Hokkuji
TEL : 076-222-5700Address : 7-10 Koshomachi, Kanazawa, IshikawaAccess : JR Kanazawa station 12 minutes by car Parking : There is a parking lotTime : Check-in 17:00 Check-out 11:00Room : 3 guest rooms or Rent a whole house(maximum14 people)
Shukubo (temple stay)
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.
Shukubo was created by renovating the houses that the temple owners used to live in. When I walked in through the front door, there was a living room with a kitchen counter. There is a sofa, a TV and a refrigerator. Tableware and a coffee maker were also provided.
There are three guest rooms, and I stayed in the room at the very back with three beds lined up. There was a toilet and shower in the room. Air conditioning and Wi-Fi are also available.
After checking in, I had free time. During the day, I sight-seeing around Kanazawa, and when I returned to the shukubo, I relaxed in the living room.
There are convenience stores and restaurants within a 10-minute walk, so there is no problem with food.
In addition to the shower in the room, there is also a shared bath.
Calligraphy workshop
The next morning, I participated in a calligraphy workshop.
First, trace the sample characters with a wet brush. Then, the brush is dipped in ink and placed on the paper. The ink will then spread over the wet areas, creating characters. There were many different types of samples, so I was able to enjoy choosing my favorite characters.
After the workshop, I enjoyed some homemade sweets and tea and had a chat with the deputy chief priest.
Finally, I was allowed to go up to the main hall and offer my prayers.
