10 of Japan’s Best Temple Lodgings for Women to Refresh Themselves

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When you feel physically and mentally exhausted, how about staying at a shukubo to reset your mind and body? A shukubo was originally a lodging facility for worshipers of temples and shrines, so it is located next to or very close to the temples and shrines, and has a relaxing atmosphere. Shukubo are becoming more and more popular because they offer cultural experiences unique to shukubo, such as experiencing zazen meditation and taking part in the morning rituals in which monks go to work.

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Even though the facilities have been improved, shukubo have their own accommodation rules. For example, there is often a curfew, and even if you choose your own bedtime, you are expected to be quiet after lights out. Also, some places bring amenities such as shampoo and towels, so be sure to check in advance. It may feel a little inconvenient, but this "inconvenience" is the joy of staying at a shukubo.

At temple lodgings adjacent to temples and shrines, you can try various experiences and training. You can attend the early morning work, experience Zen meditation and sutra copying. There are many experiences that calm the mind, such as listening to the “Houwa” by the chief priest. You don't have to participate in any of them, but it's perfect for refreshing your feelings, so let's try it.

Currently, there are about 300 temple lodgings in Japan. Each shukubo has its own unique characteristics, so why not enjoy a relaxing trip in a serene atmosphere that is different from your usual hotel stay? Here, we have picked up 10 temple lodgings from all over Japan. There are simple temple lodgings, and there are also places that are perfect for a "shukubo debut" like a hotel.

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``Mitake Sansou is a lodging lodge located at Mitake Shrine in Tokyo imposing thatched building is a testament to the historic lodging that has continued since the Edo period.In front of the gate with a shimenawa rope, it offers a spectacular view. The garden, large entrance hall, and other features reflect the long history of this inn, making it the perfect place to spend a quiet night surrounded by the mountains of Okutama.

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The meal are made with ingredients from Mt. Mitake, and are lined with fresh items such as handmade sashimi konnyaku and home-grown vegetables. The cooking method itself is very simple, but it is carefully made over time and served on tableware that allows you to feel the season and taste. It is a meal that makes you realize the importance of the act of "eating".

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In the morning, you can participate in the “Gusai” held at Musashi Mitake Shrine. The early morning festival is so solemn that it tightens the body. It is an experience where you can detox what you don't like in your heart.

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"ZEN&BED Bogetsuan is a temple lodging next to Erin-ji Temple, the family temple of Takeda Shingen. There are only four rooms in total, and you can rent them out. Guest rooms that make use of the atmosphere of a tea room, Guest rooms with alcoves are unique, all of which are quiet lodgings where you can face yourself.

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The vegetarian cuisine + Zen meditation experience plan is very popular here. The vegetarian dinner is a part of the Zen practice of communicating with nature and appreciating life through food, and is served in a relaxed atmosphere. It is also an opportunity meal to reevaluate what you are wasting too much time on.

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In the zazen experience, after receiving an explanation about zazen from the chief priest, you will first practice for about 5 minutes and then do 2 sets of zazen for about 30 minutes. Beginners will be able to understand how to set up zazen, so don't worry about it. The purpose is to notice a quiet mind through zazen.

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In addition to zazen, there are many hands-on programs that allow you to immerse yourself in the world of Zen, such as tea, morning routines, and miniature dry landscape gardens. All experiences are guided by the current chief priest, and you can touch the deep world of Zen.

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“Zenkoji Shukubo Fuchinobo is one of the 39 temple lodgings in the precincts of Zenkoji. Since it is located in the precincts of Zenkoji, you can feel the calm atmosphere of the temple early in the morning and late at night. The rooms, baths, and toilets are all very clean, so it is recommended for those who are worried about their first shukubo.

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The meal will be filled with delicious Shinshu products, and you can also enjoy Shinshu wine from Iizuna Town in Nagano. Not only is the carefully prepared food delicious, but you can also enjoy your meal in your own private room, so you won't have to worry about people around you. Let's enjoy it slowly.

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At this temple lodging, you can visit Zengyo-ji Temple's Asaji, which is held at sunrise. A Zenkoji official guide will kindly guide you, and you can also see the scenery of Zenkoji in the early morning. Ceremony limited to hotel guests "Dedication paper crane"
There is also a "sutra copying experience", and it is attractive that you can enjoy the first shukubo experience.

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“Togakushi no Soba Yado Shukubo Gokui” is a temple lodging with a thatched roof. The building was rebuilt in 1815 and is a registered cultural property of Japan. The building has a long history, but the toilets have been changed to Western-style, and the plumbing is up-to-date. This temple lodging is especially popular with women because you can enjoy handmade Togakushi soba.

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The meal are made with local ingredients and are very flavorful. There are plenty of selections, and it is perfect as an accompaniment to Shinshu local sake. The proud Togakushi soba is a Togakushi hospitality dish that has been passed down since the Edo period. The flavor of the buckwheat flour is strong and the throat is excellent.

"Togakushi Shrine" is a shrine with five shrines at the foot of Mt. "Chusha" has a friendly atmosphere with souvenir shops and soba shops, and is a place you should definitely visit. There are three 700-year-old sacred cedar trees in the precincts, all of which are considered power spots.

