Kaizoji
TEL : 0772-32-0417（7:00~21:00）Address : 102 Hirata, Ine, Yoza District, KyotoAccess : Miyazu Line Amanohashidate Station > (car) > 40 minutesParking : Municipal parking lot
Introduction to Kaizoji Temple
Kaizoji Temple was founded in 1050. It is located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan side.
There is a 180-year-old cherry tree in the precincts. When in full bloom, the flowers are illuminated and are popular with photographers.
Shukubo (temple stay)
Although I didn’t stay overnight, I did have an online preview with the head priest. This is why the images below are grainy.
Shukubo are located in the building right in front of the main hall. Accommodation is limited to one group per day.
The guest rooms are two adjoining Japanese-style rooms, one 6 tatami mat room and the other 8 tatami mat room.
The sliding door paintings depicting dragons and cherry blossoms are impressive. This was painted by a painter from Kyoto who stayed there for two days.
There are also cherry blossoms painted all over the room.
There is a small garden created by the chief priest. You can also see the ocean from the window.
Further inside there is a sink, toilet and bathroom. The square represents confusion and the circle represents enlightenment.
Buddhist Experience
In the main hall, you can practice zazen, copy sutras, and perform morning services.
The meals are Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. The head priest is cooking. The lacquered vessels used are over 100 years old.
In addition, the rooms come with a refrigerator. This is called the Door of Desires. There’s alcohol in it. There is also a Box of Desires. Inside are snacks and ramen.
It seems that the temple has both a dignified atmosphere and enjoyable elements.
