Temple lodging list

Takayama Zenkoji (Jodo-shu sect) is a temple that welcomes visitors regardless of nationality, religion, or gender. It is a branch temple of Shinshu Zenkoji Daihongan in Nagano Prefecture, housing the Amida Nyorai (Zenkoji Nyorai) in the Ikkosanzo style. Only about 20 temples have been granted the "Betsuin-go" (branch temple designation) from Shinshu Zenkoji Daihongan, and Takayama Zenkoji is the only one in Gifu Prefecture. Like Shinshu Zenkoji, it also features an underground Kaidan-meguri (a dark corridor where one walks to find a key, symbolizing the key to enlightenment).

Since its founding, the temple has provided temple lodging for pilgrims traveling long distances. Today, it has become a diverse international lodging facility, attracting visitors from all over the world to Takayama, with over 95% of guests being international. The kitchen is also open to all guests for free use.

Zuishozan Kannon-in Nomam-ji (commonly known as "Higiri Jizo Son Kannon-in"). This private temple stay is limited to one group per day, allowing you to enjoy the entire premises, including a beautiful private garden and a fully equipped kitchen, all to yourself.

This Shingon sect temple, said to have been founded in Shoho 1 (1644), boasts a history of approximately 380 years and is the 10th temple on the Kanto 88 Sacred Places pilgrimage. The current head priest is Eishin Gatsumon. It has been selected as one of "Gunma's 100 Famous Places" and is locally known as "Shichijo Jizo Kannon-in." In June 2025, a tourist information cafe & park and a Korean herbal medicine cafe, "Sabo Sara," also opened on the temple grounds.

Matsuryuzan Shodenji (commonly known as "Shodenji," Nichiren sect) is a temple in Shiba, Tokyo, with a history of approximately 400 years.

Shodenji renovated its kuri (temple living quarters) adjacent to the main hall within the temple grounds into accommodation and opened it as a temple lodging for general guests in July 2019. The temple's wish to "open the temple to more people and encourage them to visit" has begun in the form of temple lodging.

Habanobo, written as a temple at the "edge" (hashi), is literally located at the eastern edge of Mount Minobu. "Hashi" also means "beginning" or "start." The temple grounds, situated on high ground, offer excellent views, with Mount Takatori directly in front and Mount Shichimen visible—a unique feature among the temple lodgings on the mountain. It is a quiet environment, just a 5-minute walk to Kuonji Temple.

Based on the concept of "sanro-rashiku" (viewing time spent at the temple lodging as part of spiritual training), there are no luxuries like TVs in the rooms or lobby. During the evening service, which guests can join, there is a time for the o-kaicho (unveiling of the principal image) and a dharma talk. Meals are shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), with no animal products used even in the broth. The head priest will guide guests to the early morning service held at the head temple, Kuonji.

Minobusan Togai Yogoin Shimanobo (Nichiren-shu sect). This temple lodging is the oldest in the Nichiren-shu sect's head temple, Minobusan, celebrating its 750th anniversary in 2024. Located at the entrance to the Togai pilgrimage route, it's also conveniently close to the temple town for shopping. Seasonal flowers are a highlight, including parent-child weeping cherry trees, Ukon cherry trees, and over 60 red weeping cherry trees and azaleas on the hillside behind the temple.

Temple lodging was originally accommodation for monks in training, but with the spread of temple and shrine pilgrimages in the Heian period, aristocrats, samurai, and general pilgrims also began to stay. Currently, not only group pilgrimages but also individuals and non-Nichiren sect followers can stay. Guests are encouraged to wake early and attend the morning service at Kuonji, the head temple of the Nichiren-shu sect.

Shourekiji is a temple lodging that bills itself as the "world's first temple auberge," offering exclusive rental of the entire building for one group per day.

Based on the concept of a temple lodging that calms the mind, the head priest, Hiroshin Tamagawa, acts as a dedicated concierge, proposing a customized stay from about 20 temple experiences tailored to the guest's purpose and state of mind. A distinctive feature is the meal, which involves sourcing a whole rare gamecock from the local Hasugamine farm, encouraging reflection on taking a life. It was selected for the Japan Tourism Agency's "Castle Stay/Temple Stay" project in 2020 and grand opened on June 1, 2021.

Koseizan Kokushoji (Nichiren-shu sect). This temple lodging is located on a hill overlooking the townscape of Izuhara, which has flourished as Tsushima's castle town since ancient times. It is a temple lodging limited to one group per day, consisting of two spaces: the guardian deity hall enshrining Kato Kiyomasa, and a newly constructed accommodation building on the surrounding grounds.

Kokushoji is the only Nichiren-shu temple in Tsushima and has been cherished by locals in the center of Izuhara town. The temple lodging utilized Tsushima City's "Temple Stay Promotion Project Subsidy" and, after more than two years of preparation, soft-opened in July 2025.

Jokozan Daitaiji (Rinzai-shu Myoshinji-ha sect). This Zen temple, founded over 1200 years ago, stands along the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. It is said to have begun when Dengyo Daishi Saicho carved a Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) from a willow tree to seal a giant serpent that was tormenting the local people, and it is still known as one of the leading Yakushi sacred sites in the Nanki region.

The temple lodging opened in February 2020. In addition to Zen temple experiences such as zazen, sutra copying, and morning porridge, we offer unique ways to spend your time in this area, such as Zen sauna by the river and camping. Daitaiji also uniquely allows guests to stay with their pets.

Matsui-bo is a sub-temple of Minobusan Kuonji Temple, one of Japan's three great temple gates. This temple lodging offers a direct view of the Kuonji Sanmon gate.

Founded in 1364 by Saint Nicho, Matsui-bo's guardian deity is Myoken Daibosatsu, the god of the Big Dipper. It is said that on a specific day in March, the North Star shines directly above the temple. A magnificent pine tree, which gave the temple its name, still stands on the approach. Enjoy a peaceful time, watched over by the stars and the pine.

Enmyozan Daikeiji Temple (Nichiren sect) is a temple founded over 770 years ago, located in the center of Fujieda-shuku, the 22nd post town on the old Tokaido road. In the spring of 1253, while on his way to study at Mount Hiei, Saint Nichiren stopped here and converted a couple, Doen and Myoen, who ran a teahouse. As a memento, he planted a pine tree, which became known as the "Kuon no Matsu" (Pine of Eternity).

During the Edo period, it became a prayer temple for Tanaka Castle and was called "Samurai Temple." "Kanshozo," a private temple lodging that opened in June 2026, offers a view of this very pine tree.