In short: a temple stay (shukubo) lets you sleep inside a Buddhist temple in Japan, eat vegetarian shojin ryori and join the early-morning service. Koyasan is the best-known place, with dozens of temples that take guests. It is lodging with a taste of practice; for real Zen training, look for a temple that accepts foreign practitioners.
What is a temple stay like?
- Arrival: a tatami room, futon bedding, and often a shared bath.
- Dinner: shojin ryori, the vegetarian cuisine of Buddhist monasteries, served in your room or a hall.
- Evening: optional meditation, sutra copying (shakyo) or a talk, depending on the temple.
- Morning: the morning service with chanting, often around 6 am, then breakfast.
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Lodging or training?
A shukubo is mainly hospitality: comfortable, cultural and open to everyone. Zen training temples are different: strict schedules of zazen, work and formal meals, often for weeks, and usually only for people with some practice. Read zazen for beginners and what is a sesshin first.
Etiquette
- Take off your shoes at the entrance and use the slippers provided; never wear slippers on tatami.
- Be on time for meals and the morning service.
- Keep quiet in the corridors, especially at night.
- Ask before photographing halls, statues or monks.
More: Buddhist temple etiquette.
Cost and booking
A temple stay usually costs about the same as a good inn and includes dinner and breakfast. Book directly with the temple or through the local tourist association; popular dates, such as autumn on Koyasan, fill early.
See also: Zen temples in Japan that welcome English speakers
Questions people ask
What is a shukubo?
A shukubo is lodging inside a Buddhist temple. Guests sleep in a tatami room, eat vegetarian temple food and may join the morning service. Koyasan has the best-known cluster of shukubo.
Can I meditate during a temple stay in Japan?
Often yes. Many temple lodgings offer zazen, sutra copying (shakyo) or ajikan meditation. For serious Zen practice, look for a Zen temple that accepts foreign practitioners for training.
Do I have to be Buddhist to stay at a temple in Japan?
No. Temple lodgings welcome guests of any background who respect the temple's customs.