For travelers seeking a deeper cultural connection with Japan beyond typical tourist experiences, spending a night or more at a Buddhist temple offers an unparalleled window into Japanese spirituality, traditional lifestyle, and the practice of mindfulness. Known as shukubo (temple lodging) or temple stays, these experiences allow visitors to temporarily live alongside Buddhist monks, participate in daily rituals, and experience the tranquility of temple grounds after day-visitors have departed.
While temple stays were traditionally meant for pilgrims and religious practitioners, many temples across Japan now welcome curious travelers looking for cultural immersion. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what to expect, how to find the right temple for your interests, and how to prepare for this unique cultural experience.
What Is a Temple Stay?
Temple stays typically include accommodations in the temple's guest quarters, vegetarian meals prepared according to Buddhist principles, and opportunities to participate in morning prayers, meditation sessions, and other spiritual practices. Depending on the temple, you might also have the chance to try shakyo (sutra copying), ajikan (meditation on the Sanskrit letter "A"), or other traditional Buddhist activities.
A typical guest room in a Japanese temple, featuring minimalist tatami accommodations
The level of immersion and strictness varies widely from temple to temple:
- Some temples offer a light cultural experience with comfortable accommodations and minimal participation in religious activities
- Others provide more authentic immersion with stricter schedules and active participation in temple life
- A few temples offer intensive Zen experiences that mirror the daily life of monks, including pre-dawn wake-up calls, extended meditation periods, and temple chores
What to Expect During Your Stay
While each temple has its own schedule and offerings, here's what a typical temple stay might include:
Daily Schedule
- 5:00-5:30 AM: Wake-up call
- 6:00-7:00 AM: Morning prayer service (optional or required, depending on the temple)
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast (traditional vegetarian temple cuisine)
- 9:00-11:00 AM: Meditation session, sutra copying, or other spiritual activity
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- Afternoon: Free time to explore temple grounds or nearby areas
- 5:00-6:00 PM: Evening prayer service (at some temples)
- 6:00-6:30 PM: Dinner
- 9:00 PM: Lights out (temples often observe early bedtimes)
Accommodations
Most temple accommodations feature traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami mat floors and futon bedding that is laid out in the evening and put away in the morning. Bathrooms are typically shared, and some older temples may have limited bathing facilities. The accommodations are usually simple and modest, but clean and adequate.
Meals: Shojin Ryori
Shojin ryori, or Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, is a highlight of many temple stays. This plant-based culinary tradition dates back over 800 years and emphasizes seasonal ingredients, balanced flavors, and minimal waste. Meals typically feature tofu, seasonal vegetables, mountain plants, and rice prepared with care and artistic presentation.
Shojin ryori, the traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine served during temple stays
Key aspects of temple cuisine include:
- No meat, fish, or animal products
- Avoidance of pungent vegetables like garlic and onions (believed to disturb meditation)
- Use of "five methods" of cooking: raw, boiled, grilled, steamed, and fried
- Presentation of food in "five colors": green, yellow, red, white, and black
Notable Temples Offering Overnight Stays
Mount Koya (Koyasan), Wakayama Prefecture
With over 50 temples offering accommodations, the sacred mountain complex of Koyasan is Japan's most accessible and well-established temple stay destination. Founded in 816 CE by the monk Kukai (posthumously known as Kobo Daishi), this UNESCO World Heritage site is the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism.
Recommended temples:
- Ekoin Temple: One of the most foreigner-friendly temples on Koyasan, offering guided meditation sessions in English and access to a traditional goma fire ritual
- Shojoshin-in: Located next to the atmospheric Okunoin cemetery, this temple offers beautiful gardens and excellent shojin ryori meals
- Muryoko-in: Known for its excellent location and warm hospitality from the resident monks
How to get there: Take the Nankai Railway from Osaka to Gokurakubashi Station (about 80 minutes), then a cable car and bus to Koyasan. The entire journey takes approximately 2 hours from Osaka.
Myoshinji Temple Complex, Kyoto
This massive temple complex in northwestern Kyoto contains about 50 sub-temples spread across 70 acres, several of which offer overnight stays. As the headquarters of the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, this is an excellent place to experience authentic Zen practices.
Recommended temples:
- Taizoin: Known for its exquisite garden and friendly English-speaking staff who provide cultural explanations
- Shunko-in: Offers meditation sessions in English and has a more international outlook
How to get there: Take the JR San-in Line to Hanazono Station or the Keifuku Kitano Line to Myoshinji Station. The complex is a short walk from either station.
