Shiga Ritto Hidden village Konshoji Temple
A special trip to experience Japanese culture and nature
Shiga Ritto Hidden village
Konshoji Temple
A special trip to experience
Japanese culture and nature
Konshoji Temple is located in a hidden village of Mt. Konze in Shiga surrounded by the mysterious beauty of Lake Biwa. It is home to the essence of Japanese beauty and culture. On this tour, we are glad to create a discernible moment for participants to experience profound attractions and a gateway to the harmony between our body and soul. Calm your mind with zazen meditation, kick back with yoga, and feel the breath of nature by stepping into the world of moss. Join us to experience an extraordinary moment in the tranquility of a historic temple with a complete immersion into the rhythms of nature, confrontation with our true selves, and access to a peaceful state of mind.
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Konshoji Temple, the sacred protection of the demon gate of Heijokyo
Konshoji Temple is a tranquil Tendai Buddhist temple located near the peak of Mt.Konze (with an altitude of 604.7m) in southern Shiga. It is home to Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. It was established by Roben (687-773) during the Nara period, and later, Ganan built a temple on the mountain as a gathering spot for monks to pray for the peace of the nation, it also became an official worship spot for the Emperor.
Up the approach is the Niomon Gate then the main hall, along with the Nigatsu Hall on the right. It is home to a huge number of cultural properties such as the wooden statues of “the Seated Shaka Nyorai”, “the Standing Gundari Myo-o”, “Half-legged Kokuzo Bodhisattva”, “the Standing Bishamonten” and “the Seated Jizo Bosatsu statue”. The statue of “Half-legged Kokuzo Bodhisattva”, also known as the “Buddha of Thirteen Pilgrims”, symbolizes enormous wisdom and good fortune. Besides, there are also nationally famous trees such as millennium cedar and maple.
■Tendai Konshozan Konshoji Temple
1394, Arahari, Ritto-shi, Shiga, Japan
https://www.konsyoji.com/
EXPERIENCE CONTENTS
3 contents to experience the beauty and culture of Japan
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ー content 1 ー
Moss Fieldwork
A fieldwork indulgence in the micro-world at Konshoji Temple, the mossy paradise.
Konshoji Temple is regarded as one of the most famous moss spots in Japan, with more than 70 types of natural moss. Let our specialists walk you through the wonderful world of moss with a wide range of species.
Let’s step into the micro-world of moss with a magnifying glass and our guide map.
Time required 105 mins / Program fee (tax included) 11,000 yen
ー CONTENT 2 ー
Zazen meditation
A meditation program at the main hall of a historic temple to explore peace of mind.
Experience zazen, the symbol of the Japanese Zen Buddhist tradition at the main hall of Konshoji Temple. Zazen is a meditative discipline done in a lotus sitting posture for the sake of unifying our mind and confronting ourselves. It is a deep, peaceful, and mind-calming moment in a sitting position without any distractions.
Time required 105 mins / Program fee (tax included) 7,700 yen
ー CONTENT 3
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Forest yoga
Forest yoga can purify our body, soul, and spirit under the sunbeams through the trees.
Experience outdoor yoga for the power of nature at the remains of the main school hall located at the highest spot at the historic Konshoji Temple. Get away from all the hustle and bustle, immerse yourselves in nature, and free your body and spirit. It’s also an extraordinary experience to feel the connection between yourselves and the external world with no borders.
Time required 105 mins / Program fee (tax included) 7,700 yen
ー Plan4 ー
親子deホースセラピーヨガ
木のぬくもりを感じる広々とした吹き抜けの空間でのヨガと、馬とのふれあいを通じて心身を癒します
JRA栗東トレーニングセンターからすぐの立地にあるTCC Therapy Park（TCCセラピーパーク）にて、引退競走馬にふれあえる本格的なホースセラピーを体験できます。
近江富士を遠望する豊かな緑に囲まれた閑静な場所で、サラブレッド やポニーのお世話や乗馬など癒やしの時間をお楽しみください。
＜ツアー概要＞
◯開催日：2022年6月11日（土）
◯時間：13:00-16:00（所要時間約3時間）
◯会場：TCCセラピーパーク（滋賀県栗東市六地蔵31-6）
◯参加費：10,200円（税込）
◯催行人数：親子10組様限定
MODEL PLAN SCHEDULE
＜A：Zazen meditation & Moss fieldwork ＞
■Time Schedule
・7:15 Gather at the parking space of Konshoji Temple
・7:20 Introduction to the temple
・8:00 Zazen meditation at the main hall
・9:00 Preparation & break time
・9:20 Moss fieldwork
・11:00 Dismiss
＜B：Moss fieldwork ＆Forest yoga＞
■Time Schedule
・9:15 Gather at the parking space of Konshoji Temple
・9:20 Introduction to the site and moss fieldwork.
