A Day in a Temple Lodging

Early Morning Meditation and Prayers

A day at a temple lodging typically begins before sunrise. Guests are invited to join the monks for morning meditation and prayers. This session, known as “choka,” often starts around 5:30 AM and lasts for about an hour. The serene atmosphere and rhythmic chanting create a peaceful start to the day, allowing guests to find inner calm and reflect on their thoughts.

Traditional Vegetarian Breakfast

After the morning prayers, guests enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian breakfast called “shojin ryori.” This meal consists of rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and seasonal dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. The food is prepared with great care, emphasizing simplicity and mindfulness.

Temple Grounds and Activities

Post-breakfast, guests have free time to explore the temple grounds. Many temples have beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and scenic walking paths. Some lodgings offer additional activities such as calligraphy, sutra copying, or tea ceremonies. These activities provide a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and Buddhist practices.

Midday Free Time or Cultural Activities

Around midday, guests may choose to participate in more cultural activities or explore nearby attractions. Some temples are located in areas rich with historical and natural sites. For instance, temples in Mount Koya (Koyasan) offer access to stunning hiking trails and ancient cemeteries.

Shojin Ryori Dinner

The evening meal, also shojin ryori, is served around 5:30 PM. Similar to breakfast, this dinner focuses on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. The dishes are designed to nourish the body and soul, aligning with Buddhist principles of mindfulness and respect for all living beings.

Evening Meditation and Lights Out

The day concludes with an evening meditation session, providing guests another opportunity for introspection and relaxation. After meditation, guests are encouraged to retire early. Temple lodgings often follow a strict lights-out policy around 9:00 PM to ensure a restful and rejuvenating experience.

Price

The cost of staying at a temple varies depending on the location, the temple’s amenities, and the season. On average, you can expect to pay between ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 per person per night. This price typically includes:

• Accommodation: Simple, tatami-matted rooms with futons.
• Meals: Traditional Buddhist vegetarian meals (shojin ryori), usually breakfast and dinner.
• Participation in Activities: Morning prayers and meditation sessions.

Top 3 Best Temple Lodges in Japan

1. Eko-in Temple, Koyasan

Located in the heart of Mount Koya, Eko-in Temple offers a tranquil retreat with rich historical significance. The temple provides spacious tatami rooms, hot spring baths, and a variety of cultural activities. Guests can participate in ajikan meditation, a unique form of meditative practice that focuses on breathing and visualization.

Highlights:

• Ajikan meditation sessions
• Access to Okunoin Cemetery, Japan’s largest and most sacred cemetery
• Traditional shojin ryori meals

2. Shukubo Komadori-sanso, Mount Mitake

Nestled in the scenic Mount Mitake area, Shukubo Komadori-sanso provides a perfect blend of nature and spirituality. The temple offers guided hikes to Musashi-Mitake Shrine and the picturesque Rock Garden. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Highlights:

• Guided hikes to Musashi-Mitake Shrine
• Stunning mountain views
• Seasonal vegetarian meals

3. Shigetsu-in Temple, Kyoto

Shigetsu-in Temple, located in the historic Arashiyama district of Kyoto, offers an immersive cultural experience. The temple is famous for its serene gardens and proximity to the iconic bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Guests can partake in zazen meditation and tea ceremonies.

Highlights:

• Zazen meditation sessions
• Proximity to Arashiyama bamboo groves and Tenryu-ji Temple
• Beautifully landscaped gardens

Tips for Enhancing Your Temple Stay Experience

Respect the Rules and Customs

Temples have specific rules and customs that guests should follow to maintain the sanctity of the environment. Dress modestly, avoid loud conversations, and adhere to the temple’s schedule for prayers and meals.

Embrace the Simplicity

Temple lodging emphasizes simplicity and mindfulness. Embrace the minimalist lifestyle, disconnect from technology, and take the time to reflect and meditate.

Participate in Activities

Make the most of your stay by participating in the various activities offered by the temple. Whether it’s meditation, sutra copying, or a tea ceremony, these activities provide a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and Buddhism.

Plan Your Visit

Some temple lodgings are more popular than others and may require advance reservations. Plan your visit accordingly, especially if you wish to stay during peak seasons or special events.

Conclusion

Temple lodging in Japan offers a unique and enriching experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the country’s spiritual heritage. From early morning meditations to traditional vegetarian meals, a stay at a temple provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. By following the tips provided and choosing one of the top temple lodges, you can ensure a memorable and transformative experience. Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply a serene getaway, temple lodging in Japan is a journey worth embarking on.

