Zen Buddhist Temple Lodging in Japan

Experience temple lodging in Japan and immerse yourself in the simple, peaceful tranquility of the ancient tradition and practice of Zen.

Overview of Zen Temple Lodging in Japan

Experience Japan’s ancient Zen Buddhist culture firsthand by spending a night in a Zen temple.

A night in a temple gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the simple beauty and tranquility embodied in Zen Buddhism. During your temple stay, enjoy simple yet artfully prepared Japanese vegetarian meals. Then arise early the next morning to take part in Zen meditation and rituals alongside real Japanese Buddhist monks.

Mount Koya (Koyasan)

Mount Koya, located in Wakayama Prefecture to the south of Osaka, is the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Listed as an official World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004, Koyasan is a popular spot among Japanese and tourists alike for sightseeing and temple lodging. Mount Koya is home to over 100 temples, and many of these provide “pilgrim’s lodgings,” called shukubo, which are open to tourists.

In order to access Mount Koya, take a limited express (about 80 minutes) or an express (1 hour 40 minutes) train on the Nankai Koya Line of the Nankai Railway from Osaka Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station. From there, a cable car will take you up the mountain.

For temple reservations, see the official Koyasan web site.