Kansai– category –

This shukubo is located in the precinct of Kosho-ji temple next to Nishihongan-ji temple. It is close to Kyoto station and is convenient for sightseeing. The morning service was conducted by two priests and five believers only. It was a good experience.

This shukubo features barrier-free construction. A wheel chair can be lead from the underground parking lot to the inside of the building by an elevator. Another big feature is the shojin vegetarian cuisine. Their creative and positive approach is to always introduce new things, not solely depending on existing items.

Chion-in is the head temple of Jodo-shu and is famous for the world’s largest wooden gate, the umbrella left by Jingoro Hidari and the nightingale corridor. At the shukubo, the morning service was more impressive than anything else. The shukubo itself is a modern reinforced concrete building.

The statue of Namikiri Fudo Myoo (an important cultural asset), who is said to have calmed down the rough waves when Kukai was on his way home from To (present China) where he studied Buddhism. The building of this shukubo is pure Japanese style construction.

Nanzen-ji temple is the head temple of the Nanzen-ji school, Rinzai sect. It is one of the largest classes of temples in Kyoto, which ranks it above the five temples in Kyoto. It seems that a young priest is managing the lodging alone. He treated me with adequate hospitality and I was able to stay comfortably.

This temple started when the mother of Priest Kobo lived in Jisonin at Kudoyama at the foot of Mount Koya and built a hut, which was later transferred to Mount Koya. So, this shukubo has such a long history. The Hokumen (faced north) Daishi statue, an important cultural asset, is worth seeing.

The garden is said to be the work of Enshu Kobori. Although small, its scenery is said to be the best on Mount Koya due to its excellent picture painting method. The five rooms on the second floor facing this garden have twin beds.the rooms are blessed with powerful tools to produce relaxation.

This is a shukubo of a small temple located on a mountain in Ohara. The highly reputed shojin vegetarian cuisine won't betray your expectations. I was able to experience shakyo (copying sutra by hand) after diner, followed by zazen the next morning.

A modern building standing next to Nishi-Hongan-ji temple.The room was large and roomy. It was equipped with a TV set, air conditioning, a safe, a refrigerator and a unit bathroom. Yukata robes, bath towels, toothbrushes, razors, etc., are also available. You can freely participate in the morning services.

This is a shukubo of Choraku-ji temple and located in walking distance from the temple. You can participate in shakyo (copying sutra by hand, a fee is charged), religious services in the morning and hiking. The room had all the necessary facilities. It was a new room equipped with a lavatory.