Daitaiji — A Zen Temple Lodging on the Kumano Kodo

ABOUT TEMPLE HOTEL

About the temple lodging

Jokozan Daitaiji (Rinzai sect of Myoshinji school) is a Zen temple with over 1,200 years of history, located along the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. It is said to have originated when the Great Master Dengyo Saicho carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha) from a willow tree to seal away a giant serpent that was tormenting the local people. Today, it remains one of the most prominent sacred sites dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai in the Nanki region.

The temple lodging opened in February 2020. In addition to classic Zen temple experiences like zazen, sutra copying, and morning rice porridge, we offer unique activities only available here, such as Zen sauna by the river and camping. Daitaiji also uniquely allows guests to stay with their pets.

FACILITIES

Facilities

Check-in / Check-out: IN 15:00-21:00 (Arrival by 19:00 is recommended, as staff may not be present later) OUT 10:00 (12:00 for plans with late check-out). Early check-in is not available.
Shared kitchen: Refrigerator, rice cooker, microwave, electric kettle, cooking utensils, dishes, seasonings. Self-service complimentary drink corner and water server.
Basic amenities: ・Wi-Fi ・Washing machine and dryer (200 yen/use each, 17:00-23:00) ・Free parking (approx. 10 cars) and bicycle parking in front of the main hall and on the temple grounds ・Free rental bicycles ・Smoking is permitted only in designated indoor and outdoor areas ・The temple grounds have steps and gravel paths.
Baths and toilets: Guest hall = Private shower room, 2 shared toilets Annex = Shared bathroom with bathtub, private toilet
Amenities: Bath towel, face/hand towel, body soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, slippers
Not provided: Toothbrush set, sleepwear (pajamas/yukata), cleansing oil, lotion, cotton swabs, cotton pads, comb, razor, television. Please bring your own toothbrush and sleepwear.
Pets: Pets are welcome to stay with you in the temple lodging and at the campsite (please use a cage inside the room; cages are also available for rent).

LODGING

Guest rooms

You can choose from two types of rooms depending on the number of guests and your purpose. There are also spacious common areas, and you are free to use the kitchen and tables.
Rates vary depending on the date and number of guests. Please contact Daitaiji directly for availability and pricing.

Guest hall: Capacity 8 people. A spacious 67㎡ (37 tatami mats) Japanese-style room with four sections. It can be divided into two lockable rooms with fusuma sliding doors.
Annex: Capacity 2 people. A separate building next to the main hall, with a 16㎡ (9 tatami mats) Japanese-style room. Includes a private toilet.

ACTIVITIES

Experiences

The chief priest will guide you through various experiences, from Zen training unique to Rinzai Zen temples to activities utilizing the nature of Kumano. Experiences are exclusively for overnight guests on plans that include two meals and an experience (only morning service and zazen are available for room-only guests).
We also offer Buddhist statue tours, goshuin (temple seal) making, Zen Sauna Riverside Terrace, strawberry picking, calligraphy classes, and night yoga.

Morning service

This is a morning prayer held in the main hall. We pray for the health of participants and bestow amulets.

6:00 AM - approx. 15 min

500 yen

Zazen

This is a Zen practice of sitting with correct posture and regulating your breath. We will also discuss Rinzai Zen koans.

6:30 AM - approx. 1 hour

1,500 yen (advance reservation)

Sutra copying experience

Carefully copy the Buddhist scriptures, which contain the teachings of Buddha, character by character.

Approx. 1 hour

1,500 yen (advance reservation)

Morning porridge experience

Enjoy morning porridge as a temple meal. We will instruct you on the unique Zen temple way of eating, which expresses gratitude for the life we receive.

8:30 AM - approx. 30 min

1,500 yen (advance reservation)

Evening bell ringing

You can experience ringing the temple bell in the evening. Please inform staff upon check-in.

From 5:00 PM

Free

Zen Sauna Ryushuan

A sauna room created by renovating part of the temple building. Experience the harmony of Zen and sauna in a completely private space.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (3 hours)

5,000 yen/person (advance reservation)

About experiences

Location

Directions

775 Shimowada, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5148(View on Google Maps)
TEL 0735-57-0234

By train

From the nearest JR Taiji Station, it's about a 5-minute taxi ride (30-40 minutes on foot). Limited Express Nanki from Nagoya/Tokyo goes to Kii-Katsuura Station, so it's about a 15-minute taxi ride from JR Kii-Katsuura Station (there's also the town bus Ota Line, but it only runs 3 times a day).

From Osaka/Kyoto

Shin-Osaka → Limited Express Kuroshio (some services) → Taiji

Approx. 3 hours 50 minutes

From Nagoya

Nagoya → Limited Express Nanki → Kii-Katsuura

Approx. 5 hours

From Tokyo

Tokaido Shinkansen → Nagoya → Limited Express Nanki → Kii-Katsuura

Approx. 6 hours 50 minutes

By car

Free parking is available in front of the main hall (approx. 10 spaces).

From Osaka/Kyoto

Hanwa Expressway → Kisei Expressway → National Route 42

Approx. 3 hours 55 minutes

From Nagoya

Kisei Expressway → National Route 42

Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes

From Tokyo

Shin-Tomei Expressway → Isewangan Expressway → Kisei Expressway

Approx. 7 hours 10 minutes

NOTICE

Reservations and inquiries

OTERA STAY does not currently handle sales or inquiries for Daitaiji temple lodging. For reservations and questions, please contact Daitaiji directly.

Daitaiji (Phone: 0735-57-0234)