City of Ohma situated in Shimokita Peninsula of Aomori Prefecture is very well known to everybody as the center of tuna fishing.
Ohma Shuku-Bo of “Fugen-In” was founded in 2018 as a branch temple of Daikan-san Fukuzou-ji (a temple of a Soto School of Zen Buddhism), which is ardently worshiped by local fishermen.
The Manager of the Ohma Shuku-Bo is Yudai Kikuchi, Acting Director of the temple. Mr. Yudai Kikuchi, with his youthful sensitivity, has successfully created a space where young men and women can spend a relaxed time and be introduced to Buddhism in some way.
A Shuku-Bo named “Bukko-An (hermitage of Buddha’s enlightenment)” is standing in the 3,000 tsubo (more or less than 10,000 sqm) precinct of the temple surrounded by trees.
The atmosphere of Bukko-An is somewhat like a lodge in a foreign country. It has two rooms, that are a sun room furnished with a sofa and meditation chairs, and a bedroom.
It is a place where tranquility in the night and chirp of wild birds in the morning bring peace to your mind.
Staying guests spend time in any way they like, while they may join some Zen activities such as Zazen, sutra copying or attend a sermon of the preacher. Nearby, there is a hot spring, you can visit Ohma-Saki (cape of Ohma, famous for tuna fishing) located in a short driving distance. Evening is the time for the seafood dinner which everybody looks forward to. You can enjoy delicious tuna supplied from the wholesale shop where fishermen bring in their catches. Not only tuna, but also other seafoods in the season will be served.
The dishes they serve are tailored to satisfy the palate of individual guest. The chefs take native place of the guests into consideration and try to adjust seasoning to make the foods as much palatable as possible to each guest.
The Acting Director of the temple eats dinner with guests, entertaining them with his talks on Ohma, the temple or Buddhism. Guests can enjoy delicious tuna while listening to him or talking to him as long as time permits. Breakfast they serve is Shojin Ryori?including bland tasted rice congee, sesame-tofu, broiled vegetables, etc. Eat slowly and let your body awake gently. Ohma Shuku-Bo of Fugen-In was launched as a place where guests can be introduced to Buddhism in a casual way. After checking out the Shuku-Bo, may be you will find it interesting to visit Fukuzo-ji temple located in the central part of the Ohma city.
Across Fukuzo-ji, you will find Ryuo-Den (Palace of the Dragon King) where local fishermen come to pray for plentiful catch at the sea. You will see how significant a role the temples play in everyday life of local people.