夜の高山善光寺 本堂
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Takayama Zenkoji

TAKAYAMA-ZENKOJI TEMPLE HOTEL

Gifu Prefecture, Takayama City

ABOUT TEMPLE HOTEL

About the temple lodging

Takayama Zenkoji (Jodo-shu sect) is a temple that welcomes visitors regardless of nationality, religion, or gender. It is an annex of Shinshu Zenkoji Daihongan in Nagano Prefecture, and enshrines Amida Nyorai (Zenkoji Nyorai) in the Ikkosanzo style. Only about 20 temples have been granted the "Betsu-in-go" (annex temple title) by Shinshu Zenkoji Daihongan, and Takayama Zenkoji is the only one in Gifu Prefecture. Like Shinshu Zenkoji, it also features an underground Kaidan-meguri.

Since its establishment, the temple has provided temple lodging for pilgrims traveling long distances. Today, it has become an international lodging facility that attracts visitors from all over the world to Takayama, with over 95% of its guests being foreign nationals. The kitchen is also open to all guests for free use.

高山善光寺の本堂花見の間着付け体験

FACILITIES

Facilities

Check-in / Check-out
Check-in: 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM (self check-in after 6:30 PM) / Check-out: 11:00 AM There is no curfew. Staff will be available until 6:30 PM. After 6:30 PM, the entrance will be locked for self check-in (please notify us in advance if you will arrive after 6:30 PM).
Room amenities
All rooms include: single futon, fan, air conditioning, towels, toothbrush, hairdryer, Wi-Fi.
Bathrooms and kitchen
Depending on the room type, some rooms have a private shower and toilet, while others use shared bathrooms (reservation required) and toilets. The kitchen is shared.
Parking
Approximately 4 free parking spaces are available in front of the main hall on the temple grounds.
Other information
・Children aged 3 and under stay free (baby cribs are ¥500) ・For stays less than 3 nights, cleaning and linen changes are not provided ・Pets are not permitted

LODGING

Guest rooms

Choose from 6 types of guest rooms to suit your group size and purpose. By combining rooms, we can accommodate up to 30 guests, and you can also inquire about reserving all 6 rooms for private use.
Rates vary depending on the date and number of guests. Please check availability and rates using the reservation button.

Guest rooms
Hanami-no-ma (3 guests), Yukimi-no-ma (4 guests), Kazami-no-ma (9 guests), Tsukimi-no-ma (3 guests), Sakurami-no-ma (2 guests), Sorami-no-ma (8 guests)
Accommodation plans
Room-only plan Plan with experiences (zazen, sutra copying, etc., as options. Reservations required by 6 PM the day before) Workation plan (rental of the main hall, shared lounge, and meeting space)

ACTIVITIES

Experiences

Discover 10 types of experiences available at Takayama Zenkoji, with photos and descriptions. From each experience's "Book this experience" button, you can proceed to the dedicated reservation page.
Please check the respective reservation pages for dates, availability, latest prices, and participation conditions.

高山善光寺の体験

Meditation

With careful guidance from a monk, even beginners can become familiar with meditation. This is a time to calm your mind in the tranquility of the main hall.

所要時間Approx. 1 hour料金3,000 yen

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高山善光寺の体験

Onigiri and miso soup making experience

Make your own onigiri rice balls and miso soup using local ingredients. No cooking experience is necessary to enjoy this taste of Japanese food culture.

所要時間45–60 minutes料金3,000 yen per person

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高山善光寺の体験

Mochi pounding experience

Pound rice with a wooden mallet, shape the mochi, and add your favorite toppings. This is a delightful way to experience traditional Japanese culture.

所要時間60 minutes料金6,000 yen per person

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高山善光寺の体験

Create your own Zukō (incense powder)

Choose natural incense ingredients to create a scent that matches your mood and physical condition. Make your own unique Zukō and immerse yourself in Japanese fragrance.

所要時間20–30 minutes料金5,000 yen per person

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高山善光寺の体験

Table-style tea ceremony

Enjoy a tea ceremony while seated in a chair, without needing to sit in seiza (traditional kneeling posture). Guided by an instructor, you'll experience Japanese culture and the spirit of hospitality.

