It is temple tour by Yohnin Koike, the vice-chief priest of Suma-dera temple who is also famous for his radio program and YouTube channel. He guides you into the temple while explaining manners in the temple.  You can also see an inner sanctuary of main hall and Buddha statue placed in three-storied pagoda, which are normally not open to the public.  After the tour, you can experience one of the four temple experiences.

Daihonzan Suma-dera

Suma-dera is a historic temple established in the year 886. It covers a very large area and there are many worth seeing buildings such as main hall and three-storied pagoda. Suma-dera has been loved by local Kobe people and you will feel a peaceful atmosphere. Suma-dera temple has a garden that represents the famous battle between the clans of Genji and Heike in 1184.

Gomado

In the presence of the statue of the god “Fudomyoo”, wooden prayer sticks where your wishes are written are burnt. It is said that when your prayer is put on the fire it will be communicated to the gods and your request will be granted. This fire ceremony called “Gomakito”(it will be one of four experience)

Other temple experience

Ajikan meditation

Ajikan meditation used to be a training method for monks in order to control posture and breathing to relax.

Ichigen Sumagoto

Ichigen Sumagoto is a musical instrument like Koto (a.k.a. Japanese harp), characterized in that Sumagoto has only one string. You can experience this traditional instrument that has a long history since Heian era (794) in Suma-dera.

Shabutsu

Shabutsu means tracung the image of the Buddha statue. Sha means tracing and butsu means Buddha. Tracing the image of the Buddha statue in Suma-dera helps you meditate. Focusing on tracing in a quiet atmosphere will clear your mind.