Discover Shukubo: Japan’s Hidden Temple Lodging Experience

Popular Shukubo (Temple Lodging) Destinations in Japan

Area Name	Prefecture	Features of the Shukubo Experience
Mount Koya (Koyasan)	Wakayama Prefecture	The sacred center of Shingon Buddhism, with over 50 temples offering shukubo. Many temples provide English support. Guests can enjoy shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), morning chanting, meditation, and sutra copying. A registered UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mount Hiei (Hieizan)	Kyoto & Shiga Prefectures	Home to Enryakuji Temple, the head temple of the Tendai sect. Located in peaceful nature. Guests at Enryakuji Kaikan can join Dharma talks and try sutra copying. A calm and spiritual retreat from the city.
Zenkoji Temple	Nagano Prefecture	A historic, non-sectarian temple with over 20 associated temple lodgings. Popular for its early morning ritual known as O-asaji, where guests can join the monks’ daily chanting. Great for combining with local sightseeing.
Eiheiji Temple	Fukui Prefecture	The head temple of the Soto Zen school of Buddhism. Though general overnight stays are limited, visitors can join structured Zen training sessions. Offers a deep dive into authentic zazen (sitting meditation) and monastic life.
Mount Minobu (Minobusan)	Yamanashi Prefecture	A sacred site for the Nichiren sect, centered around Kuonji Temple. Nearby shukubo offer peaceful stays with experiences like shojin ryori, sutra copying, and Dharma talks in a lush mountain setting.
Mount Nachi (Nachisan)	Wakayama Prefecture	Located near the Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seigantoji Temple. Ideal for travelers on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. Surrounded by waterfalls and forest, this is a spiritual stay close to nature.
Dewa Sanzan	Yamagata Prefecture	Known for mountain worship and Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism). Centered around Mount Haguro, temples offer shukubo with experiences guided by yamabushi (mountain monks), along with traditional vegetarian meals.

Fukuchiin at Mount Koya offers a unique blend of temple lodging and natural hot springs. Guests can enjoy traditional Buddhist vegetarian meals, serene gardens, and relaxing onsen baths—all within a historic temple setting. A peaceful, spiritual retreat in Japan.

Fuchinobo, located at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, offers a warm, welcoming temple stay experience. Guests can join morning prayers, enjoy elegant vegetarian meals, and explore the historic temple grounds. It’s an ideal blend of culture, spirituality, and comfort.

Wajun Kaikan, located within Chion-in Temple in Kyoto, offers a serene stay with modern comforts and traditional Buddhist atmosphere. Guests can join morning services, enjoy temple views, and easily explore Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district. Ideal for a peaceful city retreat.

In addition to staying at a shukubo near Zenkoji Temple, I also recommend joining a guided tour with an English-speaking guide that includes a temple visit, a traditional tea experience, local rice dumpling tasting, and a sampling of Japanese sake.