所要時間45 minutes料金13,000 yen for 2 people

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高山善光寺の体験

Temple yoga

Enjoy a unique yoga session in the main hall of the temple. Please wear comfortable clothing. Yoga mats are provided free of charge.

所要時間1 hour料金3,000 yen per person

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高山善光寺の体験

Kaidan-meguri

This is a spiritual practice where you navigate through the darkness beneath the main hall, feeling your way to find a key. It's a unique temple experience, walking without relying on light.

料金500 yen

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高山善光寺の体験

Sutra copying

This is a practice of single-mindedly copying Buddhist teachings. Beginners can also calmly engage in this activity while focusing on their prayers.

所要時間Approx. 30 min料金1,000 yen/person

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高山善光寺の体験

Buddha tracing

Trace the principal image of Amitabha Nyorai in the main hall. Move your brush carefully and with concentration, feeling gratitude for each day.

所要時間Approx. 30 min料金1,000 yen/person

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高山善光寺の体験

Kimono dressing experience

Experience wearing a kimono, or a yukata in summer, with the help of a professional dresser. Why not get dressed up and stroll through the streets of Takayama?

所要時間Men approx. 15 min, women approx. 30 min料金Men 3,000 yen/person, women 6,000 yen/person (includes hair styling)

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LOCATION

Directions

4-3 Tenman-cho, Takayama-shi, Gifu 506-0025(View on Google Maps)
TEL 0577-32-8470

By train

Approx. 5 minutes walk from JR Takayama Station East Exit.

From Nagoya

Nagoya → Limited Express Hida → Takayama

所要時間Approx. 2 hours 35 minutes
From Kanazawa

Kanazawa → Takaoka → Limited Express Hida → Takayama

所要時間Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
From Tokyo area

Tokaido Shinkansen → Nagoya → Limited Express Hida → Takayama

所要時間Approx. 4 hours 20 minutes

By car

There are approximately 4 free parking spaces in front of the main hall on the temple grounds. Please enter directly from the main street through the main gate.

From Nagoya area

Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway → Takayama IC

所要時間Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes
From Kanazawa area

Hokuriku Expressway → Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway

所要時間Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes
From Tokyo area

Chuo Expressway → National Route 361

所要時間Approx. 4 hours 50 minutes

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Depending on the room type, some rooms have a private shower and toilet, while others use shared bathrooms (by reservation) and toilets. The kitchen is shared. For the shared private bath and shower, please consult with us about the time at check-in to avoid busy periods.

There are approximately 4 free parking spaces in front of the main hall on the temple grounds. Please enter directly from the main street through the main gate. Reservations are not mandatory, but it would be helpful if you could inform us of your estimated arrival time in advance so we can keep track of the number of parked cars.

There is no curfew, but after 6:30 PM, check-in is self-service and the entrance will be locked. If you plan to arrive after 6:30 PM, please inform us in advance.

It is possible to leave your luggage before check-in time. We may ask you to inform us of your estimated arrival time in advance.

We sincerely apologize, but we do not allow pets to stay with guests.

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RESERVE

Reservations

For details and reservations of accommodation plans and experience programs,
please use our dedicated booking site.

Temple lodging reservations

Temple history

The principal image (御本尊) of Takayama Zenkoji is the Ichiko Sanzon Amida Nyorai statue. It depicts Amida Nyorai in the center, Kannon Bodhisattva on the right, and Seishi Bodhisattva on the left, all three standing within a single halo. This is an absolute hidden Buddha.

Behind the main hall, there is a garden that recreates the parable of the "Two Rivers and White Path," a unique teaching of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect. It expresses that by crossing the stone bridge over the pond while chanting the nenbutsu, one can attain rebirth in the Pure Land.

Next to the temple gate, facing the national highway, stands a large stone monument inscribed with "Namu Amida Butsu" by Tokuhon Shonin, a revered monk from Kii Province (Wakayama Prefecture). The temple grounds also house a memorial for war dead and a Kobo Daishi Hall, which enshrines a holed stone said to be the mark of Kobo Daishi's staff.