With so many fun events, from fireworks displays to sales to festivals, summer vacation is a time when spending is easy. While it's great to have rich experiences that add color to your life, if you end up spending too much and running out of money, you might end up regretting not being more frugal.

If you find yourself feeling guilty about your ancestors returning home for Obon when you think about your everyday wasteful spending, why not try clearing your mind of unnecessary worldly desires?

But no strict lectures. After all, it's summer vacation, so why not enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and some self-reflection?

I recommend the Kamiyacho Open Terrace, located in the grounds of Komyo-ji Temple (3-25-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo), a Jodo Shinshu Honganji temple located in front of Kamiyacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. Started by monks with the desire to "make temples and Buddhism more accessible," this temple cafe is open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some temporary closures may occur), and many local office ladies spend their lunch breaks here. The good news is that you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks (but please take home any containers and trash you bring). There's no fee to use the cafe. In addition, free tea and sweets are served on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and on Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, there's a "listening time" where active monks will listen to visitors (online reservations are prioritized for both sessions). The sessions are 50 minutes long, with a capacity of four people, and are sometimes served with sweets offered to the Buddha. "Listening" sessions are limited to one group at a time, and you can choose to have a private listening session in the main hall or on the terrace if you wish.

This year marks the ninth anniversary of the open terrace, and over that time, many troubled people have found relief here.

"I cherish the heart-to-heart connections with those who visit, and hope to continue this steady tradition in the future," says the monk, and the unadorned atmosphere creates a comfortable atmosphere here.

After enjoying the leisurely flow of time while taking in the unique temple scenery, the custom at this temple cafe is to offer incense and join your hands in prayer before the principal image. It's strange, but by the time you leave, you naturally find yourself praying. Your soul is cleansed, and you can head home feeling refreshed.

Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Temporary closures may occur for memorial services, etc. *Not available during Obon. Hospitality will resume on August 20th.