Japan’s rich history and natural beauty have made it one of the most enduring tourist hotspots. There are lots of amazing places to visit in Japan. From gazing upon the beauty of Mt. Fuji to enjoying the marvelous sight of cherry blossoms and exploring ancient castles, temples, and shrines in Japan, the country offers a wealth of experiences. The country’s temples in particular date back centuries and are usually located amidst breathtaking landscapes, making them a prime attraction. One way to enhance this experience is to stay within the temple itself. Called “shukubo”, temple lodgings are accommodations offered to pilgrims and visitors. Staying inside the temple offers an opportunity to appreciate the austere life of Buddhist monks and observe the functioning of the temple at close quarters. Read on to find the list of the best temple stays in Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 06, 2026.
1. Seichoji Temple, Kamogawa
Seichoji Temple is located in Kamogawa, atop Chiba Prefecture’s second-highest mountain Myōken-san surrounded by beautiful mountain vistas. Its gorgeous setting makes it a top destination particularly to watch sunrises. The shukubo here primarily offers Japanese-style rooms with basic essentials like futons and yukatas (simple kimono). There are separate bathrooms and public baths with toiletries included. The onsite cafeteria offers vegetarian meals, breakfast, and dinner, the cost for which is however additional. Please note that you need to make reservations one week before your desired days of stay.
Seichoji Temple
Price: from 6,600 YEN/60 USD
Number of Guests: 2 per room
2. Taiyōji Temple, Chichibu
Located close to Tokyo, Taiyōji Temple in Saitama prefecture’s Chichibu region dates back to 1313 and still retains its antiquity in the way it looks with its buildings remaining untouched. The temple is located on the mountainside above a river valley, offering an incredible view of the Mitsumine mountains of the nearby Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. Run by a lone monk, this shukubo program offers a chance to experience the life of a monk. The lodgings are basic Japanese-style rooms with futons. The program costs include costs for dinner and breakfast (vegetarian only). Public baths plus an outside bath (rotemburo) is available. The program also encourages you to participate in sutra copying (shakyo), sutra chanting as well as a sermon. The highlight, of course, is exploring its serene green surroundings and witnessing the sun rising over the mountains.
Taiyōji Temple
Price: from 9,500 YEN/ 87 USD
Number of Guests: 2 per room
3. Mii-dera, Otsu
Mii-dera Temple located near Otsu in Shiga Prefecture dates back to 672 and is one of the largest temple complexes of Japan. The shukubo experience here is high end. Called “Myogon-In”, guests rent a whole lodge that hosts a total of four persons. Though the facilities are modern the experience will be authentic in not only the atmosphere but also the activities offered. Guests also have access to a Japanese-style private garden. The price of the stay includes meals (vegetarian) and other experiences such as Shugendo / Yamabushi, zazen sessions, sutra copying and even Japanese craft classes. Please keep in mind that reservations may require up to 30 days’ notice.
Mii-dera Temple
Price: from 150,000 YEN /1,370 USD
Number of Guests: 4 persons
4. Zenkō-ji Temple, Nagano (from USD 146)
Handy guide to delicious dining in Takayama, small breakfast restaurant across the street, and the option to experience Shojinryori (vegan temple food).
Reasonable pricing for a unique temple stay experience in central Takayama.
Centrally located with easy access to nice cafes, izakayas, and attractions in the area.
Spacious rooms, shared kitchen, meditation initiation, morning prayer, yoga class, and traditional Japanese architecture.
One of the most revered temples of Japan, Zenkō-ji Temple in Nagano is popular with both locals and tourists. The temple lodgings called Zenkoji Tokugyoubou is located on the grounds of the temple itself. Styled in the traditional Japanese manner, the rooms are simply furnished with tatami mats and cotton yukatas. Guests can participate in morning prayers (“o-asaji”) and partake in special meals made for monks called shojin ryo.
Temple Hotel Takayama Zenkoji
Address: Takayama-shi Tenmanmachi 4-3 Zenko-ji
185.4 km (115.3 mi) from Ryōan-ji
Japan Tour Guide
Jae Leung
Hello! I’m a HK born Singaporean based in Tokyo. I provide private custom tour all around Japan such as trips to Mt Fuji and Hakone.
5. Ekoin Temple, Mount Koya (from USD 88)
The 1000-year old Eko-in Mt. Koya Temple is sure to offer an authentic Japanese temple lodging experience. The rooms are tatami-floored and come with futons and shoji sliding doors, plus basic amenities like TV. Most rooms come with garden views. Guests have access to facilities like a common bathroom and a hot spring bath heated with natural water of Mt. Koyasan. Traditional vegetarian Buddisht meals are served in the rooms during set timings the cost of which is included in the room charges. Guests can participate in a number of temple activities including meditation services, Sutra Transcription, morning prayers, and the Goma fire ritual. A night tour of Okunoin can also be arranged at an extra cost.
Shukubo Koya-san Eko-in Temple
Address: Koyasan 497
92.09 km (57.3 mi) from Ryōan-ji
6. Osore-zan Bodai-ji Temple, Aomori
Mount Osore on the Shimokita Peninsula is counted among the three-most sacred mountains of Japan and that’s where the Osore-zan Bodai-ji Temple is located. Set against the backdrop of Lake Usori and the surrounding mountainsides, the temple is known as the place where spirits come to rest. The temple lodgings Shukubo Kisshokaku located on grounds offer Japanese-style rooms. The cost includes two vegetarian meals, served at the cafeteria as well as access to one of the four hot spring baths which are known for healing powers. Guests can also participate in prayer/memorial services and other available activities though prior reservations are required. Please note the temple is open only between May 1 and October 31.
Osore-zan Bodai-ji Temple
Price: from 12000 YEN/110 USD
Number of Guests: 2 per room
7. Togakushi Shrine, Nagano
Nagano’s Togakushi Shrine can be found at the foot of Mount Togakushi within Myōkō-Togakushi Renzan National Park. The temple lodgings are located within the complex and comprise two separate historic buildings offering Japanese-style accommodation. Two meals per day are included in the charges and feature specialties of the region, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
Togakushi Shrine
Price: from 9,500 YEN/ 86 USD
Number of Guests: 2 per room
8. Chishaku-in Kaikan Temple, Kyoto
Chishaku-in Kaikan Temple in Kyoto is the head temple for the Chizan sect within the Shingon Buddhism path. The temple has around 20 temple halls within its large complex and one of them acts as the shukubo. These private rooms are simple but offer both Japanese-style and Western-style rooms. The price of the stay includes one meal and the option to participate in morning prayers. Reservations are needed for dinners and are charged extra.
Shukubo Chishakuin Kaikan
Price: from 6870 YEN/ 63 USD
Number of Guests: 2 per room
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience
As shukubo is available only in selected temples, start exploring your options with this list of temples which let you stay inside Japan temple lodgings. Check online for reservation policies of your chosen temple - you will need to contact the temple directly in most cases, though some operate via local tourist offices or websites. Do note many temples require that you or someone in your group be able to communicate in Japanese.
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