1. Capsule Hotels: Compact and Convenient

History and Concept

Capsule hotels are a quintessentially Japanese invention, designed to provide travelers with a compact, efficient, and affordable place to sleep. These hotels feature individual sleeping pods stacked side by side and on top of each other, resembling a futuristic honeycomb.

Unique Experience

Staying in a capsule hotel offers a unique blend of privacy and communal living. Each capsule is equipped with essential amenities like a TV, Wi-Fi, and a small storage space. Common areas often include showers, lounges, and vending machines.

Popular Capsule Hotels

• Nine Hours (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka): Known for its minimalist design and high-tech features.
• Capsule Inn Akihabara (Tokyo): Located in the heart of Tokyo’s electronics district, perfect for tech enthusiasts.

2. Ryokan: Traditional Japanese Inns

What is a Ryokan?

A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that dates back to the Edo period. These inns offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage, with tatami-matted rooms, futon beds, and sliding paper doors.

The Ryokan Experience

Guests can enjoy the full ryokan experience, which often includes a multi-course kaiseki dinner, communal baths (onsen), and yukata (casual kimono) to wear during their stay. The hospitality and attention to detail in a ryokan are unparalleled.

Notable Ryokans

• Tawaraya Ryokan (Kyoto): One of the oldest and most luxurious ryokans in Japan.
• Hoshinoya Tokyo: Combines traditional ryokan elements with modern luxury in the heart of Tokyo.

3. Temple Stays: Spiritual Retreats

What is a Temple Stay?

For those seeking a spiritual and serene experience, a temple stay (shukubo) offers the chance to live like a Buddhist monk. These stays are available at temples across Japan and often include meditation sessions, vegetarian meals, and participation in temple rituals.

Benefits of a Temple Stay

Staying at a temple provides a unique opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering a peaceful environment for reflection and relaxation.

Popular Temple Stays

• Mount Koya (Koyasan): A UNESCO World Heritage site with over 50 temples offering accommodations.
• Shunkoin Temple (Kyoto): Known for its Zen meditation sessions in English.

4. Manga and Anime-Themed Hotels: Otaku Heaven

Concept

Japan’s love for manga and anime has inspired a range of themed accommodations, perfect for fans of Japanese pop culture. These hotels immerse guests in the world of their favorite characters and stories.

Unique Features

Rooms are often decorated with murals, figurines, and other memorabilia. Some hotels even offer themed cafes and merchandise shops.

Notable Themed Hotels

• Manga Art Hotel (Tokyo): A capsule hotel filled with over 5,000 manga volumes.
• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Tokyo): Features a Godzilla-themed room with a giant Godzilla head overlooking the hotel.

5. Love Hotels: Privacy and Playfulness

What is a Love Hotel?

Love hotels are unique to Japan, offering couples a private and playful place to spend time together. These hotels are known for their themed rooms, discreet entrances, and short-stay options.

Experience

Rooms range from simple and romantic to extravagant and quirky, featuring amenities like karaoke machines, whirlpool baths, and even cosplay outfits.

Popular Love Hotels

• Hotel Meguro Emperor (Tokyo): Known for its palace-like architecture and luxurious rooms.
• Hotel & Spa J-Mex (Tokyo): Offers themed rooms with various fantasy settings.

6. Glamping: Luxury Camping

Concept

For those who love nature but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, glamping (glamorous camping) offers the perfect solution. Japan has embraced this trend, providing luxurious tents and cabins in scenic locations.

Experience

Glamping sites often come with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and gourmet meals. Activities like hiking, fishing, and stargazing are commonly available.

Notable Glamping Sites

• Hoshinoya Fuji (Yamanashi): Offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and luxurious amenities.
• Nakao Kogen Glamping Resort (Gifu): Located in the Japanese Alps, offering a serene mountain retreat.

7. Unique Airbnb Stays: Personalized and Local

Concept

Airbnb has made it possible to stay in some truly unique and personalized accommodations in Japan. From traditional machiya houses to quirky themed apartments, the options are endless.

Benefits

Staying in an Airbnb allows travelers to experience local life and often provides more space and amenities than traditional hotels.

Notable Airbnb Options

• Kyoto Machiya Houses: Traditional wooden townhouses offering an authentic Kyoto experience.
• Unique Apartments in Tokyo: From Studio Ghibli-inspired spaces to futuristic pods.

Conclusion

Japan’s accommodation options are as diverse and unique as the country itself. From the compact efficiency of capsule hotels to the spiritual serenity of temple stays, there’s something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a fan of traditional culture, pop culture, or just looking for a unique experience, Japan’s unusual places to stay will ensure your trip is memorable. So why not step out of your comfort zone and try something different on your next visit to Japan?