Temple stay– Japan –

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.

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.

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.

This is a shukubo located near Nishijin and alongside the Horikawa River in Kyoto. You are free to participate in the morning service. They have no bath, so you have to use the public bath. The people at Myorenji temple were very frank and they told me a lot of things before I left.

This shukubo is located in the precinct of Myoshin-ji temple, which is famous for the Japanese garden called Aun-tei. The building is made of timber and allows you to feel that you are really staying in a temple. The morning service was conducted in the main hall from six to seven.

This shukubo is located inside the precinct of Ninna-ji temple, a World Heritage Site. The biggest charm here is the morning service. You are able to spend a solemn time in the morning in the main hall, a national treasure that is usually not open to sightseers.

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 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.

In the long history of this shukubo. There are four gardens including a stone garden with a moss arrangement and a garden with a pond, etc. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery. People traveling alone or traveling with a pet can be accommodated. They have facilities for handling wheel chairs.