Chubu– category –

This temple began as a small hermitage built in 1745. The main hall houses an incarnation of the principal image of Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture. There is a shukubo on the temple grounds that only accepts one group per day.The Shukubo has a cafe attached.

This is a shukubo that caters mainly to groups, and can accommodate 5 or more people. Located in the mountains, it has a large hall and training rooms, making it an ideal venue for brass band training camps, which tend to produce loud noises. Meal times are dinner at 6pm and breakfast at 8am. Curfew is 11pm.

Hokoji Temple was founded in 1371 and is the head temple of the Hokoji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. I checked in at the reception desk near the main hall and a monk showed me to my room. The grounds are a very vast facility and I was impressed.

Kasui-sai is an ancient temple with a history of over 600 years. We were served buddhist vegetarian cuisine, practiced zazen, and were given a tour of the temple by a monk. This toilet is said to be the best in Japan, and in the center stands a statue of Ucchusma.

Zennoyu is located within the grounds of Jigen-in Temple, whose history began as a hermitage that was opened around 1299-1301. A weakly alkaline hot spring gushes forth within the temple grounds. I experienced zazen starting at 6am. I was able to sit peacefully in a quiet environment.

Hakujukan is a lodging facility at Eiheiji Temple that was founded in 1244 by Zen Master Dogen, the founder of the Soto sect. I did Zen meditation and copied sutras. The next morning, I attended the service at Eiheiji Temple. The sight of over 100 monks chanting sutras is truly impressive.

Anrakuji Temple is an ancient temple located on the shores of Lake Kitagata. Accommodation is limited to one group per day. The head priest is a master of flower arranging, and flowers are arranged in the guest rooms. There is service in the early morning.

Myokoji Temple is located near Maruoka Castle. This castle is one of only 12 in Japan that still has its castle tower intact. Accommodation is limited to one group per day. You can join the service, which starts at 6am and lasts for about 20 minutes. Free bicycle rentals are also available.

Hokkuji Temple was founded by Kitakata Shinsen, a monk and calligrapher. It is located very close to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Kanazawa's most famous tourist attractions. I participated in a calligraphy workshop. There were many different types of samples, so I was able to enjoy choosing my favorite characters.

This guesthouse is located very close to Kanazawa Station. The owner is a Buddhist monk who became a monk in Myanmar. The name Pongyi means monk in Burmese. I spent most of my time in the common room. I had a great time talking and playing Karuta (Traditional Japanese card game) with the owner and other people.