It isn’t difficult to find fun activities to fill your days with when traveling to Kyoto; some of the best things to do include visiting the Kyoto Railway Museum or Kyoto National Museum, or do a bit of shopping at the Nishiki Market. Perhaps, though, it goes without saying that this region of Japan is best known for its numerous temples and shrines, many of which have weathered wars, fires, and other disasters for centuries now. You can visit many of these temples during the daytime hours, but something that would make your trip to Kyoto even more memorable is staying in a temple during your travels. If you don’t know where to stay in the city, try booking the best hotels near Kyoto Station. But, for a night or two, why not try something unique? Read on to find some of the best temple stays in Kyoto, Japan.
1. Myoshin-ji Temple
Myoshin-ji Temple is the head temple of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Inside this complex, you can find the Myōshin-ji school, which is by far the largest school for this religion. This complex also features about 50 sub-temples aside from its main buildings, and only a number of these sub-temples are open to the public. That said, you’re free to wander along the walking paths and explore the area.
For accommodations, you can book a room at The Hanazono Kaikan, Myōshin-ji’s official temple lodging. This modern-style hotel features rooms that are equipped with cable television and an ensuite bathroom with complimentary amenities. There’s also a large restaurant that serves delicious Japanese dishes and a shop that sells Kyoto and Buddhist souvenirs.
Myoshin-ji Temple
Address: 1 Hanazonomyoshinjicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8035, Japan
Website: Myoshin-ji Temple
2. Shunko-in Temple
Located in the center of Kyoto’s largest community of Buddhist temples, Shunko-in has unique accommodations awaiting your arrival. Guests will stay in a newly built (2013) guesthouse known as “Tetsuryu-Kutsu.“ You’ll have modern amenities here while still staying true to Japanese temple style. Your bedding will be the mats you expect, with a maximum of three guests per room (there are eight guestrooms total). Each room features a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, as well as a heater and air conditioning to maximize your comfort. Massage services are available at Shunko-in as well, though these services will incur an additional fee.
Shunko-in Temple
Address: 42 Hanazonomyoshinjicho, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8035, Japan
Website: Shunko-in Temple
3. Chishaku-in Kaikan Temple
If you don’t know where to stay in Kyoto, try Chishaku-in Temple. It is where the Chisan School of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism is located, which is at the southern tip of the Higashiyama mountain range in Kyoto. The accommodations here feature private rooms for guests, allowing you the peace you might not find in dormitory-style housing. When staying here, it is best to note that only guests who speak Japanese or are traveling with someone who speaks the language can be accommodated.
Chishaku-in Kaikan Temple
Address: XQQG+6H Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Website: Chishaku-in Kaikan Temple
4. Rokuo-in Temple
Founded in 1380 as a Rinzai-sect temple of the Japanese Zen Buddhist persuasion, Rokuo-in is located in the western section of Kyoto and is well known for the beautiful display of color its autumn leaves present each year. Rokuo-in is often less visited than its neighboring temple Tenryuji, though its a wonder why as the grounds here are fantastically well kept. The overnight lodging facilities here are exclusively for women and feature tatami-floored rooms. Guests are welcome to join in the morning sermon and zazen session, which begins at 6:30 am every morning. A dinner and bath are also provided to guests, though you should be sure to bring your own towels and toiletries.
Rokuo-in Temple
Address: 24 Sagakitaboricho, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8367, Japan
5. Daishin-in Temple
Located in the temple complex of Myoshin-Ji, Daishin-in is housed in a building made of timber, which is thought to enhance your experience. The guest rooms here (10 in total) are equipped with both heating and air conditioning and are separated from each other with sliding screens, which affords you a bit of privacy. The bathrooms are shared among all the guests, and you’ll want to be in your room by 22:00, as that’s lights-out time. You’ll have to venture outside the temple when it comes time for dinner, as they don’t serve food here, but you will be within close proximity to a number of dining options.
Daishin-in Temple
Address: 57 Hanazonomyoshinjicho, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8035, Japan
Website: Daishin-in Temple
6. Shoho-in Temple
Shoho-in Temple has a history that can be traced all the way back to the 13th century, during what is known as the Bun-ei period. The lodge guests can stay in is close to a garden that has various flowers that grow year round, allowing you to indulge in the beauty of it anytime you may travel here. They cultivate their own food here, which you will be treated to during your meal time here; if you would prefer, you can even take your meals in the comfort of your room.
Shoho-in Temple
Address: 8 Daibutsucho, Gifu, Gifu Prefecture 500-8018, Japan
7. Hiden-in Temple
Come stay in the Hiden-in Temple, which is in southern Kyoto in the precinct of Senyu-Ji. Breakfast is included in the price of your stay and your room includes the use of a Kotatsu heater. Rooms here are separated by sliding doors and there is a single bath available to guests, though you’ll need to supply your own toiletries and towels. As a guest, you are welcome to participate in the morning sermon, which begins at 7:00 am.
Hiden-in Temple
Address: 27 Sennyuji Yamanouchicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0977, Japan
8. Myorenji Temple
Located in the northern area of Kyoto, Myorenji was founded in 1294 by the disciples of Nichiren. The location has changed over the years, with this final location being settled in the latter part of the 16th century. Myorenji is often called the Temple of Flowers due to having such a wonderful floral display available year-round, something you’re sure to enjoy during your stay. At this temple lodging in Kyoto, you’ll want to make sure you plan to stay overnight at least two days, as this is the minimum nights allowed. Lodging is in a building separate from the temple itself, and typical tatami-matted rooms are to be expected. The bathroom is communal with other guests and the monks and priests that reside here.
Myorenji Temple
Address: Myorenjimaecho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 528-0208, Japan
9. Jorenge-in Temple
Jorenge-in is located a short 15-minute walk from downtown Kyoto in the town of Ohara. As with many of these temples, guests can learn a great deal about the Buddhist culture during their stay here. Participation in the morning prayer and rituals is not mandatory during your stay, but you are more than welcome to participate. Your overnight stay here includes an inclusive breakfast.
Jorenge-in Temple
Address: 407 Ohararaikoincho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 601-1242, Japan
10. Torin-in Temple
Alongside Daishin-in Temple, Torin-in is the only other temple within the Myoshin-ji complex that offers overnight accommodations to guests. Torin-in is well-known for their Buddhist cooking classes. The vegetables used in these classes are grown by the priests themselves, so you can rest assured that you’ll be eating only the most delicious of foods. As with many of the temples listed, you may join in the morning ceremonies, but you are certainly not required to.
Torin-in Temple
Address: 59 Hanazonomyoshinjicho, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8035, Japan
Enjoy a peaceful temple stay while in Kyoto
Kyoto is a city full of instagrammable places, and some of these places are gorgeous shrines and temples. While hotels are certainly wonderful, staying in a temple while Kyoto can have a way of bringing you back to basics and give you a more zen feeling. Be sure to check out these temple lodgings in Kyoto as a great alternative to traditional lodging should you find yourself in the city for a night or two!
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