Habanobo — Temple lodging on Mount Minobu

ABOUT TEMPLE HOTEL

About temple lodging

Habanobo, written as “the temple at the edge,” is literally located on the eastern edge of Mt. Minobu. “Hashi” (edge) also means “beginning,” making this a place of new starts. The temple grounds, situated on high ground, offer excellent views, including Mt. Takatori directly ahead and Mt. Shichimen, which is unique among the temple lodgings on the mountain. It's a peaceful environment, just a 5-minute walk to Kuonji Temple.

Based on the concept of “Sanro-rashiku” (viewing time spent at the temple lodging as a form of spiritual training), there are no luxuries like TVs in the rooms or even in the lobby. During the evening service, which guests are invited to attend, there is a special opening of the altar and a dharma talk. Meals are shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), prepared without any animal products, even in the broth. The head priest will guide guests to the morning service held early at the head temple, Kuonji.

FACILITIES

Facilities

Check-in / Check-out: Check-in: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (staffed). Please contact us in advance if you will be late. Check-out: 10:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out are not available.
Basic amenities: ・Wi-Fi ・Free parking on temple grounds (in front of entrance) ・Air conditioning ・No elevator (stairs and some steps to the second floor) ・Children under 12 are not permitted to stay ・Non-smoking ・No pets allowed
Shared facilities: ・Two separate bathrooms for men and women with bathtubs (bathing from approximately 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM; tattoos are permitted) ・Toilets with bidet functions ・Washbasins (two hair dryers) ・Large hall (dinner from 7:00 PM / breakfast from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM)
Amenities: ・Body soap ・Rinse-in shampoo ・Toothbrush set ・Yukata (sleepwear; samue work clothes available upon request) ・Slippers ・Bath towel ・Hand towel

LODGING

Guest rooms

These are spacious Japanese-style rooms, unique to temple lodging, divided by shoji screens and fusuma sliding doors. We will prepare the most suitable room (on the 1st or 2nd floor) according to the number of guests.
Rates vary depending on the plan, date, and number of guests. Please check availability and rates using the booking button.

Capacity: Maximum 4 people
Floor plan: Japanese-style room, 10 tatami mats or more, 35㎡ (no bath or toilet) / Futon bedding
Room amenities: Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, water server. A simple bed can be provided upon request.
Accommodation plans: Dinner plan (shojin ryori dinner) Two-meal plan (shojin ryori breakfast and dinner) Whole temple rental (from 80,000 yen – please inquire)

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MEALS

Meals

Meals at Habanobo are shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) for both breakfast and dinner. Based on Buddhist precepts, these dishes are prepared using only plant-based ingredients (including plant-based broth), with no animal products. You can choose between table seating or traditional tray service in the main hall. We can also accommodate allergies; please consult with us at least four days before check-in.

Dinner shojin ryori 7:00 PM (arrival by 5:00 PM recommended)5,500 yen
Breakfast shojin ryori 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM2,000 yen

View all plans About shojin ryori

ACTIVITIES

Experiences

Temple experiences cannot be reserved in advance. Please inquire about experiences upon arrival. Due to considerations for other guests, as well as the temple's daily schedule and duties, we may not be able to offer your desired experience. Therefore, we cannot guarantee availability in advance.
Habanobo operates by inviting guests to engage with Buddhist teachings and participate in daily observances and practices. Rather than creating individual schedules for guests, we follow the temple's daily routine, and guests share their time with other temple residents.
We do not offer water purification, waterfall meditation, or zazen. We do accept requests for prayers (wooden sword ritual), traffic safety prayers ("Ote Rider"), memorial services, and offerings.

Morning service (Kuonji)

Experience the unique early morning atmosphere of Mt. Minobu, enveloped by the great bell announcing dawn, the chanting of dozens of monks, and the sound of large taiko drums.

Approximately 90-120 minutes (including travel time)

Free, no reservation required

Evening service (Habanobo Main Hall)

An evening service held in Habanobo's main hall, including a public viewing of the principal image and a Dharma talk.

Approximately 60 minutes

Buddhist image tracing

Copying Buddhist images using a brush and ink.

Approximately 60-90 minutes

1,500 yen/person

Sutra copying

Copying sutras using a brush and ink.

Approximately 60-90 minutes

1,500 yen/person

Meditation

A practice of calming the mind and confronting oneself through regulated breathing.

Approx. 30-60 minutes

1,000 yen/person

Samugyo (temple cleaning)

Carefully clean the temple and purify your mind and body.

30 minutes~

Free

Check availability About the experience

LOCATION

Directions

3493 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi 409-2524(View on Google Maps)
TEL 0556-62-0777

By train

Alight at JR Minobu Station, then take the Yamanashi Kotsu bus bound for Minobusan from the station front to the last stop, "Minobusan." As there is a steep slope from the bus stop to the temple lodging, we recommend taking a taxi from JR Minobu Station (approx. 3,000 yen). There is no free shuttle service.

From Tokyo/Shizuoka

Tokaido Shinkansen → Shin-Fuji → Fuji → Limited Express Fujikawa → Minobu

Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes

From Nagano

Matsumoto → Limited Express Azusa/Kaiji → Kofu → Limited Express Fujikawa → Minobu

Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes

By car

From National Route 52, head towards Minobusan. Free parking is available on the temple grounds.

From Tokyo/Shizuoka

Shin-Tomei Expressway Gotemba JCT → Shin-Shimizu IC → National Route 52

Approx. 2 hours

From Nagano

Shiojiri Kita IC → Chubu Odan Expressway → National Route 52

Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

There are two shared bathrooms with bathtubs (separate for men and women). Bathing hours are from approximately 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Guests with tattoos are welcome to use the baths.

Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with staff present. If you expect to check in later, please notify us in advance. Check-out is by 10:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out are not available.

Both dinner and breakfast are shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) served in the main hall. Dinner is from 7:00 PM (arrival by around 5:00 PM is recommended), and breakfast is from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Meals must be reserved in advance, at least four days before check-in. If you have already booked without meals, you can add breakfast (2,000 yen) and dinner (5,500 yen) via the 'Add Meals' option in the pre-check-in form.

The nearest station is JR Minobu Station. We recommend taking a taxi from JR Minobu Station (the fare is approximately 3,000 yen). There is a steep slope from the bus stop to the temple lodging. We do not offer a free shuttle service. Free parking is available on the temple grounds.

As a general rule, children (12 years old and under) are not permitted to stay. Pets are not allowed.

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