Called “shukubo” in Japanese, temple lodging is a term for places offering both monks and general worshipers a place to stay.

This historic practice has carried over into these modern times and the majority of shukubo places welcome international tourists with open arms.

In some cases, you directly stay at the shrine or temple while sometimes, the temple lodging is a separate building on the premises or in the direct neighborhood.

But why do a Tokyo temple stay? The charms of committing to this experience are innumerable, as you join the monks and priests in their practices, are instructed in meditation, prayer, and ascetic practices.

“Takigyo” is the famous practice of sitting or standing under a waterfall, “shakyo” is Sutra copying and a one-of-a-kind calligraphy training, “zazen” is deep, quiet Zen meditation – these are only the most well-known examples of experiences that await.

Another major highlight of staying at a shrine or temple is “shojin ryori,” the traditional, vegetable Buddhist cuisine. Abiding by religious standards, such food is prepared without any meat, including fish.

As every shrine or temple is different, so differs the lodging itself, including amenities, furniture, and so on. It is important to check such details before you book, either by inquiring directly or on the lodging’s website. Reservations can be made directly or via booking websites.

Shukubo is a rich, fascinating, and rather intense experience, so prior research is important. Without further ado, let’s look at some of the most amazing temple and shrine lodgings near Tokyo!

Immerse yourself in the heart of Tokyo with a stay at a distinctive accommodation – a 400-year-old temple. Shoden-ji has opened its doors to guests, extending a warm invitation to more people and encouraging visits through unique stays.

Beyond accommodation, the temple provides opportunities for guests to engage in prayer sessions, meditation, and various activities, creating a more intimate connection with the temple. The lodging is a charming two-story standalone house, and Shoden-ji also offers long-term stay options.

・Language(s) supported: English, Japanese
・Wi-Fi: Free WiFi available
・Bathroom: Toilet paper, Towels, Bidet, Slippers, Private Bathroom, Toilet, Free toiletries, Hairdryer, Shower

Mount Mitake is one of the most famous, scenic mountains in the Tokyo area. It takes about 2 hours to get there from Shinjuku by train, bus, and finally cable car, making it a popular day-trip destination for Tokyoites and tourists.

Musashi Mitake Shrine sits at the top of this stunning, lush mountain, and is said to date back to 91 B.C. From Japan’s Middle Ages onward, the shrine became a famous site for mountain worship, training many a great mind of the time. Around 20 lodgings belong to this historic shrine, with Shukubo Komadori Sanso and its “takigyo” waterfall meditation experience being the most famous by far.

The building itself is entirely committed to Japanese architectural styles and as it's nestled on the slope of the mountain, it boasts a breathtaking view over the entire area.

Shower rooms at Shukubo Komadori Sanso provide basic comfort, but the real highlight is the two public baths (separated by gender) and its cypress barrel tubs.

Dinner incorporates local, seasonal ingredients such as freshwater fish and mushrooms, letting you savor the fruits of the mountain in a way you’ve never tasted before.

While some people prefer to eat dinner outside of their Tokyo temple stay and tend to book a Bed and Breakfast, there is no restaurant or eatery in the vicinity of Komadori Sanso – remember, it is a remote shrine area. We recommend booking both dinner (2,160 yen) and breakfast (1,080 yen).

The famous takigyo waterfall meditation experience takes place at said waterfall directly, which is a scenic 30-minute walk away from the lodging itself. It takes place in the early morning of the next day, before breakfast.

Only in the coldest months, from December to February, this traditional practice is not carried out, but apart from that, any reasonably healthy person is welcome to join, no matter nationality or religion (available for solo travelers, children not allowed).

After feeling the cold waterfall rain down on you, return to enjoy your traditional breakfast before getting the chance to explore Musashi Mitake Shrine itself.

(*Please note that the waterfall is worshiped as a Shinto deity, so certain religious customs and practices will need to be followed, regardless of your personal beliefs.)

・Number of rooms: 10
・Wi-Fi: available
・Amenities: yukata, towels, bath towels, two-in-one shampoo, soap, razor, toothbrush set
・Meals: Dinner, breakfast included (may include pork or beef)
・Language support: English. Their website is in English as well.
・Reservation via: phone, email, fax, online (accepted until the day before)
・Recommended: the takigyo waterfall experience (3,240 yen for men, 3,780 yen for women)

Seizan-so is another one of Musashi Mitake Shrine’s shukubo lodges, standing right at the approach to the beautiful shrine and across the Mitake Visitor Center. At Seizan-so, you’ll get all the information you need for hiking courses in the area, so it’s a particularly sightseeing-friendly shrine lodging.

