Experience Buddhism through Incense and Meditation at the “Yuzu Miso Temple” Seisho-ji, Osaka

Welcomed by the Scent of Yuzu at a Temple Linked to Kobo Daishi

Seisho-ji Temple, in Kawachinagano City, Osaka, is a historic site said to have been visited by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of Japan’s most influential monks. He established Mount Koya and the 88 temples of Shikoku. Legend holds that he prayed here for protection against epidemics and created yuzu miso, a paste combining yuzu pulp and juice with miso. The tradition of making yuzu miso and praying for health on the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year—continues to this day. Yuzu has since become a symbol of the temple, and its fragrance permeates the grounds.

Every year on December 21st, yuzu miso is served in the main hall as a prayer for good health. Consuming it on the winter solstice is said to support both physical and mental well-being. *The solstice date may vary each year

Your experience begins with a welcome drink at TERAKOYA, a space renovated with the belief that every encounter is unique. With a calming atmosphere reminiscent of a hotel lobby, TERAKOYA offers a gentle transition from daily life into this extraordinary temple setting. Made with generous amounts of yuzu pulp and juice, the drink balances sweet and sour flavors, while its refreshing aroma naturally encourages relaxation and a moment of mindful pause.

Savor a sweet and sour yuzu drink while enjoying the seasonal colors around you

Prepare Natural Fragrant Woods, Reflect on Yourself, and Create Your Own Original Incense Blend

After your mind is calmed by the aroma of yuzu, you will experience incense making, coming face-to-face with the scent itself. The head priest explains the meaning and benefits of incense: “In Shingon Buddhism, incense creates connections. Burning incense while praying to ancestors allows the smoke to connect us with Buddha.” You select your incense woods while contemplating the significance of crafting incense with your own hands, creating a bridge to Buddha.

Nine types of natural fragrant woods lined up

Nine types of natural incense woods are arranged on the table. Centered around sandalwood, they include spicy cloves, star anise, and cinnamon (commonly used in cooking); borneol, also used as an insect repellent; sweet pine with a distinctive fragrance; wild mustard, which has antidiabetic properties; woody jasmine; and Japanese pine, “tsuga.” Following the recommended original blend, you select and mix the pieces that feel most suitable. The process itself is meditative, allowing for self-reflection. The blended incense is then burned during meditation.

The desired effects vary depending on your physical condition and mood—a truly personal incense experience

Enjoy Japanese Sweets and Matcha While Listening to a Private Lecture from the Head Priest

After making incense, you will prepare matcha. As you whisk the tea by hand, pale green bubbles rise, carrying the tea’s deep aroma. The scent, the gentle sound of whisking, and the warmth of the utensils gradually sharpen your senses.

During this tea and sweets experience, the head priest offers a private lecture exclusively for participants, sharing the history of Seisho-ji Temple, its connection to Kobo Daishi, the teachings of Shingon Buddhism, and the role of incense. An expert in Indian and Tibetan Buddhism, the head priest delivers a quiet, reflective conversation that leaves a lasting impression.

Tea snacks feature an unusual yet harmonious combination of wasanbon and sesame tofu

Enjoy two types of sweets with your brewed tea: yuzu-shaped nerikiri and sesame tofu, a traditional Koyasan treat. The gentle sweetness of wasanbon and the subtle sesame aroma complement the bittersweet matcha perfectly.

Observe the yuzu motifs throughout the temple grounds, fitting for a place fondly nicknamed “Yuzu Miso Temple” for its long tradition of serving yuzu miso on the winter solstice. The delicate yuzu nerikiri and melt-in-your-mouth sesame tofu highlight the layered flavors of the tea and sweets, creating a serene moment of relaxation amid the soft light of TERAKOYA.

The gentle sound of the tea whisk and the deep green of the matcha awaken your senses

Calm Your Mind with Homemade Incense and Deepen Your Prayer in the Rokkakudo Hall

After opening your senses and relaxing, you move to the main hall. Light the incense you crafted earlier and begin meditation. A yuzu-themed candle flickers in front of the altar as the incense smoke rises and gradually dissipates into the air. Standing before the altar, you close your eyes and follow the head priest’s guidance: “Inhale through your nose and place the ‘ki’ you take in at your navel in your tanden. Then exhale slowly through your nose.” The fragrance permeates your body as you breathe, centering your mind.

The soft light flickers, filling the main hall with a sense of calm

“In meditation, we practice deep abdominal breathing. This technique allows you to regain focus and awareness,” the head priest explains. Simply concentrating on your breath and clearing your mind fosters deep relaxation. Surrounded by your chosen incense, you can pause to observe your inner self—an intimate, reflective moment.

The sound of the bell signals a moment of indulgence

After this period of self-reflection, you proceed to the Hexagonal Hall, another symbolic space of Seisho-ji Temple. This hall enshrines the Buddhas of the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku, originally located on Mount Daishi behind the temple. Here, the Tatee Jizo Bodhisattva, known to grant wishes, and the principal deities of each sacred site along with Kobo Daishi are enshrined. Circumambulating the hall clockwise is said to grant the same merit as visiting all 88 sacred sites. As you place your hands together before the Buddha statue, reflect on your wishes and intentions. This quiet period of prayer completes your spiritual experience.

Learn about the history and origins of Buddha under the head priest’s guidance

Become One with Nature by Awakening Your Inner Sensibilities

Incense smoke begins as something visible, then gradually dissolves into the air, becoming invisible—a fitting symbol of our connection with the unseen. Through this experience, you can connect with both yourself and Buddha. As the head priest says, “I want you to feel a sense of unity, that we are alive in nature.”

A time of meditation surrounded by your own personal incense

Amid the lush surroundings of Kawachi and the calming aroma of incense, your senses are sharpened, and you can take a deep, steady breath. With each inhalation and exhalation, doubts and distractions fade, allowing you to return fully to the present moment. By the time you leave the temple, a clear sense of mind and inner calm remains. Step away from the demands of daily life and savor this rare opportunity to reconnect with your true self.

A quiet space where you can face your heart