Shukubo (temple stay)
Ryokoji Temple was founded in 1653 and moved to its current location in 1666.
Shukubo is limited to one group per day. The guest rooms are Japanese-style rooms measuring 8 tatami mats + 4.5 tatami mats.
The rooms are equipped with a TV, air conditioning, a refrigerator and a safe. Towels, bath towels, toothbrushes, and work clothes are provided. There is also an electric kettle, coffee and tea available. Wi-Fi is available.
At the back there is a Western-style room with two beds. There is also a toilet, a bath and a washbasin.
Vegan food
When I stayed there, I had vegan food for dinner. The menu included konjac, mashed tofu salad, tempura, grilled bamboo shoots in olive oil, simmered dishes, soy pulp croquettes, stir-fried green peppers, rice, miso soup, food boiled in soy sauce, and pickles.
Local vegetables and vegetables grown by the head priest were cooked. After the dinner, I had a kiwi and banana agar dessert.
The head priest made bread at the temple without using eggs or dairy products.
For breakfast, I had this bread, salad, taro potage, and a soy milk smoothie.
The area is famous for its abundant spring water. The coffee and tea I had at the temple had a mellow taste.
This water was also used in the baths, which felt really nice.
Buddhist service
Morning services were held in the main hall from 7am. I chanted sutras together with the head priest.
In the evening, a service was held in front of the Buddhist altar in the large hall. Along the way, the temple’s cats ran around, making it a very lively experience.
At night, I had drinks with the head priest. Ryokoji Temple was partially destroyed in an earthquake in 2016 but has since been restored. Hearing about how difficult it was made me want to try my best too.