The building itself is impressive as well, constructed in a traditional Japanese architectural style and adorned with a beautiful thatch roof. Seizan-so offers five rooms in total, the smallest are 8-tatami (~13 m²) for two to three people, while bigger rooms can house entire groups of people.

The popular waterfall experience is offered twice a day, both in the afternoon and in the morning. Try it either on the day of your arrival or before breakfast on the next day!

It takes about 30 minutes on foot to get to both the Ayahiro Falls and the Nanayono Falls, so make sure to wear proper shoes and clothes fit for a bit of hiking. Also, don’t forget the towels – women need to bring bath towels, men bring face towels.

Before the waterfall experience and after meals, a breathing and meditation experience is offered, a practice to calm and cleanse both heart and mind, let go of stress, tapping your inner strength, and so on.

The waterfall, the mediation, and Japanese classical music performances are wonderful ways to immerse yourself in old traditions and culture.

Both this meditation and the waterfall experience are open to everyone, however, the explanations are given entirely in Japanese. Because of that, we recommend going with a friend or family member who is able to interpret.

・Number of rooms: 5
・Wi-Fi: available
・Amenities: yukata, towels, bath towels, toothbrush set
・Meals: Dinner, breakfast included (no pork or beef)
・Language support: basic English
・Reservation via: phone, email (hfrr935@yahoo.co.jp)
・Recommended: the takigyo waterfall & meditation experience (11,800 yen per person, lodging included)

This beautiful temple’s full name is Fukuosan Shogakuji and it boasts a history dating back to 1483. It belongs to the Buddhist Soto sect and is nestled among peaceful mountains in the west of Saitama Prefecture, with mainly fresh air, lush trees, and the starry sky around it.

What sounds like a rather remote location can actually be reached in just two hours via the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and a bus.

The main characteristic of staying at Shogakuji is that it offers a thoroughly unique experience of what the life of a Buddhist monk means.

You’ll participate in meditation practices, as well as the work of copying sutras for the temple. Because the shukubo at Shogakuji is a two-night experience, it is a popular training destination for martial arts groups.

Guests sleep in the main hall or the meeting hall, so the temple will only provide you with a futon, so you need to bring toiletry, pajamas, towels, and the likes.

Dinner and breakfast are included at this Tokyo temple stay. You’ll be served traditional Buddhist cuisine called “shojin ryori,” the simple yet wonderfully natural meals of monks. Shogakuji is an incredibly peaceful place, with a clear, starry sky at night, the song of wild birds echoing all around – it’s the perfect place to take a break.

・Number of rooms: 5
・Wi-Fi: available
・Amenities: soap
・Meals: Dinner, breakfast included (lunch available for reservation)
・Language support: basic English
・Reservation via: phone, email (shougakuji@yahoo.co.jp), fax (until 5 days in advance)
・Recommended: the sutra copying experience (1,000 yen per person)

Taiyoji’s temple stay is especially popular among international tourists and young Japanese women, as the experience focuses on a casual stay and gentle learning. The Nikkei Economic Newspaper has even awarded Taiyoji the title of “Number One Temple Lodging for Beginners.”

It is located deep in the mountains of Chichibu, at the westernmost point of Saitama prefecture – standing at 800 meters height, the lush nature and isolation will immediately calm your soul.

The temple was founded about 700 years ago and stands out as one of the few mountain temples during the Edo period that allowed women to partake in its rituals. Guests can check-in until 4:00 p.m. and look forward to meditation practice, sutra copying, and a traditional Buddhist dinner.

The view from Taiyoji is second to none, a peaceful and quiet place that seems a world apart from the buzz of modern life. The night sky above you is full of stars, and to relax not only your mind but also your body, an outdoor hot spring bath can be enjoyed 24 hours of the day – the priest himself constructed it.

The next day starts early with Zazen meditation practice, breakfast, and temple chores, such as cleaning the precincts. Then it’s back home, and you might find the farewell to be all too soon.

