A Different Kind of Workspace

Have you ever opened your laptop somewhere so quiet you could hear the wind?

Most people don’t think of temples as places to work.
But after spending time at Daitaiji Temple in Nachikatsuura, I realized something:

Temple life makes remote work easier — not harder.

A Morning That Changes Everything

The day starts slow.
Tatami floors. Crisp mountain air. Zero noise.

At 7am, a monk leads a simple Zazen meditation.
You sit. You breathe. You reset.

Then you open your laptop in a quiet wooden room.
No city chaos, no café chatter, no endless notifications.

And suddenly, work feels clear and focused again.

Why Temples Make Sense for Remote Work

1. Silence That Actually Helps You Work

Temples are naturally quiet.
The kind of quiet where you can focus deeply without trying.

2. Nature That Clears Your Mind

Surrounded by cedar forests, rivers, and mountain air, your brain feels lighter.
Ideas come easier.

3. You Start Your Day With Intention

Meditation before emails changes your whole rhythm.
You’re calmer, sharper, more present.

4. Space for Real Connection

You meet people at meals, workshops, or even the riverside sauna.
Not networking, just natural human connection.

5. Yes, There’s Wi-Fi

Fast enough for calls, uploads, and cloud files.
And if you want, there are coworking spaces nearby too.

A Simple Example Workday at Daitaiji

7:00am — Zazen meditation
8:00am — Simple breakfast
9:00am — Deep focus session
1:00pm — Walk along the Kumano Kodo
5:00pm — Riverside sauna & cold plunge
7:00pm — Dinner with fellow guests
9:00pm — Journaling under the stars

You Don’t Need to Be “Spiritual” to Benefit

Even if Zen isn’t your thing, temple life gives you:
・A clearer mind
・Less distraction
・Better focus
・A healthier work rhythm

When you slow down, your work improves almost automatically.

Final Thoughts

Working from a temple sounds unusual until you try it.

If you’re tired of noisy cafés, burnout cycles, or constant distraction, temple life gives you something rare:
Time, clarity, and space to focus.

And for remote workers, that might be the most valuable thing of all.