Overview
At Daishiji Temple in Nagoya, experience a journey of fire, breath, and stillness
designed to quiet the mind and deepen self-awareness.
Daishiji Temple has long maintained a close connection with Mount Kōya
and historically served as a local base connected to Kōyasan, the spiritual center of Shingon Buddhism.
Upon arrival, guests change into samue, traditional Japanese temple workwear, and put on a wagesa,
a Buddhist garment worn around the neck.
You will then move to the main hall, where you take a quiet moment to reflect on a personal wish,
prayer, or something you would like to let go of, and write it on a wooden Goma prayer stick.
Once everyone is ready, the priest welcomes you and introduces Daishiji Temple,
its historical connection with Mount Kōya, and the meaning of Goma and Ajikan meditation.
Guided by the priest, you will then learn the posture, breathing, hand position, and way of focusing the eyes used in Ajikan meditation.
Through slow, deep breathing, you are invited to let thoughts pass naturally and gently return your awareness to the present moment.
As the Goma fire rises, your attention shifts toward the flames.
Sitting quietly before the sacred fire, you continue Ajikan meditation while your prayer stick is offered into the flames.
The experience concludes with a conversation with the priest, offering time to reflect on what you felt
and deepen your understanding of Goma, Ajikan, and the meaning behind the practice.
Through fire, prayer, breath, meditation, and dialogue, this immersive wellness experience
invites you to turn inward and reconnect with a deeper sense of stillness.
The Way of Sacred Fire: Goma & Ajikan Meditation at Daishiji Temple
Select a date &
make a reservation
Please press the button to request your reservation. We will check availability and notify you of the result.
Your reservation is confirmed only after you receive our confirmation notice.
Location
「JAPAN DŌ WELLNESS at DAISHIJI」
5-22-13 Josai, Nishi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0031, Japan
Price
The price includes the Goma fire ritual, Ajikan meditation, guidance by the priest, use of samue and wagesa,
a Goma prayer stick, and a journaling sheet for personal reflection.
Transportation costs are not included.
Schedule
3:00 PM — Arrival & Changing into Samue and Wagesa
Upon arrival, change into samue, traditional Japanese temple workwear,
and put on a wagesa worn around the neck.
3:10 PM — Move to the Main Hall & Write Your Wish on a Goma Prayer Stick
Move to the main hall and take a quiet moment to reflect on a wish, prayer, or something you would like to let go of.
Write your thoughts on a wooden Goma prayer stick.
3:15PM — Welcome & Introduction by the Priest
Once everyone is ready, the priest welcomes you and introduces Daishiji Temple,
its historical connection with Mount Kōya, and the meaning of Goma and Ajikan meditation.
3:20 PM — Preparing the Body & Breath
Learn the posture, hand position, breathing method, and way of focusing the eyes used in Ajikan meditation.
3:25 PM — Ajikan Meditation — Stillness & Awareness
Begin with slow, deep breathing, allowing thoughts to arise and pass naturally
while gently returning your awareness to the breath and the present moment.
3:45 PM — Goma Fire Ritual & Meditation by the Flames
As the Goma fire rises, shift your gaze toward the flames. Continue Ajikan meditation while quietly observing the fire
and turning your awareness inward as your prayer stick is offered into the flames.
4:10 PM — Closing Reflection & Conversation with the Priest
Reflect on what you experienced and conclude with a conversation with the priest to
deepen your understanding of Goma, Ajikan, and the meaning behind the practice.
4:30 PM — End of Experience
After the program, take some time on your own to reflect on your experience using the journaling sheet provided.
Write down any thoughts, feelings, or insights that arose during the experience.
※Evening Session Available (7:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
For those seeking a different atmosphere, an evening session is also available.
Experiencing the Goma Fire Ritual and Ajikan Meditation in the quiet of the night offers a deeper sense of stillness
and reflection, creating a uniquely immersive introduction to Japanese Buddhist tradition.
Dress code
No dress code.
Samue, traditional Japanese temple workwear, and a wagesa worn around the neck will be provided for the experience.
Please let us know your height and clothing size when you apply.
Payment
Payment in advance / Credit card JPY only
Booking deadline
Booking must be made at least 3 days before the experience date
Cancellation policy
・From 20 days prior to the experience date: 20% of the total experience fee
・From 14 days prior: 25%
・From 7 days prior: 50%
・From 1 days prior: 100%
Cancellation fees are calculated based on the scheduled experience date.
Further remarks
To help ensure a safe, respectful, and comfortable experience for all participants, please review the following information before your visit.
Please let us know in advance if you have any injuries, medical conditions, pregnancy, or other concerns that may affect your participation.
Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited before participation.
Please follow all instructions provided by the priest, guide, and staff throughout the program.
As this experience takes place inside a Buddhist temple, please keep your voice low and refrain from touching ritual objects
or temple equipment without permission.
For safety and comfort, please remove large or loose accessories before participating.
Please take care when sitting for meditation, and feel free to adjust your posture or take a short break if needed.
Please stay hydrated and do not push yourself beyond your physical limits during the experience.
The program includes an open-flame Goma fire ritual. Please follow the priest's
and staff’s instructions carefully and keep a safe distance from the fire.
If you are more than 30 minutes late without prior notice, your reservation will be automatically canceled and no refund will be issued.
Select a date &
make a reservation
Please press the button to request your reservation. We will check availability and notify you of the result.
Your reservation is confirmed only after you receive our confirmation notice.