice and enlightenment are not separate entities, but rather that enlightenment is already present within the practice of Zen meditation.
Eihei-ji Temple and its Founder, Zen Master Dogen
Zen Master Dogen (1200-1253) was a highly esteemed monk known as the founder of the Soto Zen school. He began his training at Mount Hiei at a young age, but grappled with the question, “Why is training necessary when humans inherently possess Buddha-nature?” Seeking the answer, he traveled to China (Song Dynasty).
In China, he studied under Zen Master Ruijing at Jingde Temple on Tiantong Mountain, achieving the state of “shedding body and mind.” After returning to Japan, Zen Master Dogen founded Kōshō-ji Temple in Kyoto, and later Eihei-ji Temple in Echizen (present-day Fukui Prefecture).
The teachings of Zen Master Dogen are detailed in his works such as the *Shobogenzo*, and his teaching that all aspects of daily life—including zazen (seated meditation) and “walking, standing, sitting, and lying down”—are practice continues to influence many people today.
Practice of Doctrine at Tendoji Temple
At Tendoji Temple, the doctrines of the Soto Zen sect are practiced in daily activities. Various training experiences, including zazen sessions, are open not only to temple members but also to the general public, creating an environment where anyone can easily experience the teachings of Zen.
Especially emphasized is not merely formal practice, but the practice of Buddhist teachings in daily life. The idea that all everyday actions, such as cleaning, eating, and interpersonal relationships, are opportunities for practice is an important guideline for achieving inner peace in modern society.
Facilities at Tendoji Temple
Main Hall
The main hall, the heart of Tendoji Temple, is a sacred space where religious ceremonies such as Buddhist services and zazen sessions are held. The main hall houses the principal image of Buddha, creating a solemn atmosphere for worship and Zen meditation.
The main hall’s architecture is based on traditional Japanese architecture, but also incorporates modern functionality, ensuring comfortable participation in religious practices and ceremonies even in the harsh winters of Hokkaido.
Columbarium
The temple grounds also include a columbarium, where consultations regarding perpetual memorial services and interment are available. In recent years, with increasing numbers of people finding it difficult to manage graves or worrying about successors, columbariums are gaining attention as an urban form of memorial service.
Tendo-ji Temple’s columbarium is indoors, allowing for visits regardless of weather conditions. The temple also takes responsibility for its management, making it convenient for families living far away.
Seirinkaku (Lay Member Training Hall)
Seirinkaku is a facility functioning as a lay member training hall, used for various lectures, training sessions, and post-funeral meals. This spacious building features a Japanese-style room and meeting rooms, making it a versatile space for various purposes.
Regular activities such as Buddhist hymn workshops and meetings of the Tendoji Women’s Association are held here, making it an important place for interaction among parishioners. It is equipped with air conditioning and heating, ensuring a comfortable environment year-round.
Temple Grounds
Despite being in the heart of the city, Tendoji Temple’s grounds are a lush, tranquil space enveloped in greenery. The trees and flowers, changing their appearance with each season, welcome visitors, offering a calming atmosphere.
The well-maintained grounds are carefully kept clean by parishioners and participants as part of their spiritual practice, maintaining a clean and pleasant environment.
Training and Educational Activities Available at Tendoji Temple
Tendoji Temple offers a variety of educational activities to allow modern people to easily experience traditional Buddhist training.
Gratitude Zen Meditation Session
Dates: Four times a year (February 15th, April 16th, September 29th, December 6th)
The Gratitude Zen Meditation Session is a central event in Tendoji Temple’s educational activities. Zen meditation is the most fundamental practice in the Soto Zen school, providing a valuable opportunity to calm the mind and confront oneself.
At the Zen meditation session, the head priest or instructor will first provide a thorough explanation of Zen meditation etiquette and breathing techniques. Even beginners can participate with confidence, as they will learn the basics, such as how to cross their legs, place their hands, and direct their gaze.
During the actual meditation, participants will focus on their breath in silence, letting go of distracting thoughts. They will experience the importance of simply being present “here and now,” away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. A tea party may be held after the meditation, providing time for interaction among participants and for questions and answers.
Goeika Workshop
Dates: 6th and 26th of each month
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Goeika is traditional Buddhist music in which Buddhist teachings are expressed in waka (Japanese poetry) and sung to melodies. In the Soto Zen sect, it is known as “Baika-ryu Goeika” and is a form of practice open to everyone.
At Tendoji Temple’s Goeika workshop, under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants learn basic vocalization techniques, the use of percussion instruments such as bells and gongs, and practice actual Goeika. Participants appreciate the opportunity to learn Buddhist teachings through beautiful melodies, experiencing purification of the mind and a sense of spiritual fulfillment.
Singing Goeika also promotes health, and the harmonious singing fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among participants. It’s an activity that anyone can easily participate in, regardless of age, and enjoyable even for those with no prior musical experience.
Sutra Copying Session
Date: June 6th, etc. (Held several times a year)
Sutra copying is a practice of carefully copying Buddhist scriptures character by character. It is common to copy short scriptures such as the Heart Sutra, and it has the effect of enhancing concentration and calming the mind.
At Tendoji Temple’s sutra copying session, the temple provides all the necessary materials, including paper, brushes, and ink, so you can participate empty-handed. Holding a brush in a quiet space and carefully writing each character allows you to detach yourself from everyday distractions and approach a state of mind free from distractions.
The completed sutra can be offered to the temple with a wish in mind, or you can take it home and keep it. Through sutra copying, you can connect with the teachings of Buddha and gain inner peace—a valuable experience.
Tendoji Women’s Association
Date: 16th of every month
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
The Tendoji Women’s Association is an activity group centered around female temple parishioners, aiming to promote Buddhist learning, social service activities, and fellowship among members.
