What is the Jinjō Hōyō (Buddhism Ceremony)?
A day at Chion-in begins with a morning Buddhism ceremony.The word “Jinjō” (晨朝) is read as jinjō and refers to the early morning hours, around 6:00 a.m. in modern time.
This means that Jinjō Hōyō is a Buddhism ceremony held in the morning, commonly known in Japanese as “Oasaji”.
Just as we greet one another in our daily lives, the monks offer a morning greeting to Amida Buddha and Hōnen Shōnin through this ceremony.
This is the essence of the Jinjō Hōyō.
It is also a moment to renew one’s heart and vow to devote oneself to the Buddhist path throughout the day.
During the ceremony, prayers are offered for Amida Buddha, Hōnen Shōnin, successive chief priests, and all those with spiritual connections.
The gentle fragrance of incense, the rhythmic chanting of the Amida Sutra, and the disciplined movements of the monks create a calm and solemn atmosphere.
This peaceful morning at Chion-in allows visitors to feel close to the Buddha and Hōnen Shōnin, and is a perfect way to begin the day in a serene state of mind.
Guests staying with us are warmly invited to experience this special atmosphere, which is rarely encountered in everyday life.
Schedule and Flow of the Buddhism Ceremony
An announcement will be broadcast in your guest room every morning at 5:50 a.m. (*1).Please gather around the 1st floor front desk by 6:10 a.m. Staff will guide you to the hall where the Buddhism ceremony is held.
The gate of Chion-in opens at 6:00 a.m.
The Buddhism ceremony at Amida-do Hall starts at 6:30 a.m.
(*1) Please note that the schedule changes during the following periods.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
○ Gate opens: 5:30 a.m.
○ Announcement: 5:20 a.m.
○ Meeting time (Front Desk): 5:40 a.m.
○ Ceremony starts at Amida-do Hall: 6:00 a.m.
Gyokidaie (April 19–25)
○ Gate opens: 5:00 a.m.
○ Announcement: 4:50 a.m.
○ Meeting time (Front Desk): 5:10 a.m.
○ Ceremony starts at Amida-do Hall: 5:30 a.m.
Denshu Denkai Dojo (December 5–24)
○ Gate opens: 6:20 a.m.
○ Announcement: 6:10 a.m.
○ Meeting time (Front Desk): 6:30 a.m.
○ Ceremony starts at Amida-do Hall: 6:50 a.m.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the hall.
Please also set your smartphones and other devices to silent mode.
Staff will guide you to the ceremony in the morning.
After the ceremony, you are free to return at your own pace and enjoy walking around the temple grounds.
Broadcast Volume Control
There is a volume control knob for announcements on the wall of your guest room.The knob is usually set to position ①.
Please adjust the volume as needed.
If you turn it to OFF, no announcement will be played and you may rest quietly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is participation in the Buddhism ceremony mandatory?
No. Participation is not mandatory. Please feel free to join only if you wish.
Do I need a reservation or prior notice to join the ceremony?
No reservation is required. Please gather at the meeting point by the designated time if you wish to participate.
Do I need to bring anything?
No special items are required.
Prayer beads or Buddhist robes are not available for loan.
Is there a dress code?
There is no specific dress code, and casual clothing is acceptable.
However, please refrain from attending in the yukata provided in your room.
May I leave the hall during the ceremony?
Yes, you may leave freely if necessary.
However, please avoid leaving during the Dharma talk whenever possible.
Do I need to sit in the seiza position?
No. Sitting in seiza is not required.
Chairs are available inside the hall.
Is there a shuttle bus available early in the morning?
We are sorry, but shuttle bus service is not available early in the morning.
Guests who are unable to walk due to special circumstances may access the area in front of Mieido Hall (near Taiheitei) by private car.
Please ask the front desk for parking and route information.
Taxi arrangements to the front of Mieido Hall can also be made at the front desk.
Can I participate using a wheelchair?
Yes, participation is possible.
Please ask the front desk for guidance on wheelchair-accessible routes.
Is zazen meditation included in the ceremony?
No. Zazen meditation is not practiced in Jodo Shu Buddhism and is not part of this ceremony.
Are the gardens open or goshuin available early in the morning?
We are sorry, but garden visits and goshuin services are available from 9:00 a.m.
May guests from other Buddhist sects participate?
Yes. Guests of any religious background are welcome to participate.
Is photography allowed inside the hall?
Photography and video recording are not permitted inside the hall.