Rokuoin
TEL : 075-861-1645Address : 24 Sagakitaboricho, Ukyo Ward, KyotoAccess : “JR Kyoto station” > “JR Sagaarashiyama station” > 6 minutes walkParking : There is a parking lotTime : Check-in 16:00 Check-out 9:00Room : 10 guest room, max 30 people
Shukubo (temple stay)
This is a women-only shukubo . You are free to participate in the services and the sermon (about half an hour). It is also famous for the scenic beauty of its autumn leaves. If you are alone, you may have to share a room with someone else in the busy season.
Depending on the date, they do not conduct morning services, sermons or zazen . If you wish to participate in such events, it is recommended that you check beforehand.
Guest room
A Japanese-style room about eight tatami mats in size is located in a corner of the hall. It is separated from the next room only by sliding doors, so you have to be quiet, but you can fully enjoy the taste of the shukubo here.
The room I stayed in faces the garden, which allows you to sit and appreciate the beautiful garden to your heart’s content. That was really nice.
We took our baths room by room. As towels and a dryer are not provided, you should bring them with you. All the guests gather in a room to have breakfast. The light tasting food is very healthy.
Zazen
The morning service lasts for about half an hour from 6:30. As they offer a zazen experience, it is very interesting. You go to the stone-paved main hall with a cushion and sit there for zazen for about 10 minutes.
All you have to do is sit still, so anyone can do it. It is not rigid in form either. They will teach you the ABCs of zazen . For me, it was really refreshing to sit quietly in the hall in the cool morning.
Japanese garden
The charm of Rokuo-in lies in its garden. The beauty of the approach leading from the gate to the hall where the shukubo is located like a tunnel of green. It looks like scenery in a picture.
As the surroundings are a residential area, it is very quiet. It is convenient to go sightseeing to Arashiyama.
