Japan's Temple Lodging: Shukubo — Experiencing Monastic Life and Spirituality - Culture

Temple lodging, known as shukubo, lets travelers stay overnight in active Buddhist temples across Japan. Guests join monks for morning prayers, vegetarian meals (shojin ryori), and meditation, offering a deep cultural immersion.

These stays blend spirituality, history, and simplicity—perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families seeking tranquility beyond typical hotels. Popular since ancient pilgrimage routes, shukubo provide affordable rates starting at ¥8,000–¥15,000 per night, including meals.

What to Expect During Your Shukubo Stay

A typical daily schedule for a temple stay provides a structured insight into the monastic lifestyle while allowing guests to participate in spiritual practices.

Here is a sample schedule on what it might look like.

Time	Activity	Description
15:00–17:00	Check-in/Tea Service	Arrival time. Guests are shown their traditional tatami room and served tea and local sweets.
17:00–18:30	Dinner (Shojin Ryori)	The main vegetarian meal, often featuring seasonal and unique local ingredients. Alcohol is sometimes permitted but usually restricted.
18:30–21:00	Baths and Quiet Time	Use of communal baths (ofuro) and enjoying the tranquility of the temple. Curfew and lights-out are often early.
05:30–06:30	Morning Service (O-tsutome)	Mandatory/Highly Recommended. Guests wake early to participate in the temple's main prayer and chanting service with the monks. This is often the spiritual highlight of the stay.
06:30–07:30	Meditation (Ajikan or Zazen)	Temples often offer introductory sessions to Buddhist meditation. It's a chance to practice mindfulness in a serene setting.
07:30–08:30	Breakfast (Shojin Ryori)	A simple, vegetarian (or vegan) meal. It is eaten silently or respectfully, following Buddhist dietary principles.
08:30–15:00	Free Time	Guests are free to explore the temple grounds, visit local sites, or simply relax and read. Rooms are typically cleaned during this time.

Accommodations and Amenities

Rooms: Expect traditional Japanese-style rooms (washitsu) with tatami straw mat flooring. You will sleep on a futon that is typically laid out by staff in the evening.
Meals: All meals are Shojin Ryori (devotion cuisine), strictly vegetarian or vegan, emphasizing fresh, seasonal vegetables, tofu, and grains. Meat, fish, and strong flavors like garlic and onion are excluded.
Baths: Most temples have shared communal baths (ofuro). Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms are rare.
Comfort: The experience is simple and rustic. There are usually no TVs, and heating/AC may be minimal depending on the season.

These stays blend spirituality, history, and simplicity—perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families seeking tranquility beyond typical hotels.

Avaibility

Because a temple stay is fundamentally a spiritual experience rather than a typical tourist activity, its availability is limited compared to conventional hotel accommodations.

Peak Seasons: Spring (sakura) and fall see 70–95% bookings—reserve 2–3 months ahead via official sites.
Off-Peak: Summer and winter yield 50–70% availability, ideal for last-minute "temple stay Japan" searches.

Top Destinations for Shokubo Stays

Koyasan (Wakayama Prefecture): Home to 117 temples, it's the shukubo epicenter. Expect high availability year-round, with peaks in cherry blossom (March–April) and autumn foliage (October–November) seasons.

Mount Hiei (Shiga/Kyoto): Enryaku-ji complex offers stunning lake views and Zen experiences. Mid-week spots fill slower.

Eisai-ji and Eihei-ji (Fukui): Soto Zen headquarters with strict monastic vibes—book early for summer retreats.

Nara and Kyoto: Smaller temples like Shoren-in provide urban escapes with easy access to sightseeing.