Temple stay– Japan –

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.

Hoonji Temple was founded in 1721. Take a bus for about 20 minutes from Haibara Station, get off at the Ouda bus stop, and then walk for about 10 minutes to reach the temple. Morning services were held in the main hall from 7am. Chanting the sutras together with the head priest left me feeling refreshed.

Anrakuji Temple is an ancient temple located on the shores of Lake Kitagata. Accommodation is limited to one group per day. The head priest is a master of flower arranging, and flowers are arranged in the guest rooms. There is service in the early morning.

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.

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.

This is a shukubo of Myoshin-ji temple. The building is neat and clean and offers complete facilities. We enjoyed a very comfortable stay there. We ate in the restaurant inside the building as we had made reservation. The next morning, a monk showed us around the grounds of Myoshinji Temple.

The baths are really the best, including a Japanese cypress bath that is said to be the largest on Mount Koya and an herb bath. They naturally serve shojin vegetarian cuisine. I participated in the morning service and listened to the sermon of the head priest, followed by osunafumi (stepping on sand).

This temple was established by Saicho in 788 and has been called the Mother of Japanese Buddhism as it produced so many great priests. Shukubo Enryaku-ji Kaikan is located near the Konponchudo, which serves a central role in Mount Hiei. The morning services are conducted in the Konponchudo hall, a national treasure.

Hokkuji Temple was founded by Kitakata Shinsen, a monk and calligrapher. It is located very close to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Kanazawa's most famous tourist attractions. I participated in a calligraphy workshop. There were many different types of samples, so I was able to enjoy choosing my favorite characters.

Hojoin was founded about 870 years ago. This is a temple lodging located right next to the Danjo Garan (the central temple complex) at Koyasan. Dinner was buddhist vegetarian cuisine. I also experienced the morning memorial service and copying sutras.