Shoonji: Fukui’s Techno Temple
Led by a DJ-turned-monk, the historic temple is reinventing Buddhist worship for the 21st century.
Cover photo: Sitting inside the main hall of Shoonji, Togo, Fukui, Japan (2025).
Fukui’s Shoonji
I recently visited Shoonji (照恩寺), often called Fukui’s Techno Temple! Led by DJ-turned-monk Gyosen Asakura (朝倉 行宣), the temple has gained international attention for his innovative “techno memorial services” — Buddhist ceremonies which combine traditional sutra chants with electronic music and projection mapping. Asakura’s pioneering approach is bringing Buddhism to a new generation!
Techno Monk Gyosen Asakura
Shoonji stands in quiet Togo, on the outskirts of Fukui City. The temple dates back to 1476, originally built in the Asakura Clan’s Ichijodani Castle Town. It was relocated after Oda Nobunaga destroyed the town in 1573.
Gyosen Asakura grew up at Shoonji, where his father served as head priest. After studying in Kyoto, he built a career as a professional DJ and lighting technician. At age 25, Asakura returned to Fukui to assist his father, eventually succeeding him as chief priest in 2015, at 48.
With public interest in Buddhism declining, Asakura felt compelled to try something new. He wanted to show that “temples are places that anyone can visit.”
Asakura launched his “techno hoyo” or “techno memorial services” in 2016, creating a kaleidoscope of computer graphics inspired by the Pure Land of Amida Buddha. Asakura develops all the images, lighting, and music himself. He’s even presented his work at Nevada’s Burning Man festival!
It’s a natural fit for Asakura. The techno monk says, “A musician’s job is to deliver beautiful sounds to people. A Buddhist monk’s job is to convey excellent teachings to everyone. In that sense, I began to think that they are the same thing.”
During COVID-19, Asakura brought his services online, renewing global interest. Last year, he was invited to perform a “Techno Hoyo” tour across the United States. Through music, says Asakura, “I felt a sharing of hearts that transcended nationality and generation.”
Visiting Shoonji
While Asakura’s full-scale “techno memorial services” are held just a few times a year, Shoonji is open weekly, offering a simplified version. It’s not at all like a rave, as I had imagined, but a meditative experience. The projections are difficult to see in daylight, however the accompanying music and chanting is nevertheless wonderful. It’s a fascinating way to explore Buddhist concepts of infinity, impermanence, and selflessness.
The hall is free to enter, donations welcome. The ranma or carved transom is especially beautiful, featuring golden dragons.
Shoonji also features a dedicated cafe, playfully called Show-on G Teahouse, which opened in 2022. It features an affordable menu with drink and dessert sets priced at just 500 yen (about 3.5 USD). The staff are especially welcoming. Be sure to admire the back wall, beautifully covered in Echizen washi paper, a beloved local craft.
Shoonji Access
Shoonji is a short trip from Fukui Station, reached in just twenty minutes by train or bus. Both the main hall and Show-on-G Teahouse are open only Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons, from 13:00 (1:00 PM) to 17:00 (5:00 PM). Visitors may come and go as they please. I recommend pairing a trip with nearby Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, the largest medieval ruins in Japan.
Full-scale “techno memorial services” — with live music and chanting — are held January 1st (New Year’s Eve), May 3rd (Flower Festival), as well as October 25th and 26th (Hoonko). Asakura’s shows are also available on YouTube and his music is available on Spotify.
Shoonji Frequently Asked Questions
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“Techno memorial services” or” “techno hoyo” is a 21st century Buddhist ceremony combining traditional sutra chants with electronic music and projection mapping. Created by Gyosen Asakura, the ceremony aims to make Buddhist teachings more accessible to modern audiences.
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Gyosen Asakura is a former professional DJ who became head priest of Shoonji in 2015. Drawing from both his musical background and Buddhist training, he created the techno memorial services that have brought global attention to the temple.
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Full-scale “techno memorial services” with live music, chanting, and full projection mapping are held only a few times a year:
January 1st (New Year’s Eve)
May 3rd (Flower Festival)
October 25th and 26th (Hoonko)
Visitors can also experience a simplified weekly version during normal temple hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 13:00 (1:00 PM) to 17:00 (5:00 PM).
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Shoonji is a short trip from Fukui Station by either bus or train. It can be reached in just 20 minutes.
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Shoonji is close to the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, Japan’s largest site of medieval ruins. Visitors can explore the town remains, Restored Townscape, and Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum.
Fukui Reporter Disclaimer
As part of the Fukui Reporter program, I am tasked with participating in local events and publicly promoting the prefecture. This is a volunteer position that allows me free entrance to a selection of museums throughout the area, including the nearby Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum. The opinions I share are my own.