・11:00 Preparation & break time
・11:20 Forest yoga (at the remains of the main school hall)
・12:20 Dismiss
Details of the 2024 Tour
■Tour Date
October 20th, 2024 (Sunday) (Go on rain or shine, to be canceled for severe weather)
※Contact us if you’d like to suggest another day. We accommodate individual requests for groups (with at least 4 participants). We can also tailor-make plans with one program only.
■Application period
April 1st 2024 – October 18th at noon 2024
■Programs
・Zazen meditation
・Moss fieldwork
■Location
Tendai Konshozan Konshoji Temple
■Gathering spot
At the site (tour starts at 7:15 am; reception starts at 7:00 am)
■Participation fees
15,000 yen (16,500 yen when tax is included)
It includes the temple admission fee, zazen meditation fee, and moss fieldwork guiding fee.
■Language
Based on translation application
■Tour size
Minimum) 4 participants; maximum) 10 participants
■What to wear and bring
・Outfit) long sleeves, long pants, sports shoes (something that allows freedom of movement and you don’t mind getting dirty)
・Necessary items) drinks to avoid dehydration
・We provide rental survival magnifying glasses and spray bottles
■Reminders
・Please come ON TIME
・Be mindful of the bad phone signal strength at Konshoji Temple
・Tour dates and schedule are subject to changes
■ Cancellation Policy
No penalty for early cancellation 4 days in advance.
20% of the participation fee for cancellations
2-3 days in advance; 50% for same-day cancellations, and 100% for no-shows/cancellations during the tour.
■Organizer
Ritto Tourism Association
EXPLORING MORE
Hit the trails of the Konze Alps for superb views of Lake Biwa and the Konan area.
Mt. Konze (Aboshiyama, Ryuosan, and Keikanzan) is also known as the Konze Alps. It’s home to Konshoji Temple, located at Ryuosan, an important symbol for the Buddhist culture in the Heian period, as well as the Komasaka Stone Buddhas, commonly believed to have been there since the Heian period. The hiking trails are full of history.
The course features natural weird rock formations such as the “Mimiiwa (literally “the ear rock”) and “Tenguiwa” (literally “the heavenly dog rock). With heavenly views overlooking Lake Biwa and southern Shiga. Be amazed by the hiking experience in the Konze Alps.
The Konze Alps Hiking Course
https://www.ritto-kanko.com/konzeyama/
ACCESS
■Getting here by car
・From Osaka…Kansai International Airport →Ritto Interchange (120km, 1hr 30mins)
・From Nagoya…CHUBU CENTRAIR International Airport → Ritto Interchange (140km, 1hr 40mins)
・From Tokyo…Haneda International Airport→Ritto Interchange (435km, 5hrs)
※From Ritto Interchange to Konshoji Temple…12km (approx. 30mins)
■Getting here by public transport
・From Osaka…Kansai Airport Station → JR Ritto Station (1hr 50mins)
・From Nagoya…Central Japan International Airport Station→JR Ritto Station (1hr 50mins)
・From Tokyo…Haneda Airport Terminals→JR Ritto Station (3hrs)
※ From JR Ritto Station to Konshoji Temple…by taxi/ bus
INQUIRY
For inquiries about the tour, please contact us using the inquiry form below.
＜Contact＞
Ritto Tourism Association
(2/F, Tehara Station) 3-1-30, Tehara, Ritto-shi, Shiga, Japan
TEL：077-551-0126
FAX：077-551-6158
MAIL：tateba.ritto@gmail.com
HP：https://www.ritto-kanko.com