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``Modern Shukubo Zen-no-Yu'' is a shukubo located on the grounds of a temple called ``Jigen-in'' in Kawazu-cho, Shizuoka. It is run by the chief priest's wife and her family, and is characterized by its homely and relaxing atmosphere. This is an inn where you can have a comfortable lodging experience, and many people from overseas stay here.

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This bath is a natural onsen. The fresh onsen in the precincts are fed directly from the source. There is a full-fledged onsen with an open-air bath and a bedrock bath, so you can relax.

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The meal here are full of local gourmet foods, such as pesticide-free vegetables and Izu's famous alfonsino. In particular, the alfonsino is particular about serving large and fatty kinmedai. Some of the meal are self-service, so there is an atmosphere typical of a temple lodging.

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Here, you can experience zazen at “Jigen-in” only on Sunday mornings. For about 45 minutes, if you have time to face yourself carefully, your mind will be released. After the hard zazen, go back to the temple lodging and soak in onsen as a reward.

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Shigisan Gyokuzoin Shukubo is a temple lodging in the Shigisan Quasi-National Park. With cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, and colored leaves in autumn, you can enjoy the splendid scenery all year round and enjoy the quietness of a temple lodging in the mountains. It's easy to stay even if you're alone, so it's recommended when you want to calm your mind quietly.

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In addition to vegetarian cuisine, you can also enjoy kaiseki cuisine using meat and fish. There is a wide variety of Shojin cuisine, and you can enjoy it with Japanese sake. Please choose your preference at the time of booking.

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Guests and tourists can experience sutra copying, Buddha copying, sermons, and ascetic practices. For guests staying at the hotel, we recommend the gomataki ceremony, which is held early in the morning at the bathhouse. It is very powerful, so we recommend that you participate.

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Chion-in Wajun Kaikan is a temple lodging at Chion-in, an ancient temple in Kyoto. Located in front of Sanmon, a national treasure, it looks like a hotel. There is a large public bath and a hotel-like lobby, so it is also recommended for people who may not like shukubo.

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There are Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, and each room is equipped with a bath, toilet, and air conditioner. It's so comfortable that you wouldn't think it's a temple lodging, and there's also a large public bath. The meal is kaiseki cuisine, which is also recommended for those who are not satisfied with vegetarian cuisine.

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If you're going to stay overnight, be sure to participate in the morning service "Jinjo Hoyo". There are no tourists in Chion-in Temple in the early morning, and the air is refreshing. Why not take a leisurely stroll through the quiet precincts?

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“Koyasan onsen Fukuchiin” is a temple lodging with a history of 800 years. There is a garden created by Mirei Shigemori, a master of garden design, and the only natural hot onsen in Koyasan. Among the more than 50 temple lodgings in Koyasan, it is particularly popular.

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The bath is a natural onsen that can be used 24 hours a day, except during cleaning times. The open-air bath of "Tennyo" for women is a rock bath, and the indoor bath is made of wood called "Koyamaki", which has long been said to be the best for bath tubs. Let's wash away the daily fatigue in onsen, which are said to be effective in relieving fatigue.

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This dish is vegetarian cuisine. We use seasonal vegetables from Wakayama, as well as Koyasan ingredients such as Koya tofu and Kinzanji wasabi. If you slowly chew each bite, the flavor of the vegetables spreads throughout your body.

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Koyasan Bekkaku Souji-in is a temple lodging in the oldest and greatest temple in Koyasan, Honchuindani. It is in a great location, adjacent to the Shichido Daigaran in front of the gate and Kongobu-ji, the head temple of Mt. Koya, to the east. Although it is a solemn temple lodging, the interior is filled with the scent of wood, and you can stay comfortably and quietly.

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The meal here are vegetarian dishes that make the most of the seasons. Not only is it delicious and good for your body, but you can also enjoy dishes that are visually appealing.

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This temple has a large garden of 1000 tsubo. The garden has beautiful seasonal trees, but it is not open to the public, so only hotel guests can see it. There are also rooms with a view of the garden! You can spend a relaxing time immersed in tranquility and beauty.

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"Tsushima Seizanji" is a temple lodging located on a hill overlooking "Izuhara Port" in the center of Tsushima. Saizanji is also a temple with a long history, as it was the site of a diplomatic agency with Korea from the Edo period to the Meiji period. I'm glad that the cost performance is very good, and it is also recommended for people looking for a place to stay in Tsushima.

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There are Japanese-style rooms, Japanese-Western style rooms, and twin-bed rooms, and the inside is very clean. The rooms are simple and clean. It's the perfect place to quietly reflect on yourself.

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This is the main hall. In the precincts of Tsushima Seizanji Temple, there is also the tomb of Keitetsu Genso, a monk who worked hard to avoid war when Toyotomi Hideyoshi dispatched troops to Korea and to restore peace between Japan and Korea after the war. This temple has a deep connection with both Japan and Korea.

By putting your body in a completely different place than usual, you may be able to get rid of the fatigue that has accumulated in your body and mind. Take on the challenge of a new journey in a noise-free environment and reconsider your usual life.