March 31, 2025
Exploring Minobusan (2) A Guide to Morning Prayers at Minobusan Kuonji Temple (Part 1)
Table of Contents
Website: https://kuonji.jp/english/
Temple Grounds Map: https://kuonji.jp/english/precincts/
Note: Photography is prohibited in many areas within the temple halls. Please be mindful of the sacred atmosphere and respect the Buddhas, deities and other worshippers during your visit.
1. What Is Morning Service?
Morning service (Cho-gon) is a daily Buddhist ceremony held at temples in the early hours of the day. In contrast, the evening service (Yu-gon) takes place later in the day.
Each Buddhist ritual has its own meaning and purpose—some offer prayers for personal wishes, while others seek peace and comfort for deceased loved ones or even world harmony.
The purpose of the morning service held at a Buddhist temple is just simple: to greet the Buddha and Bodhisattvas at the start of the day. Just as we say “Good morning” to our family members and wish them well, Buddhist practitioners begin each day by offering gratitude to the Buddha, asking for protection, and praying for happiness for all beings.
In our busy modern lives, we often forget the importance of small daily rituals. Yet, it is these simple, repeated habits that bring richness and fulfillment to our days.
This principle applies not just to Buddhists but to anyone navigating the fast-paced modern world.
Many who visit Minobusan seek a sense of peace.
As the phrase kokoro arawareru “The heart is cleansed”, surrounded by towering mountains and untouched nature, Minobusan has an unexplainable unique power to refresh one’s mind and rejuvenate the soul.
The morning service, which has been performed here continuously for centuries is something you must experience for yourself.
2. Morning Prayers at Minobusan Kuonji Temple
At Minobusan Kuonji Temple, the morning service begins at 5:30 AM in the Main Hall.
(Please note that the starting time may vary depending on the season or special events—be sure to check in advance.)
Kuonji Temple is the sacred site where Nichiren Shonin, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, spent his final years. Today, the temple continues to be a center of spiritual devotion, where resident monks dedicate themselves to preserving his teachings.
During the morning service, you will find novice monks, temple priests, and visitors from across Japan and around the world all coming together in prayers.
The sight of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of people chanting in unison creates an energy that can only be felt in person.
Buddhist ceremonies can be compared to a musical orchestra — it is an immersive experience, filled with rhythm, resonance, and harmony. The atmosphere is difficult to be expressed in words, but even those unfamiliar with Buddhism will feel a profound sense of awe.
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Watch the Morning Service at Kuonji Temple
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3. How to Get to the Main Hall
Temple Grounds Map: https://kuonji.jp/english/precincts/
If you are planning to attend the morning service, chances are you will be staying overnight at Minobusan.
From the lower town area, where traditional Shukubō (temple lodgings) and small shops are located, a steep uphill path leads to Kuonji Temple.
Minobusan is divided into two areas:
- Higashidani – East Valley
- Nishidani – West Valley
As you can see on the map, you can reach Kuonji Temple from either route.
(1) Nishidani route –
By car : Park at Seishin Parking Lot and take the inclined elevator up to the temple grounds.
(2) Higashidani route –
By foot : You will need to walk up the slopes to reach the temple. Since the morning service begins before sunrise, be sure to bring a flashlight and wear warm clothing, especially in winter. Also, check with your accommodation in advance about the best route.
For those who are physically fit, we highly recommend climbing the Bodaitei, the long staircase leading to Kuonji Temple.
In the crisps morning air and the silence of nature, the only sounds you hear are your own breathing and footsteps.
As you ascend, take a moment to reflect:
“How did people long ago carry stones and build this staircase?”
“Before cars and elevators existed, what did travelers feel as they climbed towards Minobusan?”
Imagining their journey adds a special depth to the experience.
4. Recommended Spot – The Great Bell
Before we delve into the details of the morning service in the next article, let us take a moment to visit a hidden gem at Kuonji Temple—the Great Bell.
Most temples have a bell tower to mark the passage of time, and at Kuonji, the massive Great Bell rings at 5 AM and 5 PM every day without fail.
Because of its size, the monks must use their entire body strength to strike the bell with great force.
This resonating sound is one of the signature experiences of Kuonji Temple, and many visitors gather near the bell before the morning service begins to witness this. Although it requires waking up a little earlier than usual, we highly recommend experiencing this moment of tranquility.
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Listen to the Great Bell of Kuonji Temple
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In the next article, we will step inside the Main Hall and guide you through the morning prayers in detail. We will also share some important etiquette tips for first-time visitors.
Stay tuned and be prepared for a truly unforgettable experience!
Minobusan Kuonji Temple
Address: 3567 Minobu, Minobu Town, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Website: Kuonji Temple Official Website
Temple Grounds Map: Precincts Map