Temple Lodging in Japan
Sleep where monks live
Do you know that travelers can stay in a functioning Japanese Buddhist temple in Japan by booking shukubō, or temple lodging. These accommodations combine spirituality and simplicity; consider vegetarian meals, morning meditation, and tatami rooms. Beyond the typical hotels, temple accommodations are available in well-known spiritual centers like Koyasan (pictured below) or cities like Kyoto, and they are ideal for anyone interested in Japanese culture. The most notable advantage? peaceful evenings, wholesome meals, and an insight into monastic life, an authentic experience of Buddhist practice.
Details |
What can you generally expect from Temple lodging in Japan |
Typical price range |
Budget/mid: ¥9,000–¥15,000 per person with meals. High-end: ¥20,000–¥30,000+ at famous sites like Koyasan. Prices are usually per person, not per room. |
Bathroom |
Shared baths and toilets are common, sometimes gender-separated. Private facilities available in select modernized temples. |
Amenities |
Wi-Fi may be available, but often limited. Included: breakfast & dinner (shōjin ryōri). Sometimes meditation halls, gardens, and onsen-style baths. No kitchens or laundry. |
Check-in / out |
Check-in typically 14:00–17:00. Early check-out (by 9:00–10:00) to match temple routines. Some lodgings have curfews (~21:00). |
Payments |
Larger temples in tourist hubs accept credit cards. Smaller/rural temples are often cash-only. |
Language support |
English support is more common in Koyasan and Kyoto. Remote temples may offer limited English but rely on gestures and translated pamphlets. |
Best for |
Couples, solo travelers, and cultural explorers. Families with young kids may find schedules/food less flexible. |
Where common |
Koyasan (Wakayama), Kyoto (Mt. Hiei, Arashiyama), Nagano (Zenkoji area), and pilgrimage routes like Kumano Kodo. |
Booking window |
Peak seasons (cherry blossom, Golden Week, autumn leaves): reserve 3–6 months in advance. Off-season: 1–2 months is usually fine. |
Cancellation |
Typically free until 7–14 days before. Always check specific policies, some temples are stricter due to limited rooms. |
The ambiance is calm, peaceful, and firmly traditional. The rooms are basic, with sliding doors, futons, and tatami flooring. Because restrooms are frequently shared and walls are thin, privacy is moderate. Volunteers or temple monks work there; the service is kind but not hotel-style.
Highlights include shōjin ryōri, exquisitely presented vegetarian dishes made with tofu and seasonal vegetables. Depending on temple regulations, you can anticipate group meals, quiet, or gentle conversation.
Meditation, chanting, or fire rites (goma) are examples of evening and morning routines. Although normally voluntary, participation is strongly encouraged.
Cultural travelers - Those seeking authentic Japan beyond hotels.
Solo explorers - Safe, structured, and introspective.
Couples - A unique, shared cultural experience.
Families - Possible, but less flexible for picky eaters or restless kids.
Tourist-friendliness is improving: popular shukubō like those in Koyasan often provide English information and booking sites. Remote monasteries are more rustic.
“I stayed at two temples in Koyasan and it was the high point of my trip in Japan last June. Koyasan is a fantastic place to learn about Shingon Buddhism. Even the ride up the mountain to this holy place is incredible.” - Reddit User
“We stayed at the Koyasan Saizen-in. Temple. It was great. Large rooms. Peaceful courtyard. Fabulous prayer room.” - Reddit User
Booking: Use temple associations (like Koyasan Shukubō Association) or major booking sites for popular temples.
What to Pack: Cash, light pajamas (rooms can be cold in winter), socks for tatami, and layers.
Curfews: Many temples lock doors around 21:00. Plan dinner early.
Luggage: Rooms are small, bring compact bags or send luggage ahead.
Accessibility: Older temples may lack elevators; baths are shared.
Clothing: Modest, comfortable clothes. Avoid flashy outfits.
Etiquette: Shoes off indoors; follow staff instructions. During prayers, sit quietly and observe. In baths, wash before soaking. Yukata robes may be provided for use inside the lodging.
Koyasan (Wakayama): The most famous spot, with 50+ temples offering stays (shukubō Koyasan).
Kyoto: Temples near Mt. Hiei, Arashiyama, and central districts.
Nagano (Zenkoji): Historic Zen temples open to guests.
Pilgrimage trails: Kumano Kodo routes (pictured below) and Shikoku offer monastery-style inns.
Trade-offs: Koyasan offers the broadest options but requires a detour from Osaka. Kyoto has easier access but fewer temple stays.
Most temple lodgings are accessible by JR train + local connections.
Koyasan: JR lines to Osaka - Nankai Railway to Koyasan - short bus/taxi to temples.
Kyoto: Easy JR access; temples are often in or near city areas.
Nagano: JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano, then local lines/bus.
If you’re planning multi-city travel, a JR Pass is the easiest way to cover long-distance train journeys. On the ground, use IC cards for buses and subways.
Stay connected with Pocket Wi-Fi for maps and temple instructions. For first-timers, consider an Airport Meet & Greet for a smooth start in Japan.
Prefer a classic hotel stay? JapanDen has you covered with convenient options across major areas.
We’ll be adding more stay types soon, stay tuned. In the meantime, browse JapanDen’s hotel picks to mix a temple night with city comfort.
Connectivity helper: Stay online for maps, translations, and e-tickets with reliable pocket Wi-Fi.
History: Shukubō developed centuries ago as pilgrim lodging, especially in Koyasan and along the Kumano Kodo.
Cultural value: Staying at a temple offers access to rituals, gardens, and traditional Buddhist cuisine.
Legal notes: Temple lodgings are licensed accommodations under Japanese tourism law.
Family-friendliness: Welcoming, but not designed for small children’s flexibility.
Q. What is a shukubō?
A. Shukubō is a temple lodging in Japan where travelers can stay overnight, join rituals, and eat Buddhist vegetarian meals.
Q. How much does temple lodging cost?
A. Around ¥9,000–¥15,000 per person per night (with meals), higher at popular temples like Koyasan.
Q. Can foreigners stay in Japanese Buddhist temples?
A. Yes, many temples, especially in Koyasan and Kyoto, welcome international visitors.
Q. Do you have to be Buddhist to stay in a temple in Japan?
A. No, temple lodging is open to all, regardless of religion.
Q. Can you stay overnight at a temple in Kyoto?
A. Yes, several temples in Kyoto offer lodging, though Koyasan has the widest selection.
Q. What do you eat at temple lodging in Japan?
A. Guests are served shōjin ryōri, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
Q. Is Koyasan temple stay worth it?
A. Yes, it’s one of the most authentic cultural experiences you can have in Japan.
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