Author: Federica Morgandi

 

Fukuroi (袋井市, Fukuroi-shi) is a city located in the southwest of Japan, in Shizuoka Prefecture, which enjoys a small coastline on the Pacific Ocean to the south.

 

It is in Fukuroi that Kasuisai Temple (可睡斎, Kasuisai) stands, encapsulating 600 years of rich history, and serving as a center of spiritual practice, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. 

 

 

A Shojin Ryori cooking class, Kasuisai Temple.

 

 

Over the centuries, Kasuisai has become revered for its deep connection to the Tokugawa shogunate, its exquisite gardens and seasonal flowers, and its role in preserving traditional Buddhist practices like Zazen Meditation (座禅, Zazen) and Shojin Ryori (精進料理, Shōjin-Ryōri).

 

 

Akiha Fire Festival, Kasuisai Temple.

 

 

Visitors can enjoy seasonal festivals such as the Okunoin Fudoson Festival in August and the Akiha Fire Festival in December; as well as events such as the Hinamatsuri and Peony Garden from January to March. 

 

 

The Temple That Changed Its Name Three Times 

 

Sakezuka Kannon, a unique statue of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) seated on a sake barrel, Kasuisai Temple.

 

 

Let’s start this journey in Kasuisai with a little history.

 

Kasuisai Temple was founded in 1401 by Zen Master Jochu Tengin, who first named the mountain on which it stood “Banshozan” and the temple “Toyo Ken.” 

 

The temple’s principal deity is the Sacred Kannon Bodhisattva, and two patriarchs Koso Joyo Daishi and Taiso Jozei Daishi.

 

 

“Goshinden” Akiha Main Symbol, Kauisai Temple, Fukuroi, Shizuoka. 

 

 

In 1873, the temple was renamed “Akiha Main Symbol” by Prince Arisugawa Takahito. Since then, it has become renowned throughout Japan as a sacred site for fire prevention, gaining reverence from numerous followers, a tradition that continues to this day.

 

The origin of the current name “Kasuisai” dates back to the 11th head priest, Senrin Tozen Osho, and it holds an interesting story behind it.

 

Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the three “Great Unifiers” of Japan, received education from Senrin Tozen Osho during his childhood, establishing a connection between them. 

 

It is said that during a conversation in later years, Ieyasu observed the priest starting to doze off, and said smilingly “Priest, you may sleep.” From this incident, the temple eventually came to be known as “Kasui” (meaning “may sleep.”)

 

 

Exploring The Temple Grounds Takes 4 Hours and 30 Minutes

 

Zuiryūkaku, a two-story building made entirely of cypress wood, constructed in 1937, Kasuisai Temple.

 

 

Four and a half hours. 

 

This is the time needed to explore Kasuisai Temple fully. 

 

The temple grounds span over 33 hectares, containing 25 buildings, and have 40 areas to visit. 

 

In addition, there are 50,000 seasonal flowers in bloom.

 

 

Indoor Peony Garden, Kasuisai Temple.

 

 

Visitors can experience Shojin Ryori, a traditional Buddhist vegan/vegetarian cuisine prepared by one of Japan’s top temple chefs, as well as participate in zazen meditation or stay in the temple lodgings with the monks. 

 

 

Zazen Meditation Cushion, Kasuisai Temple.

 

 

As you walk and explore the grounds, sit on benches, and feel the sun and the wind on your skin, you have the opportunity to slow down.

 

 

The Grand Garden, Kasuisai Temple.

 

 

Today, the temple continues to be a place where visitors can reflect on Japan’s storied past and experience its enduring spiritual legacy through meditation, cooking, and a simple exploring of the grounds.

 

 

Information on Activities

■ Events and Festivals

For the full schedule, click here. 

■ Shojin Ryori (traditional vegan/vegetarian Buddhist meal):

Kasuisai’s vegetarian cuisine uses seasonal ingredients, so the menu changes accordingly. 

To read more on this topic, click here. 

To inquire about cooking classes, click here.

■ Zazen Meditation

To know more on this topic, click here.

To inquire about overnight stays, click here.

 

Access Information

■ Address: 2915-1 Kuno, Fukuroi, Shizuoka 437-0061, Japan

■ Visiting Hours: 8:00-16:30

■ Tel: 0538 42 2121

■ Web: www.kasuisai.or.jp

■ Admission Fee: 700 yen (with guided tour by a monk for groups of 20 or more)

■ Parking: Available, Free

How to Get There

■ By Bus: Fukuroi Station → Bus bound for Enshu Morimachi or Keta  → approx. 12 minutes → Get off at Kasuisai Iriguchi → Destination

Bus Timetable: www.akihabus.co.jp

■ By Shinkansen Train: Get off at  Kakegawa Station or Hamamatsu Station → Transfer to Tokaido Main Line → Get off at Fukuroi Station → Destination (also 20 min by taxi from Kakegawa Station; or 40 min by taxi from Hamamatsu Station)

■ By Car: Fukuroi IC on the Tomei Expressway → approx. 5 min → Destination; or Mori-Kakegawa IC on the Shin-Tomei Expressway → approx. 15 min → Destination; or Mt.Fuji Shizuoka Airport → approx. 40 min → Destination