A Special Experience at the 360-Year-Old Historic Daianzenji Temple - An 'Exceptional Journey' to Rejuvenate the Mind with Echizen Lacquerware Miniature Garden Making and Shojin Ryori
a.department store announces an exclusive program at Daianzenji Temple on July 11, 2026, featuring miniature garden crafting with Echizen lacquerware, shojin ryori, and a special viewing of restricted areas.
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The online store "a.department store" (operated by a.company Co., Ltd., affiliated with IGA Co., Ltd., headquartered in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture), which proposes "times of rich relaxation" through Hokuriku craftsmanship, will hold a limited program called "Exceptional Journey" on Saturday, July 11, 2026. This event will take place at Daianzenji Temple (Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture), the eternal family temple of the Matsudaira clan of the Fukui Domain, and combines a special viewing of normally restricted areas with a miniature garden-making experience using Echizen lacquerware. The participation fee is 15,000 yen (tax included), with a capacity of 30 people.
■ Background and Concept of the Project
In modern society, where there is a growing need for time to calm the mind and opportunities for self-reflection, this program offers a unique experience combining Fukui's historical spaces, traditional crafts, and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori). The "Exceptional Journey" series is a popular project that has previously achieved a 95% satisfaction rate as a special experience program utilizing the cultural resources of the Hokuriku region.
■ The Charm of Daianzenji Temple, with Over 360 Years of History
Daianzenji Temple, the stage for this program, is a historic temple of the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai sect, founded in 1658 (1st year of Manji) when Mitsumichi Matsudaira, the 4th lord of the Fukui Domain, became a follower of the high priest Daigu Zenji. It strongly retains the atmosphere of the time of its founding, and hundreds of cultural properties, including national Important Cultural Properties, are carefully preserved.
Highlights include the hollyhock crest on the back gate of the main hall, stone paving made of 1,360 pieces of Shakudani stone (a Fukui specialty), and the "Senjojiki," lined with tombstones of successive domain lords standing over 3 meters tall. Areas normally restricted to the public will be specially guided during this program.
■ 3 Key Features of the Program
1. Miniature Garden-Making Experience using Echizen Lacquerware (Held for the First Time)
Participants will create their own dry landscape (karesansui) miniature garden in an Echizen lacquerware bowl using white sand, Fukui's special Shakudani stone, and moss. Tomiyo Somei from the lacquerware workshop "Shikki Kyutaro" will provide direct instruction. Participants can take their completed works home.
2. Special Sermon by the Chief Priest, Winner of the "Sermon Grand Prix 2025"
Reverend Genpo Takahashi, the chief priest of Daianzenji Temple, won the "Sermon Grand Prix 2025," a competition where monks from all over the country compete in the art of preaching. He will deliver a sermon that resonates with our hearts living in modern times, with a lively and cheerful tone.
3. Special Shojin Ryori utilizing Fukui's Ingredients
Participants will slowly enjoy shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) made with local, seasonal ingredients from Fukui in a tranquil space. Through food, we offer a time to balance oneself from the inside out.
■ Benefits for Participants
- Precious time for self-reflection in a special space away from the everyday
- Experiencing Fukui's history, culture, and food with all five senses
- Taking home your own miniature garden creation (including Echizen lacquerware)
- Special viewing including normally closed areas
- A fulfilling one-day exclusive experience
[Event Outline]
Date & Time: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11:00 - 14:00 (Planned)
*Please gather by 10:50.
Venue: Banshozan Daianzenji Temple
21-4 Tanotani-cho, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture 910-0044
*Meet and disperse on-site / 30 free parking spaces available.
Instructors:
- Genpo Takahashi, Chief Priest of Daianzenji Temple
- Tomiyo Somei, Shikki Kyutaro
Participation Fee: 15,000 yen (tax included) per person
*Includes miniature garden materials, shojin ryori, admission fee, and insurance.
Capacity: 30 people (first-come, first-served)
Application Deadline: Saturday, July 4, 2026, until 17:00
*Registration closes once capacity is reached.
In case of rain: The event will be held regardless of rain (it will take place indoors).
[Program]
11:00 Opening and Sermon (approx. 30 min)
11:30 Miniature garden making using Echizen lacquerware (approx. 60 min)
12:30 Shojin ryori (approx. 40 min)
13:10 Special viewing (approx. 40 min)
13:50 Closing
14:00 Scheduled dismissal
[How to Apply] Applications are accepted via the dedicated page below.
https://www.a.cafe.adot-department-store.com/products/kakubetunotabi-daianzenzi
*Cancellation Policy: 50% of the fee will be charged for cancellations made 7 days or less before the event, and 100% for cancellations made the day before or on the day of the event.
