Kongoji Zen Temple — Attraction in Minamiashigara

I spent two weeks at the temple as a volunteer and had the privilege of observing closely the meticulous care given to the numerous gardens on the grounds. Every day, we worked diligently to clean and maintain every corner of the temple to ensure a warm welcome for visitors. Through this experience, I had the chance to talk extensively with Judith, and from the very first day, everyone made me feel right at home.

I realized firsthand that managing such a large complex is a challenging and complex task. In addition to garden maintenance, the temple hosts numerous events and activities open to everyone, including the volunteer program, home stays, and various classes. During my stay, I participated in a Bian gan class, which was a unique opportunity that added to my experience with new knowledge. Moreover, to welcome visitors and provide relief from the intense heat of the day, during Obn day was offered kakigori, a delightful icy dessert.

This experience was exceptional, and I would love to repeat it in the future, ideally during a different time of the year to explore new activities and festivals. Alternatively, I would simply enjoy visiting again to say hello, relish the coolness while contemplating the Zen garden from the veranda, and pet the numerous cats that live nearby. I hope to...

(2 Weeks volunteer work/skill program) Volunteering at Kongoji Zen Temple was an amazing experience... probably the best volunteer experience I've had so far and since it was my first time in Japan, I can't imagine a better way to have visited it. Judith and Issui are wonderful, friendly people who love sharing their knowledge of Zen and Japanese culture. They welcomed me warmly, providing me with a spacious and beautiful Japanese guest room. My days started at 6am playing the temple bell, opening the temple and then continued after a simple and very “oishii” traditional zen breakfast with garden maintenance works, where I was later encouraged to free my creativity with a woodworking project (garden back gate and bamboo fence). Although few, I loved the zazen meditation sessions. Very flexible days off gave me the chance to go hiking and explore...

I’ve been volunteering for three weeks at Kongoji and I’ve made an unique experience there! I helped to build up the outdoor veranda of the Zengarden and drafted plans for the upcoming projects. It wasn’t only challenging (sometimes) but I had the opportunity to use my skills in a different way of culture that made this time very learnful! I felt like at home sometimes we cook together or we meditate or we went to the calligraphy lessons together. I had the opportunity to plan flexibly when I took my free days off and I received a lot of support where to go around Odawara. I could help also at m the local summer festival which was a really rich local experience! I hope to come back again for continuing to helping out realizing the drafted plans...