[Japan] Overnight stay at a temple

Shukubo provide traditional temple lodging and are open to visitors

 

Find inner peace in a sacred place

Since ancient times, monks who travel long distances have stopped by a place known as Shukubo. Seeing an increasing number of visitors who needed accommodation during the long journey, Shukubo began to open its doors to ordinary travelers as well. Recently, many visitors want to stay at various temples and experience various styles of Shukubo.

It is important to relieve physical fatigue, but it is also important to relieve mental fatigue. The Shukubo accommodation gives you a peaceful feeling, and here you have the opportunity to experience the life of a Buddhist monk. Even if it's just one day, you can escape the cares and worries of the world here.

Rooms and meals served may vary depending on the temple.

Shukubo is mostly similar, but each has its own way. Toilets are usually used for public use, and some temples offer luxury rooms or rooms with private bathrooms. It is best to check the payment method in advance, keeping in mind that some temples only accept cash when booking Shukubo accommodation. Also, room rates usually include dinner and breakfast. A small but important thing to pay attention to when staying in Shukubo is to respect the monks and not disturb them as much as possible. Monks want to help visitors and provide amazing cultural experiences, but don't forget that monks also practice every day.

Traditional Japanese rooms and meals

The traditional Japanese room has a mattress blanket filled with light cotton, and you can spread the blanket on the tatami floor and sleep soundly. Tatami is a traditional type of flooring commonly used in Japan. Tatami is made of bone glue and straw, which is similar to the objects found in martial arts training gyms.

The temple's meals that follow Buddhist doctrines and guidelines are also unique. The temple's meals are called 'shojin ryori' or temple food. Shojinryori does not use meat, fish, dairy products or eggs. There are many similarities with vegan cuisine.

In the case of alcohol, there are rules for drinking in every Shukubo. Some Shukubo can order alcohol as medicinal food or drink, but some places strictly prohibit it.

If you have any personal questions, it is best to contact Shukubo directly.

When you stay, you can relax and empty your mind, immersed in the sacred atmosphere of the temple garden and the beautiful surroundings carefully maintained by monks. Shukubo is the perfect place to ease all anxiety and anxiety and enjoy a truly spiritual moment.

Experience the daily life of a monk

To enjoy Shukubo to the fullest, you can participate in a dawn prayer known as Gongyo. The type of konkyo offered depends on the Buddhist sect that the Shukubo is related to. Like other religions, Buddhism also shows slightly different forms of faith from sect to sect. The most common denominations are Zhengtao (Jodo) Buddhism, Shingon Buddhism, and serial (Nichyren) Buddhism. There are various ways of performing gongyo in each sect, including reciting scriptures and using beads or clapping. Another activity that the public can participate in is meditation.

Reservation of Shukubo (available in English)

Reservations for Shukubo are available online, and sites in English are available. Shukubo offers English reservation services as follows.

Kakurinbo (Yamanashi)

Seigokuji Temple (Nara)

Mt. Koyasan (Wakayama

Waku Midera Temple (Shiga)

Shourekiji Temple (Kyoto)

Chishakuin Temple (Kyoto)

Reservation of Shukubo (available in Japanese)

The famous Shukubo, which can be booked online and available only in Japanese, is as follows.

Enmeiinswa (Nagano)

Anrakuji Temple (Tokushima)

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