I want to heal the fatigue of a year of continuous running and welcome the new year with a rich spirit. For those who feel this way, I would like to recommend the Kyoto lodging experience. Shukubo, or inns run by temples, were originally accommodations for monks and worshipers. However, now more and more temples are operating lodgings that accept the general public. Its appeal is that you can experience training such as zazen, copying sutras, copying Buddha, and teaching sermons in a quiet environment. This time we will introduce three lodgings: ``Shukubo Sakuraumi'', ``Nachisan Shorakuji Temple'', and ``Hosenji Zen Center''. I want to reflect on myself at a temple in Kyoto in the winter as December approaches, and use it as strength for a wonderful new year.

Enjoy training and sightseeing at a lodging inn at Kaizoji Temple overlooking the spectacular view of Ine.
Shukubo Sakuraumi (Oumi)

A shukubo opened in December 2020 at Kaizoji Temple in Ine Town, Yosa District. Spending time looking out at Ine's boat inns from the garden of 12-year-old cherry trees is the ultimate luxury and healing experience. The lodge is located in a separate building from the main hall, and is limited to one group per day (capacity is 150 people).
Equipped with a refrigerator, electric kettle, TV, and other hotel-like amenities, your stay will be comfortable. The vegetarian vegetarian breakfast is very popular. You can order vegetarian cuisine for dinner, but it's also fun to eat fresh fish dishes at the restaurant in Ine-cho.

Ascetic training experiences include morning lessons (sutra reading starting at 6 a.m.), zazen meditation, and sutra copying (1,000 yen). When you think of a lodging house, you have the image of a tense and unusual experience with a set schedule, but at Sakuraumi, only those who wish to participate can participate in the training. We want you to have a fun time, so we also offer tours such as rooster riding experiences and fishing port tours. Families with children are also welcome. This is the perfect lodging for people who want to experience ascetic training while also enjoying sightseeing in Ine Town.

Shukubo Sakuraumi

102 Hirata, Ine-cho, Yosa-gun, Kyoto Prefecture
TEL 0772-32-0417

Enjoy a fulfilling training experience while enjoying local activities and ingredients
Nachiyama Shorakuji Temple

Ayabe City in Kyoto is a quiet town where the beauty of Satoyama remains. Shoryaku-ji Temple, which stands on a hill in the center of the area, offers a 4-year-old three-room building as a dormitory for only one group per day (capacity: 100 people + several children under elementary school age). There is also a room with sliding doors painted by Japanese painter Keisui Ito XNUMX years ago, creating a space where you can feel the comfort and atmosphere of Japan.

There are wonderful views of the mountains and river from the corridors that surround the room on three sides. There are a variety of training experiences, including zazen meditation, sutra copying, morning rituals, waterfall practice, water practice, goma practice, and prayer. Furthermore, we offer many activities such as fishing, canoeing, trekking, and visiting the 88 Jizo statues in the Yura River right in front of you. The chief priest acts as a concierge and suggests ways to spend your time that suit the guests' goals and state of mind.
Dinner is a multi-course meal prepared by the chief priest. A whole extremely rare gamecock raised at a local farm in Ayabe is purchased, and a meal is prepared that takes into account the sacrifice of life. This is a lodging inn that promises a luxurious stay in the midst of rich nature.

Nachiyama Shorakuji Temple

45 Teramachi Donomae, Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture
TEL: 0773-42-0980

A valuable place to truly learn Zen and reflect on yourself
Hosenji Zen Center

Hosenji Zen Center, located on a hill with a panoramic view of Kameoka City, is a little different from a so-called shukubo, and is a facility designed for serious Zen learning. The purpose is not just to meditate, but to learn Zen etiquette and get used to Zen life. Therefore, the shortest stay is 3 nights and 4 days (4 nights are also acceptable) for basic training. In the basic training, you can experience all the daily routines including the sermon. For those who want to take their time, medium- to long-term training sessions of four nights or more are also available. This course is recommended for people who want to reexamine themselves or improve their lives.

The daily schedule starts with getting up at 5:20am, and includes tai chi, zazen, morning classes, cleaning, office work, antan, and sermons, but after lunch, there is 4 hours of free time. It is possible to go out. People tend to avoid things that are not good for them, but in Zen training, we accept all events with a ``heart of prayer''. This teaching will give us hints and strength to live. It's a place you'll want to visit from time to time, such as when you're feeling tired, in doubt, or when you want to calm down.

Hosenji Zen Center

52 Yamamoto Nakajo, Shino-machi, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture
TEL: 0771-24-0378