Overview
Step inside a living Japanese temple and experience the quiet beauty of everyday tradition shared by the local community.
At Joshoji Temple in Toyota City, you are welcomed not as a visitor, but as a guest invited into the rhythm of temple life.
Dressed in a traditional monk’s work robe, you begin the day with a guided walk through the temple grounds, learning about Buddhism and the history that shapes this sacred place.
As the morning unfolds, you will be introduced to the spirit of Sa-Dō (the Way of Tea), discovering its etiquette, philosophy, and the deep connection to Aichi’s tea culture.
Following a memorial-style temple meal, the experience continues with Ka-Dō (Ikebana), where you learn to express harmony, balance, and impermanence through flowers.
Guided by local practitioners, you will create your own arrangement as a reflection of the moment.
More than a cultural activity, this is a shared day of stillness, connection, and living tradition—
a rare opportunity to experience the Japanese way through the hands and hearts of the people who keep it alive.
Inside a Private Temple: Tea & Ikebana Practiced by Locals
Select the date & Reservation
Location
「JOSHOJI」
62 Mukaiyashiki, Wakabayashi-nishi-machi, Toyota-shi, Aichi, 473-0917, Japan
Price
The price covers experience, facility charges, lunch meals, and taxes, transportation costs are not included.
If you require transportation arrangements, please specify your request in the remarks section of the application form.
Schedule
10:00AM Meet at the temple
ーChange into a monk's work robe "Samue”.
ーWelcome Drink＆Overall Program Description
10:30AM Temple Guided Tour
ーWhat‘s about buddism?/Main hall, Tokugawaieyasu & monk meeting room
11:30AM Sa-Dō“茶道”～Tea Ceremony～
ーKnow about Sa-Dō“茶道”/Description of Aichi, a Tea-Producing Region
ーLearning the etiquette for both the host and the guest
1:00PM Memorial Service Meal Experience
2:00PM Ka-Dō“華道” Experience (【Ikebana】Japanese flower arrangement)
ーKnow about Ka-Dō“華道” /Ikebana Demonstration＆Try arranging flowers yourself.
4:00PM Change clothes
Dress Code
Please wear warm inner layers in winter.
At the start of the experience, you will put on the traditional work clothes we prepare over your clothing.
We also prepare tabi socks.
Please let us know your clothing size and foot size when you apply.
Payment
Payment in advance / Credit card JPY only
Booking deadline
Booking must be made at least 7 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: 50%
・From 7 days prior: 100%
Cancellation fees are calculated based on the scheduled experience date.
Further remarks
Please let us know in advance if you have prior experience in Sadō and Kadō.
You will experience both the Ikenobo School's Seika and freestyle Kadō（ikebana） practices.
Due to unavoidable circumstances, programs or workshops are subject to last-minute changes and cancellations.
The experience of wearing a custom-made Nishijin textile cigar jacket is scheduled to begin in April.
If you are more than 30 minutes late without prior notice on the day of your appointment, it will be automatically canceled.
In such cases, no refund will be issued.