In some popular areas, such as Mount Koya, it is possible to book in English via the local tourist association or online through websites such as A night at a temple lodging typically costs between 6,000 and 10,000 per person including dinner and breakfast, but can be more expensive in areas popular among common tourists, such as Mount Koya. Some temples in Japan, especially in popular pilgrimage destinations, offer temple lodgings (宿坊, shukubō) to visiting pilgrims and tourists.

This is an option at Mount Haguro, one of the Dewa Sanzan, the Three Mountains of Dewa in Yamagata Prefecture.

Meals can be taken in your own room. Only a small number of temples offer shukubo accommodation. Besides the bell, Shunko-in Temple is home to many important cultural properties including sliding door paintings by the Kano School artists from the 16th century, a Japanese garden, a hidden Christian lantern and more. Some temple lodgings offer their guests the chance to experience a few other activities, such as zazen meditation, sutra copying or waterfall meditation. Shukubo Temple Lodging at Mount Haguro. Did you know that in Japan tourists can spend the night at temples? It is a place of worship. However, there are only two sub-temples that accept visitors to stay and experience the world of Buddhism. Temple lodging (shukubo) was born. Open to both practitioners and non-practitioners alike, shukubo offer travelers an excellent chance to experience the simple, austere lifestyle of Buddhist monks, while staying at a functioning temple. During the temple tour which follows the meditation, participants will learn more about the history of Shunko-in Temple in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. This is similar in appearance to Temples offer their staying guests opportunities that cannot be found at commercial hotels and access to parts of the temple that are not usually available to the ordinary public. The ceremonies differ depending on the Buddhist sect that the temple belongs to, and the guests’ level of participation varies. Japan Rail Pass, S.L.. All rights reserved.By using our website you accept our Cookies Policy. Temple Lodging in Japan (Shukubo) posted by John Spacey, July 06, 2012. Breakfast is a perfect Buddhist vegetarian style 5,000 yen/person/night (with breakfast; for 1 person; tax included); Check-in: 15:00 (check-in by 18:00 if dinner is requested); Check-out: 10:00; Curfew: 21:00 (lights off: 22:00); Guests are welcome to join the morning service; Jorenge-in is a temple located on a mountain out of Kyoto, and which has a guesthouse for visitors to stay in Ohara. No menu will be provided from which to choose. The Japanese word shukubo literally means “sleeping with the monks.” Shukubo is an According to some surveys, Japan is considered a nonreligious nation. They are most common around popular pilgrimage destinations such as Bookings should be made in advance and are typically made directly with the temple by phone, fax or email. Some rooms face the garden so you can take as much time as you want to immerse yourself in contemplation in complete quietness. Traditional Arts and Crafts Sign in and subscribe for the latest Japan travel news and updates.A good English guide with lists of temples and accommodation information.A good guide with lists of temples and accommodation information.What is your preferred length for a travel report video on YouTube?We strive to keep Japan Guide up-to-date and accurate, and we're always looking for ways to improve. Travel agencies can also reserve Shukubo as part of a tour of Japan. While most temples are only able to communicate in Japanese, there are a few that have English speaking monks. This stunning temple is one that may appeal to the younger crowd.This one’s for those who are after a slightly off the beaten path experience.