Kansai– Temple stay –

Toji Temple was built around 1,200 years ago when the city of Kyoto was established. The shukubo was three stories tall and old, but it had been renovated and was clean. From the window, I could see the illuminated five-story pagoda directly in front of me, which was wonderful.

Shogoin Monzeki is a temple founded in 1090 and is the head temple of the Honzan Shugen sect. Gotenso is a shukubo located within the temple grounds. Morning service begins at 6am. After the service is over, you can view the various halls, sliding door paintings, gardens, etc.

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.

Fudoin Temple was founded in 906. It is located in the town of Koyasan. The room I stayed in was a 12 tatami room on the first floor of the new building. The buddhist vegetarian cuisine was very delicious. I attended the morning service and it was a very good experience.

Sainanin is the shukubo closest to the Daimon Gate of Koyasan. The meal is traditional Japanese multi-course meal that makes use of seasonal ingredients. Most of the rooms have a view of the garden. Yukata robes, towels, and toothbrushes are provided. Those who wish can perform copying of sutras.

Daisenji Temple was founded in 1599. There are three lodgings renovated from old houses close to the temple. Each room has a kitchen, bathroom, and toilet. There is also a washing machine, which is convenient for long-term stays. Services are held in the main hall and you can attend.

Saizenin Temple is located near the Great Pagoda of Koyasan. There is a room where Konosuke Matsushita, who founded Panasonic and grew it into a global company, stayed. You can stay in this room if you wish. There is also a garden designed by the famous gardener, Mirei Shigemori.

Myokenji Temple was built in 1321. It is one of the eight Nichiren sect big temples in Kyoto. Accommodation is limited to women only. Upon entering the shukubo, there was a beautiful bamboo garden. The next morning, I attended the service held in the main hall.

Torinin is a temple built in 1531 within the grounds of Myoshinji Temple. The head priest is famous for his buddhist vegetarian cuisine and has written many books on it. The dinner menu consisted of rice, clear soup, chrysanthemum with white sesame sauce, stewed carrots and burdock, steamed radish, and pickles.

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.