[Kagawa, Zentsuji] Experience making Japanese sweets and tea ceremony to pray for longevity at a temple associated with Kukai, a great figure in the world of Japanese Buddhism

[A city-wide customized experience museum] Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture, is the birthplace of Kobo Daishi Kukai, a great figure in the world of Japanese Buddhism known to all Japanese people. Born 1,250 years ago, Kukai trained and attained enlightenment in the magnificent nature of his hometown, Shikoku. Even now, more than 1,200 years after his active days, many worshippers who admire Kukai visit from all over the world to follow the pilgrimage route he left behind. At the five temples associated with Kukai in Zentsuji City, we offer experience content that allows you to face yourself and hone your five senses with the themes of Mandala Temple - touch, Deshakka Temple - sight, Kozan Temple - hearing, Zentsuji - taste, and Kanakura Temple - smell. In the city center, where the culture of "Osentai" (hospitality) is deeply rooted, where local residents entertain pilgrims, we offer experiences such as enjoying local traditional crafts and local cuisine. Zentsuji City, where nature and faith are close at hand and where you can get a glimpse of simple, everyday life, is truly an experiential museum! Experience authentic Japan while experiencing the culture that people have cherished since ancient times. About Mandala Temple Mandala Temple is said to be the oldest of the 88 Shikoku 88 Temples, which are made up of 88 temples associated with Kukai, and is a temple with a history of over 1,400 years. It was named Mandala Temple because it housed a mandala (a drawing of the world of Buddha) that Kukai brought back from China. The temple grounds have an elegant dry landscape garden, where you can feel the Japanese aesthetic sense of valuing the profound beauty that lies beyond the elimination of waste. The symbol of the temple is the large Kasamatsu tree "Furomatsu", which is said to have been hand-planted by Kukai. Although the tree itself has disappeared due to damage from pests, it has been transformed into "Kasamatsu Daishi", with Kukai's portrait carved into the trunk. 〇Pray for longevity while experiencing Japanese beauty at a historic temple The official name of Mandala Temple is "Gahaizan Enmei-in Mandala Temple." In addition to the temple name Enmei-in, which means "extending life," the pine tree, which is a symbol of immortality and longevity in Japan, is the symbol of the temple, and many visitors come to pray for good health and longevity. At Mandala Temple, you can experience making special Japanese sweets and a traditional tea ceremony. First, you will make nerikiri while learning the techniques from a local Japanese sweets craftsman. Nerikiri is a high-grade Japanese sweet made from a paste made by straining and kneading white beans. The beauty and wishes of each season are expressed in small sweets that fit in the palm of your hand, and they are served with a heart of hospitality so that invited guests can enjoy them with all their senses. In this experience, you will create nerikiri based on the concept of longevity, such as pine, in hopes of receiving the blessings of Mandala Temple. The tea ceremony will be a classical tea ceremony. The teacher, dressed in a beautiful kimono, will teach you how to make and drink tea, as well as the highlights of the tea room. Enjoy the experience with tea and sweets that you have made yourself while admiring the garden that can be seen from the tea room.

A Japanese confectioner, who is highly regarded in many tea ceremonies, will teach you how to make Nerikiri. The tea room will be decorated just for this experience program. If you have difficulty sitting in seiza, you can experience the experience in a room with chairs.