#Japan #Kamakura #Value Design #Omairi Pay #Myooin Temple

The Future of Worship: Cashless Payments at Myooin Temple

Kamakura's Myooin Temple, known as one of the last existing temples founded by a shogunate leader, will start using a dedicated cashless payment system for temple services. Developed through collaboration between Value Design, a subsidiary of Peak Cloud Holdings, and the Kyoto Buddhist Association, the system, called Omairi Pay®, will be operational from August 28, 2026.

Myooin Temple is steeped in history, established in 1235 by the fourth shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, Fujiwara Yoritsune. It uniquely enshrines the Five Great Myōō, central to the practice of warding off evil forces. Celebrated as one of the 13 sacred sites in Kamakura, Myooin attracts numerous worshippers, reflecting its spiritual significance! The temple's iconic thatched-roof hall harmoniously blends with the surrounding nature, offering picturesque views that captivate visitors throughout the seasons.

Every month on the 28th, the temple hosts open Goma rituals, encouraging both locals and tourists to participate in spiritual practices. However, recognizing the increase in demand for cashless transactions and the need for smoother visitor experiences, the temple has decided to integrate the Omairi Pay system.

Omairi Pay Introduced at Myooin Temple

The implementation details are as follows:

• - Launch Date: August 28, 2026
• - Services Offered: Visitors can purchase charms, amulets, and other offerings using Omairi Pay.
• - Payment Options: The system accepts various methods, including major credit cards (JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Visa, and Mastercard) and transportation-based electronic money services (such as Kitaca, Suica, PASMO, and more).

Temple Master Akihiro Nakata commented on the integration of this payment option: "Myooin Temple is frequented by visitors from across the nation and around the globe, particularly during our monthly Goma rituals and the pilgrimage to the 13 sacred sites in Kamakura. As more visitors express the desire for cashless payment options, we embarked on improving our facilities to create a more accessible environment. We introduced Omairi Pay to enhance visitor convenience while maintaining our commitment to tradition."

Understanding Omairi Pay

Developed under the supervision of the Kyoto Buddhist Association, Omairi Pay is an exclusive cashless payment service designed for temples and shrines. This initiative aims to streamline the payment process for visitors while enhancing the operational efficiency of temples. Its attributes include:
1. Separation of Sacred and Secular: The focus is solely on temple-specific transactions, distinct from commercial payment systems.
2. Preservation of Religious Freedom: The individual names of temples and shrines remain confidential to protect their unique identities.
3. Protection of Worshippers: The system limits the number of participating temples and the amount of transactions to deter excessive spending.
4. Enhancing Efficiency: Digital management tools support temples in optimizing their revenue tracking and overall administrative tasks.

About Myooin Temple

Located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Myooin Temple occupies a significant cultural and religious position in Japan. Serving as a beacon for those seeking solace and spiritual growth, the temple's history enriches the experience of every visitor.

As cashless payments become more prevalent across various sectors, many temples and shrines have yet to fully embrace this change. Value Design is committed to expanding cashless funding options to temples throughout Japan, ensuring the preservation of religious culture while adapting to contemporary practices.

About the Kyoto Buddhist Association

Founded on the principles of fostering unity among regionally diverse temples, the Kyoto Buddhist Association focuses on strengthening community connections and promoting Buddhist events. The association has continued to evolve since its inception, further emphasizing its commitment to the support of sacred traditions.

For more information on Myooin Temple, visit their official website: Myooin. For details about Omairi Pay, check this link.