Temple stay? Japan ?

Tahoto tower, a national treasure, is one of the three treasure towers in Japan. Much old, historical architecture, including Kyozo (an important cultural asset), Shisha-Myojin-sha and Kyaku-den can be found here. When it comes to architecture, it is the best among the many shukubo lodgings on Mount Koya.

This shukubo features a full-fledged morning service and quiet time because they do not have TVs in the guestrooms. The head priest gave his lecture in English. There was also a nun who had a good command of English. It seems that they are used to foreign visitors.

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.

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.

It was founded by Priest Kobo and was once a residence of the former Emperor Shirakawa. They serve shojin vegetarian cuisine. They conduct religious services early in the morning. Also, there are many cultural assets, including the sliding door picture painted by Ikeno Taiga.

What was most appreciated was the consideration of the priests working at the shukubo. When we arrived at the shukubo, we were guided to the room and tea was served. While we were drinking tea, the shukubo staff gave us some recent information on Mount Koya.

You can experience training. The training includes sutra chanting, shakyo (copying sutra by hand), shabutsu (copying images of Buddha by hand), zazen (meditation) and cleaning (of the garden, the corridors and the rooms). They serve shojin vegetarian cuisine.

This shukubo is famous for a garden that is adjacent to the building. So, you are able to fully appreciate it even walking through the corridor. In a special room, Chikurin Yukaku-zu painted by Tanyu Kano is displayed. You are able to see this exquisite cultural asset up close.

They serve shojin vegetarian cuisine. They have a morning service. This shukubo has the sad love-story of Takiguchi Nyudo and Yokobue. The “Uguisu-no-Ido” (Nightingale’s well) and “Uguisu-no-Ume” (Nightingale’s plum) related to this sad story still remain in the garden.

The temple was named after the fact that the bones of Tentokuin, the wife of Toshiie Maeda, a famous feudal warrior, were enshrined here. It has a Japanese garden designed by Enshu Kobori. You are able to appreciate this beautiful garden from the guest rooms made of Japanese cypress built in Shoin style.