While the activities of the temple lodging experience at Taiyoji are predetermined, you can freely decide whether you want to participate or not. For those who merely want to spend a quiet time in the middle of calm nature, this is the right choice. Bring pajamas and toiletry.

・Number of rooms: 10
・Wi-Fi: not available
・Amenities: body soap, shampoo
・Meals: Dinner, breakfast included (Buddhist cuisine)
・Language support: basic English
・Reservation via: phone, email (gomasenjyu@gmail.com)
・Recommended: the Zazen meditation, free if you spend the night (otherwise 4,000 yen per person, from groups of 5)
・Access: Mitsumineguchi Station (Chichibu Railway), then Seibu Kanko Bus (via Chichibuko / Nakatsugawa) to Taiyoji Iriguchi. (Guests who spend the night can be picked up at Mitsumineguchi Station with prior notice.)

Close to the tip of the Boso Peninsula, east of Tokyo, you’ll find Seicho-ji, a temple amidst the mountains of Chiba’s Kamogawa City.

Belonging to the Buddhist Nichiren sect, the temple boasts a history of almost 1,200 years. It takes about 2,5 hours from Tokyo Station to the nearby Awa-Amatsu Station if you take the JR Sotobo Line.

The temple lodging of Seicho-ji is the training hall on the precincts, offering 22 rooms in total. It is perfectly okay to use this temple lodging as a regular accommodation!

As such, the temple welcomes a large variety of guests, from solo travelers to groups of adults and even children.

Needless to say, international guests are also more than welcome to join. Basic amenities such as a yukata and a toothbrush set are provided, and Seicho-ji boasts its own guest room bath, as well as a middle-sized and large bath that are assigned depending on the number of guests.

Dinner and breakfast are made up of delicious dishes of traditional Buddhist cuisine, plentiful in both taste and volume.

Early in the morning on your second day, you’ll be taken to Asahigamori on the temple precincts. It’s a place that is designated as one of Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Sunrises and it is said that Nichiren, founder of the sect himself, first chanted his famous Lotus Sutra as he watched the sunrise at Asahigamori.

Afterward, the head monk invites his guests to join the morning service at the main hall. A special photo experience is also available, from 500 yen extra.

・Number of rooms: 22
・Check-in: from 3:30 p.m.
・Check-out: until 10:00 p.m.
・Wi-Fi: not available
・Amenities: toothbrush set, towel, yukata, shampoo, body soap
・Meals: Dinner, breakfast included (Buddhist cuisine)
・Language support: in Japanese only
・Reservation via: phone, email (info@seichoji.com; until 7 days in advance)
・Recommended: the sutra copying, meditation, and the tour through the halls

Shukubo Kannonin in Kiryu, nestled at the Ashio mountain range foothills in Gunma Prefecture, offers a unique temple stay curated to shine a light on local brands and creators. The temple is known as one of the top 100 spots to visit in Gunma, and is well known for its lush greenery and natural environment. This exclusive temple lodging combines traditional architecture with a serene atmosphere, providing a tranquil experience rooted in Japanese hospitality.

Guests can enjoy temple activities for an exceptional stay, including meditation, writing sutra, temple yoga, meditation, and more.

・Language(s) supported: English, Japanese
・Wi-Fi: Free WiFi available
・Parking: Free parking
・Breakfast: Included
・Facilities: Non-smoking rooms; shared kitchen
・Private bathroom with toilet, free toiletries, bidet, towels, hairdryer

A temple overseen by the 35th generation head priest of a samurai lineage, Ryutakuzenji boasts a rich 600-year history in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. This historical site is a haven for body and soul, offering the option of morning meditation in its 300-year-old main hall, surrounded by peaceful mountains. Conveniently reachable from Tokyo, the accommodation invites guests to immerse themselves in a Zen atmosphere and relish delightful meals for breakfast and dinner.

Unplug from screens and appreciate the serene landscape outside the window, fostering a tranquil ambiance without televisions. Embrace the simplicity of nature and rejuvenate your eyes while experiencing a unique stay at Ryutakuzenji.

