Sleeping at the temple hotel was a unique experience. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. I joined the morning prayer and meditation session, which was simply incredible and life-changing.

A truly wonderful hotel with beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities. Incredible friendly and helpful staff

“Unique stat”

Quirtky stay in a real temple

The temple was a really interesting experience and we loved our room ! It was amazing to stay in a room that was 160 years old and sleep on traditional futons on tatami floors. but with the convenience of an ensuite bathroom. The view out to the courtyard garden was serene and calming. It was also very useful having parking on site and yet walking distance to all the main tourist sights. Kaiji, the lead monk, was really welcoming and spoke English well.

“A peaceful and exceptionally comfortable highlight of our Japan trip.”

This was a truly memorable stay and without doubt one of the highlights of our three week trip to Japan. The bedrooms, beds, bathroom and building itself were all exceptionally comfortable and well-presented. My husband had the best sleep he had had for years in the double-futon with heated blanket, facing the garden. Our family of 5 were accommodated with ease in two adjoining rooms and the bathroom even had a washing machine for our use. Tea, coffee, books and games were all provided with a welcoming, quiet reception area just next to the main temple room. We were privileged to spend our first morning attending the temple's prayer service. We then joined the head monk for a meditation session. It was the most beautiful, peaceful pause in our trip and an opportunity for a re-set of our energies, and our priorities. The monk has excellent English and his words before the meditation began were deeply felt. We left reminded of our deep connection to nature, to our ancestors, and an appreciation of life itself.

“Just do it”

It was an amazing experience all round, a beautiful Hotel with great staff, we attended morning prayer and meditation which was very enjoyable and inspiring🙏. Would highly recommend this experience to anyone wanting to experience a moment of reflection and growth while visiting Japan. This review is from a cynical lapsed Irish catholic🙏

“A unique experience”

Unique. Great staff

“A unique and relaxing experience with excellent hospitality.”

We had the pleasure of staying at this temple, and the experience was truly outstanding. The location is excellent, easily reachable on foot from the station, and set in a charming and peaceful environment with all the necessary amenities. Our room overlooked a beautiful Japanese-style garden, which made the stay even more special and authentic, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the place. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with exceptional professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail, making us feel at home right away. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to experience an authentic stay in a Japanese temple.

“Helpful staff, comfort stay”

I can feel how’s Showa style living. Very good and very tradition Japanese stay.

“Highly recommend for those wanting to experience something special”

Everything! It was so peaceful with modern clear bathroom facilities. I really enjoyed my stay there. The location was great! The staff were very welcoming helpful and friendly.

The temple experiences were great, and the staff and monk provided great insight into their culture and religion.

Perfect location for short stays - remember to avoid the room next to the temple as at 7am they are starting the prayers

This is a special place to stay. From the welcome to the daily interaction with the incumbent monk it was a highlight of our trip! So was the swim in the river in 1 degree C but that's a different review...

Room size and Japan style

Staffs were very heplful and friend, nice room, everything was great.

“Lovely Temple Stay.. warm and friendly staff”

We loved this place as an opportunity for an overnight temple stay. Location-wise it is perfect, only minutes from the main train and bus stations in one direction and minutes away to the central part of town in the other direction. The staff were incredibly warm and gave us a nice tea ceremony/induction. It was generally a wholesome experience and something different from the classic hotels that we stayed at throughout our journey through Japan. There's a small communal/kitchen area where you could hang out with fellow travellers and we even managed to have a nice friendly chat with the head monk. I've stayed here both times I was in the Takayama area and will probably do so again whenever I'm back!

“A special experience of Buddhism”

The staff were wonderful. A great experience.

“A place to relax, learn and reflect”

If you want a temple experience, that it is still a regular lodging, this is a great place to stay. I definitely would recommend staying for a couple of nights to make the most of the temple. I don't think Takayama needs more than two days but the temple is a good place to stop, learn and reflect. You have full access to the temple, 24hrs. We did some meditation at midnight and it was very calming and special. That said, don't stay here if you expect a hotel. Staff access is limited, amenities are limited, there are shared bathrooms.

“Great experience”

Everything

“Temple stay is not a hotel stay.”

The temple itself is beautiful, and the atmosphere of the Hotel is quite zen. Staff was very welcoming and gentle. Room was big and traditional. Futons were comfortable enough.