Exclusive Kannon-in Temple Tour in Kanazawa
Just a few steps beyond the lively Higashi Chaya District lies Kannon-in Street, a quiet lane that guides visitors to Kannon-in Temple, a place of worship treasured by the local community for more than four centuries. This tour begins with an interpreter-led stroll along the street, where you hear stories and cultural insights about Kanazawa’s lesser-known spiritual quarter. At the temple gate you are welcomed into an experience rarely open to the public.
Inside the main hall you take part in the sacred Goma Fire Ritual, an esoteric Shingon ceremony in which wooden prayer sticks are offered to a roaring flame while mantras are chanted, symbolising the burning away of worldly desires. The rite at Kannon-in is uniquely paired with Osuna-fumi: you circle the fire on consecrated sand thought to purify body and mind. Afterward, the temple master’s wife carefully handwrites a personalised Goshuin (temple seal) for you to keep. Certain sacred objects are not described in detail here so that their spiritual significance remains protected.
Tour highlights
• Meeting point – Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall (1-1-4 Kannonmachi)
• Guided walk through Kannon-in Street with a licensed interpreter
• Exclusive access to the temple and participation in all rituals
• Goma Fire Ritual and Osuna-fumi purification walk
• Viewing of centuries-old statues and temple treasures
• Demonstration of Goshuin calligraphy and a take-home seal
• Ten-minute walk back to the meeting point
Duration Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Price 15,000 JPY per person (same for adults and children)
Availability Irregular dates – please check the reservation calendar.
Important notes
The route includes stairs and gentle slopes; comfortable footwear is recommended. Photography is welcome, but please refrain from using flash during the Goshuin demonstration. The tour may be cancelled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.
Please also note that, on rare occasions, the head priest may be called away at short notice to officiate a funeral or other temple ceremony.
Cancellation policy
• Free cancellation up to eight days before the tour
• 20 % fee for cancellations seven to two days prior
• 40 % fee for cancellations one day prior
• 100 % fee for same-day cancellation or no-show
Exclusive Kannon-in Temple Tour in Kanazawa
Just a few steps beyond the lively Higashi Chaya District lies Kannon-in Street, a quiet lane that guides visitors to Kannon-in Temple, a place of worship treasured by the local community for more than four centuries. This tour begins with an interpreter-led stroll along the street, where you hear stories and cultural insights about Kanazawa’s lesser-known spiritual quarter. At the temple gate you are welcomed into an experience rarely open to the public.
Inside the main hall you take part in the sacred Goma Fire Ritual, an esoteric Shingon ceremony in which wooden prayer sticks are offered to a roaring flame while mantras are chanted, symbolising the burning away of worldly desires. The rite at Kannon-in is uniquely paired with Osuna-fumi: you circle the fire on consecrated sand thought to purify body and mind. Afterward, the temple master’s wife carefully handwrites a personalised Goshuin (temple seal) for you to keep. Certain sacred objects are not described in detail here so that their spiritual significance remains protected.
Tour highlights
• Meeting point – Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall (1-1-4 Kannonmachi)
• Guided walk through Kannon-in Street with a licensed interpreter
• Exclusive access to the temple and participation in all rituals
• Goma Fire Ritual and Osuna-fumi purification walk
• Viewing of centuries-old statues and temple treasures
• Demonstration of Goshuin calligraphy and a take-home seal
• Ten-minute walk back to the meeting point
Duration Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Price 15,000 JPY per person (same for adults and children)
Availability Irregular dates – please check the reservation calendar.
Important notes
The route includes stairs and gentle slopes; comfortable footwear is recommended. Photography is welcome, but please refrain from using flash during the Goshuin demonstration. The tour may be cancelled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.
Please also note that, on rare occasions, the head priest may be called away at short notice to officiate a funeral or other temple ceremony.
Cancellation policy
• Free cancellation up to eight days before the tour
• 20 % fee for cancellations seven to two days prior
• 40 % fee for cancellations one day prior
• 100 % fee for same-day cancellation or no-show
Kanazawa