At monthly meetings, members listen to Buddhist lectures, practice Buddhist hymns, and participate in activities related to seasonal events. They also engage in service activities such as cleaning the temple and tending to the flowers, playing an important role in supporting the temple.
The Women’s Association comprises a wide range of ages and functions as a place where members can learn Buddhist teachings and practical wisdom from senior members. It also functions as a local community, characterized by warm interactions among members.
Temple Yoga (Tera Yoga)
In recent years, in addition to traditional practices, Tendoji Temple has also been offering “Temple Yoga” as a modern approach. Practicing yoga in the tranquil space of the temple allows for simultaneous relaxation of mind and body and spiritual improvement.
Yoga shares many similarities with Buddhist Zen meditation in its emphasis on breathing techniques and meditation, and the two practices complement each other. Temple yoga programs are designed for beginners and are taught by professional yoga instructors.
Since the dates and times are irregular, please contact the temple in advance if you wish to participate.
About Tendoji Temple Branch
Tendoji Temple has a branch temple located at 1-19-3 Shinkawa 3-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo. The branch temple is located separately from the main temple and primarily manages the ossuary and cemetery.
For those living in the Shinkawa area or those who live far from the main temple, the branch temple may be more accessible. Memorial services and rites can also be held at the branch temple; please contact Tendoji Temple for details.
About Tendoji Temple’s Perpetual Memorial Services and Interment
Options for Perpetual Memorial Services
In modern society, due to the declining birthrate, aging population, and the rise of nuclear families, the inheritance of family graves is becoming increasingly difficult. At Tendoji Temple, we accept consultations regarding perpetual memorial services to meet the needs of these times.
Perpetual memorial services are a system in which the temple takes responsibility for continuing memorial services indefinitely. This is chosen by those who have no successors, those who live far away and find it difficult to manage a grave, and those who do not want to burden their children.
Use of the Columbarium
Tendoji Temple’s columbarium is an indoor facility, allowing for visits regardless of the weather. Various plans are available, from individual burial spaces to communal burials, allowing you to choose according to your family’s situation and wishes.
Costs and contract details will be discussed on an individual basis, so we recommend contacting the temple first and then visiting the facility in person.
Support for Grave Closure
Tendoji Temple also provides support for grave closure for those who can no longer manage graves located far away or who are considering cemetery closure. It is possible to remove remains from existing graves, perform appropriate memorial services, and then rebury them in Tendoji Temple’s columbarium.
Closing a grave requires various procedures, including notifications to the government and coordination with stonemasons. However, at Tendoji Temple, our experienced staff will provide thorough support, so please feel free to consult us.
Tendoji Temple’s Media Appearances and Local Reputation
Featured on HTB’s “Shiawase Sanpo”
Tendoji Temple was featured on Hokkaido Television Broadcasting (HTB)’s popular program “Shiawase Sanpo.” The program covered Tendoji Temple’s history, activities, and Zen meditation sessions, receiving a great response from viewers.
Following the television broadcast, inquiries about Zen meditation sessions and Buddhist hymn workshops increased, and people who previously had no connection to temples began to participate more readily. Raising awareness of temple activities through the media is an important initiative when considering the role of temples in modern times.
Role as a Local Community
Tendoji Temple functions not only as a religious facility but also as a hub for the local community. Through various events and activities, it fosters intergenerational exchange and strengthens community bonds.
Especially in today’s aging society, temples play a vital role in preventing isolation and providing a spiritual anchor. Tendoji Temple’s warm and open atmosphere is highly valued by many visitors and local residents.
Notes on Visiting Tendoji Temple
Attire
While there are no strict dress code requirements, as it is a sacred place, clean and understated attire is preferred. If participating in a Zen meditation session, loose-fitting trousers or a skirt that allows for easy leg crossing is recommended.
Winter in Hokkaido is extremely cold, so please dress warmly. However, the buildings are heated, so layered clothing that can be easily added or removed is convenient.
Reservations
Regularly held Zen meditation sessions and Buddhist chant workshops generally do not require reservations, but first-time visitors are advised to confirm by phone beforehand. For irregularly held events such as sutra copying sessions, please be sure to inquire in advance.
Parking and Access
While there is parking space on the temple grounds, the number of spaces is limited, so we ask that you use public transportation whenever possible. Especially during memorial services and events, congestion is expected, so please allow ample time for your visit.
Summary | Finding Peace of Mind at Tendoji Temple
Tendoji Temple, located in Kita-ku, Sapporo, is a Soto Zen temple that continues to transmit the traditional teachings of Buddhism to the modern age. Through a variety of educational activities such as gratitude-based zazen sessions, Buddhist hymn workshops, and sutra copying sessions, it provides an environment where anyone can easily experience Buddhist practice.
The spirit of “shikantaza” (just sitting), based on the teachings of Zen Master Dogen, gives us, living in today’s busy society, precious time to pause and confront ourselves. Furthermore, it offers a full range of services to meet the needs of the times, such as perpetual memorial services and columbariums, making it a temple that accompanies you through various stages of life.
Its convenient access, within walking distance of Kita 24-jo Station, is also one of its attractions. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find peace of mind in the tranquil grounds of Tendoji Temple. This time will surely bring new insights to your life.
If you are interested, why not start by casually participating in a Zen meditation session or a Buddhist chanting workshop? Tendoji Temple is open to everyone and warmly welcomes your visit.
Inquiries: 011-716-1353
Address: 2-13, Kita 23-jo Nishi 9-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Access: Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Exit 4 of Kita 24-jo Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line
Please visit Tendoji Temple in search of inner peace.