・Language(s) supported: English, Japanese
・Wi-Fi/Parking: Free WiFi throughout the property, Free private parking available
・Facilities: Restaurant, 24-hour front desk, Shared kitchen, On-site bar
・Recreation: Free use of bicycles, Garden, Shared lounge area
・Private bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, bidet

Immerse yourself in Zen at ZEN & BED Bogetsu-An, where you will have a special experience. Stay next to Erinji, a historic Buddhist temple in Koshu, Yamanashi Prefecture, about an hour's drive from the Mount Fuji area. Apart from the wonderfully intricate yet simple tatami rooms, you’ll also be able to delve into a depth of activities, including a matcha experience, meditation, and create your own miniature dry landscape.

Enjoy a Zen-inspired dinner, shojin ryori, and practice mindful eating. This is where Zen becomes a cozy retreat. Koshu is also home to a ton of onsen places, wineries, fruit orchards, and trekking trails, sure to be a delightful addition to your travel plans.

・Language(s) supported: English, Japanese
・Internet: No internet access available
・Parking/Breakfast: Free parking, Breakfast included
・Rooms: Fitted with a coffee machine, kettle; some rooms include a kitchenette with a stovetop
・Facilities: Non-smoking rooms, Family rooms

Temple Hotel Shimanobo is located on Mount Minobu in Yamanashi Prefecture. One of the oldest temple lodgings in the area, with a rich 749-year history, it is home to valuable Buddha statues from the Muromachi period. Guests can participate in prayer, meditation, and calligraphy experiences, whilst being surrounded by iconic weeping cherry trees on the mountain sight, providing a delightful spectacle throughout the seasons.

This temple stay is also accessible for those with mobility issues. Whether on a pilgrimage or leisurely tour, a stay at Temple Hotel Shimanobo promises a unique and historical experience.

・Language(s) supported: Japanese
・Parking: Free parking
・Breakfast: Breakfast included
・Shared bathroom: Towels, Bidet, Slippers, Toilet, Hairdryer, Bathtub, Shower

Kakurinbo, located at Mount Minobu, Yamanashi, is a historic temple associated with Kuonji, the main temple of the Buddhist Nichiren Shu sect. The guest house provides a traditional temple experience, offering serene accommodations surrounded by a garden and koi pond designed by the renowned Zen master Muso Kokushi. Kakurinbo is celebrated for its cuisine, featuring yuba tofu, a staple of the Buddhist vegetarian diet, while incorporating seasonal ingredients, including Akebono soybeans unique to the Minobu region.

Originally established to house visiting priests, Kakurinbo now welcomes both visitors and worshipers, preserving a traditional atmosphere with fusuma-separated (sliding doors) rooms and communal baths scented with local wine bath salts for a relaxing stay.

・Language(s) supported: English, Japanese
Here's the organized list for the provided information:

・Wi-Fi/Parking: WiFi available in all areas, free of charge; Free private parking on site (no reservation needed), Accessible parking
・Bathroom: Towels, Slippers
・Unit Feature: Each unit has tatami mat flooring
・Services: Baggage storage, Packed lunches, Yoga classes

Dating back to its opening in 1280, Habanobo is situated at the eastern edge of Mount Minobu in Yamanashi Prefecture. One of the oldest and historically rich halls among the current Minobusan sub-temples, Habanobo has never been physically moved for over 50 generations of head priests, preserving its original and historic location.

Enjoy shojin ryori for both breakfast and dinner during your stay, and engage in various activities such as sutra copying, morning prayer services, sutra chanting, meditation, and waterfall meditation. For an exclusive experience, the entire temple stay can be rented, and you can customize your stay in collaboration with the head priest.

・Language(s) supported: English, Japanese
Here's the organized list for the provided details:

・Wi-Fi/Parking: WiFi available in some rooms, free of charge; Free parking
・Facilities: Non-smoking rooms, Family rooms
・Shared bathroom and toilet: Towels, Bathtub or shower, Slippers, Hairdryer, Bathtub, Shower
・Services: Shared lounge/TV area, Private check-in/out, Baggage storage

Temple stays around Tokyo offer an unparalleled opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse oneself in the serene world of Zen Buddhism.

Each temple, with its unique history and practices, invites guests into a realm of tranquility, mindfulness, and spiritual rejuvenation. Whether it's participating in meditation and prayer, indulging in the delicate flavors of shojin ryori, or experiencing the ancient practices of sutra copying and waterfall meditation, these temple stays provide a rare chance to connect with the rich cultural heritage of Japan. For anyone looking to enrich their travel experience with a touch of spiritual insight and tranquility, these are an experience not to be missed.