The smartphone application “A Tour of Kyoto Zen Temples” describes the history, architecture, and treasures of over seventy Zen temples in the Kyoto area, with useful information on sightseeing and access. Locating temples is simple using the application’s search function, which features a wide variety of keywords. Added features include a GPS-based function that suggests efficient courses for the temple sightseer and a one-hundred question quiz designed to deepen the user’s knowledge of Zen.
(Presently available only in Japanese)
Android: Google Play / iPhone: AppStore
Zen Temple Information
A Tour of Kyoto Zen Temples” offers particularly detailed information on the nine Rinzai and Őbaku main temples (honzan) in the Kyoto area (Nanzen-ji, Tenryū-ji, Shōkoku-ji, Kennin-ji, Tōfuku-ji, Daitoku-ji, Myōshin-ji, Manpuku-ji, and Eigen-ji), plus the famous sightseeing temples Kōdai-ji, Ryōan-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Ginkaku-ji.
Tap the image of the temple you’re interested in, and that temple’s photograph and description will appear on your screen.
Search Function
The application’s search function helps you locate temples according a wide variety of features: natural beauty, famous buildings, well-known gardens, national treasures, historic personages, noted cuisine, etc. Select the feature you’re looking for, and the application will indicate nearby temples of interest.
Zen Quiz
The Zen Quiz function helps the user increase his or her knowledge of Zen history, culture, etc., with a series of 100 questions in multiple-choice format.
Stamp Rally
The Stamp Rally function was inspired by the custom in Japanese of sightseers having red seals stamped into special booklets at famous temples they visit. The Stamp Rally function, using the smartphone’s GPS system, allows visitors at designated Zen temples to digitally register the temple’s seal by pushing an on-screen button while on the temple grounds.
Zen Dharma Talks
The application offers users the chance to read Zen Dharma talks, renewed monthly, and to study explanations of Zen sayings. (Presently available only in Japanese)
Links to Facebook and Twitter
The application allows photos to be shared on Facebook. Tweets can also be sent notifying friends of your results on the Zen Quiz and the Stamp Rally.
Photo Gallery
The application offers a growing gallery of beautiful photographs of temples taken by the well-known photographer Akira Shibata.
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