Kansai– category –

Honnoji Temple was founded in 1415 and is the head temple of the Hokke sect Honmon school. It is the temple where Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan's most famous warlords, met his end. Hotel Honnoji is located adjacent to the temple grounds. The entrance and lobby incorporate images of the era when Oda Nobunaga was active.

This is a women-only shukubo. You are free to participate in the services and the sermon (about half an hour). If you are alone, you may have to share a room with someone else in the busy season.The room I stayed in faces the garden, which allows you to sit and appreciate the beautiful garden to your heart's content.

The room we stayed in was about 10 tatami mats in size. There was a TV and a fan. Yukata robes were provided. The dinner menu consisted of rice, clear soup, cutlet sashimi, boiled fish, konjac, etc. It's extremely quiet at night. When I looked up at the sky, the stars looked very beautiful.

Myokakuin is a temple located along the approach to Chomeiji Temple, which was founded around the 9th century. Only one group per day can stay. It was a wonderful view with Lake Biwa right in front of us.

Saikyoji Temple is the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei sect. It is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku (574-622), who spread Buddhism in Japan. There is a youth hostel on the grounds. You can attend morning services and experience zazen and copying sutras.

It was the precinct of Jyochi-in that became the temporary residence for Priest Kobo when he climbed Mount Koya for the first time. The building was nearly new in general, the main hall hasn`t changed. While many Buddha statues were watching, I participated in the morning service in a solemn atmosphere.

This shukubo belongs to Engyo-ji, an old temple founded by Priest Syoku in 966 and is also known as Enryakuji in the West. Shukubo Engyoji-Kaikan is located half way on the approach and you can participate in zazen, shakyo (copying sutra by hand) and a Buddhism sermon. Single person stay is also possible.

This shukubo belongs to Engyoji.It is famous as the place where the movie, "The Last Samurai" was shot. This shukubo, Myoko-in, is located half way on the side approach, and is suitable for a small group.

Syojoshinin is located by the entrance of the approach to the back of the temple. It has a very nice appearance. In the morning service, they chant a sutra with unique tones, which was very interesting. After the service, they let us see a hidden Buddha image. They say that it is a privilege for the shukubo guests only.

The garden is said to be made of Enshu Kobori. It is the oldest Tsuru-Kame type garden (whose pond has two islands; one for a turtle and the other for a crane) on Mount Koya. The menu includes Mount Koya's special shojin vegetarian cuisine, Iroha plates unique to Hozen-in and sesame tofu, their specialty.