If you’ve ever had a night out drinking in Susukino, you might be surprised to find such a large temple there. Around it, you’ll see nightclubs and other spots that make up Sapporo’s nightlife. It’s a district full of lights and noise—dynamic and bustling. I find that contrast fascinating. Most people out drinking would never imagine that others come to Susukino to practice Zen sitting in the cold, dim Zendo of a temple.

In terms of location and language, it’s very accessible. The temple is right in the city center of Sapporo. You can walk there or take the subway easily. Many foreigners have visited, so the monks are quite used to accommodating English speakers. I don’t think you even need to make a reservation—it’s one of the easiest places to try. If you want to try Zen meditation on your first visit, this is the one to choose.

As for the meditation session, it’s not exactly easy. They do two 30-minute sittings for a total of 60 minutes, with two intervals of walking meditation. For first-timers, an hour might feel a bit long. But you can adjust your legs and posture as needed if you feel any discomfort.

What I love about this place is that the Zendo is very spacious, and we can join the session alongside real young monks who are in training, including a foreign nun. There’s a sort of solemn atmosphere, and I feel like I’m part of a bigger extended community.

During the cleaning time at the end of the session, I learned how to wash and hang a towel properly—the correct way to fold it and position the red tag. The placement of the red tag is surprisingly important: it goes in the second fold of the towel. It’s hard to explain in text, but I love that kind of ritual-like attention to detail. I still picture those red tags hanging in the small kitchen of the basement training room—in the middle of Susukino!