The Zen of the sea

Soji-ji on the Noto Peninsula is one of the two main temple of the Soto Zen Buddhism, the most important Zen school in Japan. It boasts two temples: If Eihei-ji in Fukui is the “Zen of the mountains,” then Soji-ji is the “Zen of the sea”.

Monks would periodically serve at Soji-ji in a 75-day rotation system. They would arrive by boat to Kuroshima, a coastal town where shipwrights and sailors made fortune through trade, then walk to Soji-ji temple.

As they return to their hometown after completing their duties, they would bring back along fine Wajima lacquerware, participating in the spread of this refined craft throughout Japan. “Zen of the Sea” is a modern reinterpretation of that system.

Information

Duration	2 days 1 night
Period	All season
Area	Wajima, Monzen

Quality

Gyohatsu Zen meal

Authentic zen meal experience. One monk serves for every two participants.

Kuroshima walk

Walking tours led by English-speaking guides and local residents.

Wajima Lacquerware workshop

Witness the meticulous work carried out by the craftsmen.

Day 1

Deep experience within the essence of Zen and food

Easy-to-understand explanations are provided for the “Zen of the Sea,” the monks’ rotation system, and Wajima lacquerware. The senses are sharpened through authentic experiences of Zen meditation and meals.

English guidance through this spiritual journey
Experience Gyohatsu, a typical Zen meal prepared by the monks
Tea and conversation with the monks
Receive an authentic lacquerware as present, as would typically be received by training monks

Kuroshima walk

Kuroshima is a small hourbour town where merchants made a fortune through trading vessels, and would showcase beautiful imported items. A walk throughout the town with a local guide will bring you back to the glorious days of the town.

Walking tour led by an english speaking guide and local resident
Visit the Kudomike museum, beautiful exemple of a merchant who made fortune through trading vessels
During the Tenryo Festival, each house expose their heirloom to impress visitors

Dinner at French restaurant L’atelier de Noto

L’atelier de Noto is the most famous gastronomic restaurant in Noto, most of its ingredients are sourced locally. The charm of this former lacquerware workshop adds up for an unforgettable lunch or dining experience.

Day 2

Wajima Lacquerware workshop tour

Witness the value of Wajima lacquerware through a guided visit to a workshop. Get to understand the essence of this robust and elegant craft. Afterwards, enjoy delicious sushi made from local fish, enhanced by the beauty of the lacquerware on which it is served.

The original lacquerware used at Soji-ji has been produced here.
Be guided to their workshop and witness the meticulous work applied by the craftsmen.

Option

Tsutaya

Founded in 1860 during the Edo period, Tsutaya is the supplier of Soji-ji Temple, the head temple of Zen Buddhism. They beautifully balance their work between traditional and modern designs

Hikoju Makie

Beyond traditional lacquerware production methods, this company creates a wide variety of vessels and artistic works, and have exhibited some of their work around the world

Kirimoto

While being a lacquerware workshop, they mainly specialize in woodwork. they handle from small articles to furniture and building interiors, and has supplied many hotels and restaurants.