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 using ingredients from Mt. Mitake, and include extremely fresh dishes such as handmade sashimi konnyaku. The cooking method itself is very simple, but the food is carefully prepared over time and served on tableware that reflects the season and the atmosphere. 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 adjacent to Erinji Temple, the family temple of Takeda Shingen. There are four rooms in total, all of which are unique, including rooms that make use of the atmosphere of a teahouse and rooms with a tokonoma alcove. All of these are quiet lodgings where you can reflect on yourself.

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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Besides zazen, there are many other experience programs that allow you to immerse yourself in the world of Zen, such as tea ceremony and miniature dry landscape gardens. All experiences are guided by the current head priest, allowing you to experience the deep world of Zen.

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"Zenkoji Temple Lodging Fuchinobo is one of the lodgings located within the grounds of Zenkoji Temple. Because it is located within the grounds of Zenkoji Temple, you can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the temple whether it is early in the morning or late at night. The rooms and baths are very clean, so we recommend it even for those who are worried about staying at a lodging for the first time.

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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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Shukubo Gokui is a lodging house characterized by its thatched roof. The building was rebuilt in 1815 and is a registered tangible cultural property of the country. It is especially popular with women, as they can enjoy handmade Togakushi soba noodles.

The meal are made with local ingredients and are very elegantly seasoned. Their proud Togakushi soba is a Togakushi hospitality dish that has been passed down since the Edo period. It has a strong buckwheat flavor and is easy to swallow.

"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 temple lodging located in the grounds of a temple called "Jigen-in" in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka. It is run by people related to the temple and is characterized by its homely and relaxing atmosphere. Many guests from overseas stay at this lodging, offering a comfortable temple lodging experience.

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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.

The meal served here are packed with local delicacies, including organic vegetables and Izu's specialty, alfonsino. Some of the meal are self-service, giving the place a temple lodging feel.

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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 shojin ryori (traditional vegetarian cuisine), you can also enjoy kaiseki (traditional Japanese course) meals using meat and fish. There is a wide variety of shojin ryori dishes. Please choose your preference when making a reservation.

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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 baths are natural onsen. The women's "Tenyo" open-air bath is made of rocks, while the indoor bath is made of "Koyamaki" wood, which has long been said to be ideal for bathtubs. Let's wash away the fatigue of the day in onsen, which are said to be effective in relieving fatigue.

This dish is a vegetarian meal that allows you to enjoy the flavors unique to Mount Koya, such as freeze-dried tofu and Kinzan-ji wasabi. If you chew each bite slowly, the delicious flavors of the vegetables will spread throughout your body.

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"Koyasan Bekkaku Souji-in Sojiin" is a lodging house located inside a temple in Honchuindani. It is in a great location, with the Shichido Daigaran in front of the gate and adjacent to Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of Mount Koya, to the east. Although the lodging house has a solemn structure, the scent of wood fills the air inside, making for a very comfortable and quiet stay.

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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. It is a beautiful garden with seasonal trees, but it is not open to the public, so only guests staying at the hotel can see it. There are also rooms with a view of the garden! You can spend a relaxing time immersed in the 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.