At Entsuin Temple in Matsushima, you can make a prayer bracelet of your own design while enjoying the view of the temple’s famous garden. Making your own prayer bead objects holds deep significance in Buddhism. The process helps to create a bond between you and the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, helping you to receive their protection and guidance along the path to enlightenment. Though this kind of workshop carries deep spiritual meaning and is typically thought of as something only Buddhists do, it’s actually an activity anyone can easily enjoy, regardless of religious devotion. Moreover, if you choose stone beads as your material, you will find out that every stone has a distinct meaning.

A small pavilion next to the temple’s main hall is dedicated to the meditative practice of choosing beads and assembling them into udenenju, “bracelets” of prayer beads that you can wear on your arm. Udenenju can be used as religious amulets or simply worn as fashion accessories. Your udenenju is going to be one-of-a-kind, because you choose the beads yourself from a large selection of various materials and colors. The lowest-priced option is plastic beads, but if you choose stone beads the process becomes even more meaningful, because at the end you will get an explanation about the powers of each stone or mineral you’ve chosen. Maybe your bracelet will protect you from evil spirits? Or will reduce your stress and help you to attain your goals? You won’t find out until you finish your bracelet! The temple has visitors select their beads before telling them what powers each stone connotes because they believe uninformed selection subconsciously guides people towards materials which suit their true desires and purpose in life.