Honganji-MonpoKaikan
TEL : 075-342-1122Address : 600 Kakimotocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto Access : JR Kyoto station > (bus) >Nishi-Hongan-ji-mae bus stop> 3 minutes walkParking : There is a parking lotTime : Check-in 15:00 Check-out 10:00Room : 66 guest room, max 211 people
Shukubo (temple stay)
A modern building standing next to Nishi-Hongan-ji temple. Both western style rooms and Japanese-style rooms are offered. Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 9:00 in a buffet style, which is uncommon for a shukubo .
However, you can freely participate in the morning services (from 6:00 from March to October and from 6:30 from November to February). There are facilities to accommodate people in wheel chairs.
The impression I had from my stay is that of a comfortable hotel rather than a shukubo . I think it may be a good idea to stay whether it is shukubo or not because they offer good rooms and meals for a reasonable price. However, if you expect a thick religious atmosphere at this shukubo , you may feel a little disappointed. You are free to listen to the sermons that are held twice every day (day sermon: from 14:00, evening sermon: 19:00).
Guest room
The room was large and roomy. It was equipped with a TV set, air conditioning, a safe, a refrigerator and a unit bathroom. Yukata robes, bath towels, toothbrushes, razors, etc., are also available. You may well say that there is nothing more that you need.
There is a coin laundry and vending machines selling refreshments and alcoholic beverages. As for meals, they serve kaiseki style dinner at night and a buffet style breakfast. People traveling alone are welcome.
Morning memorial service
The morning service is conducted in the main hall of Nishi-Hongan-ji temple, which is designated as important cultural property. You are only to listen to sutra chanted. There is no incense offering, etc.
There may be many people who are chanting sutra together with the priests around you. So, it might not be suitable for a person who is experiencing a religious service for the first time. (You do not have to know the sutra to participate. I am just worried that you may feel a little alienated as I did. Although I do not know if it is always like that.)
