Buddhist monk opens bar in Japan.

A bar in Tokyo run by Buddhist monks attracts customers with cocktails inspired by "heaven" and "hell," along with unique experiences such as chanting, calligraphy, and coffin ceremonies.

The bar, run by Buddhist monks, serves drinks inspired by the concepts of heaven and hell. Photo: japaholic .

In the bustling Shinjuku district of Tokyo, a bar called Vowz is becoming a curious destination for both tourists and locals thanks to its unusual model: it is run by Buddhist monks.

Instead of just serving drinks, this place combines cocktails, calligraphy, chanting, and even rituals related to death as a way to bring Buddhist culture closer to modern life.

According to a Chinese tourist with the social media account @kaolababyy, the menu at Vowz includes many dishes inspired by "heaven" and "hell," such as: "Nirvana in the Pure Land," "Eternal Suffering in Hell," or "Love and Hatred Lead to Hell," all priced at 1,000 yen (approximately 6 USD ).

The monk prepares a "coffin" for one of the bar's most unique services: lying in a coffin while listening to Buddhist chanting. Photo: averylives.

These cocktails combine fruit with spirits, creating sweet, sour, or spicy flavors, and are accompanied by light snacks presented like incense sticks.

While waiting for their order, guests can try their hand at calligraphy with a brush. The ceiling is covered with calligraphy from previous days, creating a unique and distinctly Japanese atmosphere.

At exactly 9 PM every night, the bar enters a completely different rhythm. Guests are invited to join the monks in chanting and reciting scriptures in a modern style.

"We chanted together, my mind truly became calm, and in the end, I felt purified," shared traveler @kaolababyy in a video of her experience.

Due to the relatively small space, many visitors say that reservations are necessary if they want to fully enjoy the evening here.

The monk lightly taps the shoulder with his keisaku staff. Photo: averylives.

Besides cocktails and chanting, Vowz is also famous for other unique experiences. One of them is being gently tapped on the shoulder with a keisaku – a flat wooden stick often used in Zen Buddhism to help practitioners stay alert during meditation.

In particular, for 1,000 yen, visitors can try the experience of wearing a white robe and lying in a coffin covered with flowers while a monk chants and strikes a wooden gong.

According to the Japanese food and culture website Onaji.me , the founder of the restaurant is Yoshinobu Fujioka, who used to work as a part-time bartender and was also a monk of the Jodo Shinshu sect, a branch of Buddhism in Japan that allows monks to marry and eat meat.

"For me, Buddhism is a way to guide people on how to live," Fujioka said. He believes the bar space helps those struggling in life access the teachings more naturally and easily.

Many of the Buddhist decorations in the restaurant were also brought in by customers.

Fujioka revealed that many people come here not only to drink but also to seek advice, ranging from romantic relationships and personal matters to bigger issues in life.

The interior of the bar has a Buddhist theme. Photo: averylives.

In one instance, he assisted a woman in escaping domestic violence by contacting local authorities and seeking appropriate support services.

Recently, the bar has been attracting an increasing number of international guests who want to learn about Japanese Buddhist culture in a more accessible way.

Japan is renowned for its unique themed bars, but amidst the many unusual establishments in Tokyo and Kyoto, Vowz stands out in its own way, using cocktails, music , and traditional rituals to transform a night out at the bar into an experience that is both intriguing and allows one to slow down from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Source: https://znews.vn/nha-su-mo-quan-bar-o-nhat-ban-post1656076.html