Zazen Experience at Ashikaga Ban'a-ji Temple

Ban'a-ji Temple in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture is an ancient temple with a National Treasure main hall founded by Ashikaga Yoshikane during the Kamakura period. Adjacent to Ashikaga School, Japan's oldest school, this temple offers experiences of early morning zazen and dharma talks by the chief priest. The temple grounds, surrounded by a moat and earthen walls in a castle-style layout, are wrapped in silence, providing an environment to calm the mind and concentrate on zazen. After zazen, a recommended way to spend your time is to tour Ashikaga School and take a stroll through the streets of Ashikaga.