Weekend Zazen (Zen Meditation) Sessions

These are individual Zen meditation sessions held on weekend evenings.
Anyone is welcome, including first-time participants and international visitors.

🕰 Time
19:30 – 21:30 (Friday or Saturday)

💴 Fee　500 yen

👉 Advance reservation is required.
Please apply by email to info(a)ichibata.jp

◇Arrival & Check-in

First-time participants must enter the hall by 19:10.
A short orientation for beginners will be given.
Late arrival policy:
If you do not arrive by 19:30, your reservation will be automatically canceled.
No mid-session entry for first-time participants.
Please arrive early and wait quietly.
Returning participants should enter by 19:20, settle their breathing, and wait silently.

◇Location

Hatto Hall (Dharma Hall)
A large wooden hall located 130 stone steps downhill from the Main Hall.
Please check the temple map in advance.

◇Program Overview

Chanting
We begin with chanting the Heart Sutra and the Four Great Vows.
Zazen (Seated Meditation)
3 periods of 15–30 minutes each
Short breaks in between
Kinhin (Walking Meditation)
Slow walking meditation in the temple grounds
(indoors on rainy days)
Short Dharma Talk
A brief talk on Buddhist teachings
(currently based on the Dhammapada)
Tea Time (Informal Gathering)
Tea and sweets are served.
Light self-introductions and relaxed conversation.

◇Eligibility

Upper elementary school age and above
Participation must be by one’s own free will
This is an individual practice session
(Group participation by schools or companies is not accepted.
Please contact us separately for group arrangements.)

◇Dress Code

Wear loose, modest clothing in subdued colors
Please avoid bright primary colors (red, yellow, blue, etc.)
Tight pants may cause discomfort or numbness
Short pants or short skirts are not permitted
Avoid revealing clothing
If wearing a skirt, please bring a shawl or lap blanket

◇Additional Notes

Zazen is practiced barefoot
Glasses may be worn
Please remove watches and unnecessary accessories
No air-conditioning or heating in principle
However, after December 8 (Rohatsu), heating may be used on very cold days
We value practicing close to natural conditions—
feeling the seasons, the temperature, and the sensation of bare feet on tatami and wooden floors.
Please dress with this spirit in mind.

◇Cushions & Chairs

If you are unable to sit cross-legged on a cushion due to physical reasons,
a chair will be provided.
Please inform us at the time of reservation
Chair zazen is fully respected and is proper Zen practice
At the same time, experiencing slight numbness or discomfort while maintaining focus
is traditionally part of zazen practice.
Many practitioners in the past deepened their practice through such perseverance.
Please participate with this understanding and choose what is appropriate for you.

◇Parking

Please use the main parking lot.
It is about a 10-minute walk to the hall.
A flashlight is recommended, especially in winter when it gets dark early.

📅 2026 Schedule

(Updated: January 3, 2026)

January

Jan 10 (Sat) 19:30–21:30
Jan 17 (Fri) 19:30–21:30
Jan 31 (Sat) 19:30–21:30

February

Feb 14 (Sat) 19:30–21:30
Feb 20 (Fri) 19:30–21:30
Feb 28 (Sat) 19:30–21:30

March

Mar 6 (Fri) 19:30–21:30
Mar 14 (Sat) 19:30–21:30
Mar 27 (Fri) 19:30–21:30

April

Apr 5 (Sun) 05:30–08:30 ★ Morning Rice Porridge Zazen
Apr 15 (Sat) 19:30–21:30
Apr 17 (Fri) 19:30–21:30

May

May 9 (Sat) 19:30 – May 10 (Sun) 10:00 ★ Overnight Zazen Retreat
May 16 (Sat) 19:30–21:30
May 29 (Fri) 19:30–21:30

June

Jun 6 (Sat) 19:30–21:30
Jun 19 (Fri) 19:30–21:30
Jun 26 (Fri) 19:30–21:30

July

Jul 5 (Sun) 05:30–08:30 ★ Morning Rice Porridge Zazen
Jul 11 (Sat) 19:30–21:30
Jul 24 (Fri) 19:30–21:30
Jul 31 (Fri) 19:30–21:30

August

Aug 21 (Fri) 19:30–21:30
Aug 29 (Sat) 19:30–21:30

September

Sep 12 (Sat) 19:30–21:30
Sep 25 (Sat) 19:30–21:30

October

Oct 4 (Sun) 05:30–08:30 ★ Morning Rice Porridge Zazen
Oct 17 (Sat) 19:30–21:30
Oct 23 (Fri) 19:30–21:30

November

Nov 6 (Fri) 19:30–21:30
Nov 28 (Sat) 19:30–21:30

December

Dec 5 (Sat) 19:30 – Dec 6 (Sun) 10:00 ★ Overnight Zazen Retreat
Dec 11 (Fri) 19:30–21:30