Daitokuji Temple Complex, Kyoto
Another important Zen complex in Kyoto with several sub-temples that accommodate overnight guests. Daitokuji is known for its connection to the Japanese tea ceremony and features some of the finest Zen gardens in Japan.
Recommended temples:
- Zuiho-in: Features an exquisite rock garden and offers zazen meditation sessions
How to get there: From Kyoto Station, take city bus 205 or 206 to Daitokuji-mae bus stop.
Early morning zazen meditation session at a Zen temple in Kyoto
Zenko-ji, Nagano
One of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist temples, founded in the 7th century. The temple lodgings here offer a chance to join the morning ritual of following monks through a completely dark underground passage beneath the main hall, symbolizing the journey to paradise.
How to get there: Zenko-ji is a 15-minute walk north from JR Nagano Station.
Eiheiji, Fukui Prefecture
For those seeking a more intensive Zen experience, Eiheiji offers one of Japan's most authentic temple stays. Founded in 1244 by Zen Master Dogen, this temple continues to function as a training monastery with hundreds of resident monks. Visitors staying overnight participate in the strict daily schedule, including pre-dawn meditation and formal meals eaten in silence with traditional monastic bowls.
How to get there: From Fukui Station, take a bus bound for Eiheiji (about 30 minutes).
How to Book a Temple Stay
Temple stays can be arranged through various methods:
- Direct booking: Many larger temples have websites with booking information, though smaller temples may only have information in Japanese
- Specialized booking services: Websites like Japanese Guest Houses or Booking.com now list temple accommodations
- Local tourist information centers: In places like Koyasan, the tourist information center can help with same-day bookings if there's availability
- Ryokan booking agencies: Some agencies that specialize in traditional accommodations can also arrange temple stays
It's recommended to book well in advance, especially for popular temples or during high tourist seasons (spring cherry blossom season, fall foliage season, and summer holidays).
Temple Stay Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts
Do:
- Remove your shoes when entering buildings (look for shoe racks or shelves near entrances)
- Speak quietly and move calmly throughout the temple
- Be punctual for scheduled activities and meals
- Try everything offered, even if brief (meditation, sutra copying, etc.)
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered
- Ask permission before taking photos, especially during ceremonies
Don't:
- Bring or consume alcohol or meat products on temple grounds
- Speak loudly or play music without headphones
- Skip scheduled activities without informing the staff
- Enter areas marked as private or staff-only
- Point your feet toward Buddhist altars or statues when sitting or sleeping
- Express overly romantic affection in public areas of the temple
What to Pack for Your Temple Stay
- Modest, comfortable clothing (long pants or skirts, shirts with sleeves)
- Warm layers (temples are often drafty and may have minimal heating)
- Comfortable socks (you'll be shoeless indoors much of the time)
- Basic toiletries (some temples provide minimal amenities)
- Flashlight or headlamp (useful for early morning activities)
- Earplugs (temple walls can be thin)
- Camera (but use respectfully)
- Small gift for the temple staff (optional but appreciated)
Understanding Different Types of Buddhist Activities
Zazen Meditation
Seated meditation is central to Zen Buddhism. During your stay, you'll likely participate in guided zazen sessions lasting 20-40 minutes. For beginners, this may feel challenging, but it's a valuable experience in mindfulness. You'll sit on a cushion with your legs crossed, back straight, and eyes half-open, focusing on your breath or a specific point.
Sutra Copying (Shakyo)
This meditative practice involves tracing Buddhist sutras with a brush and ink. No prior calligraphy experience is needed, as you'll trace over faint characters. This activity promotes concentration and is considered a form of meditation and devotion.
Morning Services (Otsutome)
Dawn prayer services typically include chanting of sutras by monks, often with ritual offerings and sometimes the playing of traditional instruments. While you may not understand the words, the rhythmic chanting creates a powerfully atmospheric experience.
Final Thoughts
A temple stay offers far more than just unique accommodation; it's an opportunity to temporarily step outside your normal life and experience a way of living that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. In our hyper-connected world, the simplicity, mindfulness, and structured routine of temple life can provide valuable perspective and a chance for genuine cultural understanding.
Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, cultural immersion, or simply a unique travel experience, a night or two in a Japanese temple can become one of the most memorable highlights of your journey through Japan. The early mornings and simple accommodations may require some adjustment, but the rewards—tranquil gardens at dawn, the resonant sounds of morning chanting, and the taste of meticulously prepared temple cuisine—offer authentic insights into Japanese culture that few tourists ever experience.