[About a.department store]
a.department store is an online store that introduces excellent Hokuriku craftsmanship and traditional crafts under the concept of "times of rich relaxation." Since its launch in 2020, it has collaborated with local artisans and creators to promote their techniques and cultural backgrounds. The "Exceptional Journey" series provides experiential value that cannot be fully conveyed online alone.
Company Profile
Company Name: a.company Co., Ltd.
Location: 1-12-18 Fuchu, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture 915-0071
Representative: Akira Igarashi, CEO
■ Background and Concept of the Project
In modern society, where there is a growing need for time to calm the mind and opportunities for self-reflection, this program offers a unique experience combining Fukui's historical spaces, traditional crafts, and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori). The "Exceptional Journey" series is a popular project that has previously achieved a 95% satisfaction rate as a special experience program utilizing the cultural resources of the Hokuriku region.
■ The Charm of Daianzenji Temple, with Over 360 Years of History
Daianzenji Temple, the stage for this program, is a historic temple of the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai sect, founded in 1658 (1st year of Manji) when Mitsumichi Matsudaira, the 4th lord of the Fukui Domain, became a follower of the high priest Daigu Zenji. It strongly retains the atmosphere of the time of its founding, and hundreds of cultural properties, including national Important Cultural Properties, are carefully preserved.
Highlights include the hollyhock crest on the back gate of the main hall, stone paving made of 1,360 pieces of Shakudani stone (a Fukui specialty), and the "Senjojiki," lined with tombstones of successive domain lords standing over 3 meters tall. Areas normally restricted to the public will be specially guided during this program.
■ 3 Key Features of the Program
1. Miniature Garden-Making Experience using Echizen Lacquerware (Held for the First Time)
Participants will create their own dry landscape (karesansui) miniature garden in an Echizen lacquerware bowl using white sand, Fukui's special Shakudani stone, and moss. Tomiyo Somei from the lacquerware workshop "Shikki Kyutaro" will provide direct instruction. Participants can take their completed works home.
2. Special Sermon by the Chief Priest, Winner of the "Sermon Grand Prix 2025"
Reverend Genpo Takahashi, the chief priest of Daianzenji Temple, won the "Sermon Grand Prix 2025," a competition where monks from all over the country compete in the art of preaching. He will deliver a sermon that resonates with our hearts living in modern times, with a lively and cheerful tone.
3. Special Shojin Ryori utilizing Fukui's Ingredients
Participants will slowly enjoy shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) made with local, seasonal ingredients from Fukui in a tranquil space. Through food, we offer a time to balance oneself from the inside out.
■ Benefits for Participants
- Precious time for self-reflection in a special space away from the everyday
- Experiencing Fukui's history, culture, and food with all five senses
- Taking home your own miniature garden creation (including Echizen lacquerware)
- Special viewing including normally closed areas
- A fulfilling one-day exclusive experience
[Event Outline]
Date & Time: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11:00 - 14:00 (Planned)
*Please gather by 10:50.
Venue: Banshozan Daianzenji Temple
21-4 Tanotani-cho, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture 910-0044
*Meet and disperse on-site / 30 free parking spaces available.
Instructors:
- Genpo Takahashi, Chief Priest of Daianzenji Temple
- Tomiyo Somei, Shikki Kyutaro
Participation Fee: 15,000 yen (tax included) per person
*Includes miniature garden materials, shojin ryori, admission fee, and insurance.
Capacity: 30 people (first-come, first-served)
Application Deadline: Saturday, July 4, 2026, until 17:00
*Registration closes once capacity is reached.
In case of rain: The event will be held regardless of rain (it will take place indoors).
[Program]
11:00 Opening and Sermon (approx. 30 min)
11:30 Miniature garden making using Echizen lacquerware (approx. 60 min)
12:30 Shojin ryori (approx. 40 min)
13:10 Special viewing (approx. 40 min)
13:50 Closing
14:00 Scheduled dismissal
[How to Apply] Applications are accepted via the dedicated page below.
https://www.a.cafe.adot-department-store.com/products/kakubetunotabi-daianzenzi
*Cancellation Policy: 50% of the fee will be charged for cancellations made 7 days or less before the event, and 100% for cancellations made the day before or on the day of the event.
[About a.department store]
a.department store is an online store that introduces excellent Hokuriku craftsmanship and traditional crafts under the concept of "times of rich relaxation." Since its launch in 2020, it has collaborated with local artisans and creators to promote their techniques and cultural backgrounds. The "Exceptional Journey" series provides experiential value that cannot be fully conveyed online alone.
Company Profile
Company Name: a.company Co., Ltd.
Location: 1-12-18 Fuchu, Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture 915-0071
Representative: Akira Igarashi, CEO