[sarasi]

MMM, I have to disagree with you there. I'm assuming you are talking about the "Religious Activities" designation? From the site: "Missionary and other religious activities conducted by members of foreign religious organizations."

Note that this category is for people who will work in Japan representing "foreign religious organisations", so presumably doesn't include meditating in a Buddhist (i.e. not foreign) temple. That work visa is also for paid work, for example missionary work. If someone is meditating and studying at a Buddhist temple they won't be getting paid, so it's hard to see how it would qualify for a working visa.

The cultural activities visa seems far more likely- this is the definition from the site: "Academic or artistic activities that provide no income, activities for the purpose of pursuing specific studies on Japanese culture or arts, or activities for the purpose of learning and acquiring skills in Japanese culture or arts under the guidance of experts."