Temple stays in Japan
Shukubo beyond Koyasan
Some temples in Japan, especially in popular pilgrimage destinations, offer temple stays, lodgings (shukubo) to visiting pilgrims and tourists.
Temple stays will offer you an excellent chance to get a taste of the simple, traditional lifestyle of Buddhist monks.
Rooms are similar to those in ryokan, Japanese style with futons rather than beds. The stays vary in quality from old and somewhat dilapidated, to modern and luxurious, but no matter how old or new, the warm wooden buildings make a welcome change from the concrete drabness of most Japanese architecture.
Present all the time in the background, the slight smell of incense adds an exotic tinge to the experience.
Koyasan is one of the most famous place in Japan to experience a night at a temple, with more than 50 temples in town serving as shukubo.
But now hundreds of temples and shrines around Japan offer lodging to tourists and travelers, both foreign and domestic.
But also in Nagano, Kanazawa, Shiga, Aomori…
While most temples are only able to communicate in Japanese, there are a few that have English speaking monks.
Contact us for information and booking.
Please be sure to read our FAQ to see other details and seasonal pricing.
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