Chuo-ji Temple

Chuo-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Soto Zen sect located in Minami 6-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido. Its mountain name is Jisso-zan, and it is a direct branch temple of Eiheiji, one of the two head temples of the Soto school. Founded alongside the development of Sapporo during the Hokkaido pioneer era, the temple has carried on the spirit of Dogen Zenji's teaching of shikantaza—pure sitting in meditation. Standing amid the bustle of the city, Chuo-ji continues to serve as a place of contemplative calm and spiritual solace for those who visit.