Temple Hotel Takayama Zenkoji
Future of Takayama — Nearby Events
About the shukubo
Takayama Zenkoji (Jodo-shu sect, 4-3 Tenman-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture) is a temple that welcomes visitors regardless of nationality, religion, or gender.
It is a branch temple of Shinshu Zenkoji Daihongan in Nagano Prefecture and enshrines the Amida Nyorai (Zenkoji Nyorai) in the Ikko Sanzon style. Currently, Zenkoji Nyorai is enshrined in approximately 400 temples in Japan, and about 100 of them officially use "Zenkoji" as their temple name. However, only about 20 temples have been granted the "Betsuin-go" (branch temple designation) from Shinshu Zenkoji Daihongan. Takayama Zenkoji is the only one in Gifu Prefecture. Like Shinshu Zenkoji, it also has an underground Kaidan-meguri.
Since its establishment, it has had a shukubo (temple lodging) for pilgrims from afar. Currently, it has become a diverse international lodging that attracts visitors from all over the world to Takayama, with over 95% of guests being foreign nationals. The kitchen is also open to all guests and can be used freely.
Three Features of Takayama Zenkoji
- Branch Temple of Shinshu Zenkoji Daihongan— There are about 20 temples nationwide that have been granted the title of branch temple from Shinshu Zenkoji. Takayama Zenkoji is one of them, and the only one in Gifu Prefecture.
- Jodo-style Garden Away from the Hustle and Bustle— A garden that recreates the "Niga Byakudo" (Two Rivers and White Path). Crossing the stone bridge while chanting the nenbutsu expresses the path to rebirth in the Pure Land.
- Kaidan-meguri: A Shortcut to Rebirth in the Pure Land— An immersive experience into the world of Buddha, navigating through darkness by touch. This practice is a promise of rebirth in the Pure Land.
History of the Temple
Principal Image (Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai)
The principal image of Takayama Zenkoji is the Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai statue. Amida Nyorai is in the center, Kannon Bosatsu on the right, and Seishi Bosatsu on the left, all three standing together within a single halo. As it is an absolute secret Buddha, its form cannot be seen.
According to the "Zenkoji Engi" of Shinshu Zenkoji, the Zenkoji Nyorai is said to have appeared in India during the lifetime of Shakyamuni Buddha. Later, it traveled to Baekje, and when Buddhism was introduced to Japan in 552 (the 13th year of Emperor Kinmei's reign), it is said to have been presented from Baekje, making it one of Japan's oldest Buddhist statues.
Since ancient times, the principal image has been called "Shojin no Nyorai-sama" (living Nyorai), believed to possess the warmth of human skin, converse with people, and emit the light of wisdom from the white hair between its eyebrows. At Horyuji Temple in Nara, there is still a "Zenkoji Nyorai Goshobako" (Zenkoji Nyorai Document Box) said to contain documents exchanged between Prince Shotoku and Zenkoji Nyorai. In this way, the Nyorai has gathered faith as a Buddha who interacts with people.
The mudra (hand gesture) of the principal image is also distinctive. The central Amida Nyorai forms the Semui-in with the right hand, palm open facing us, and the To-in with the left hand lowered, extending the index and middle fingers while bending the others. This mudra is characteristic of Buddhist statues from the Asuka and Hakuho periods, exemplified by the Shaka Sanzon statue in the Golden Hall of Horyuji. The Kannon and Seishi Bosatsu on either side form the rare Bonkyo-in, with the right palm placed over the left palm in front of the chest, and it is said that a pearl medicine box is held within their palms. The three deities stand on a mortar-shaped lotus pedestal formed by overlapping stamens remaining after the lotus petals have fallen.
An Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai statue possessing all these characteristics is commonly called a "Zenkoji-style Amida Sanzon statue" or "Zenkoji Nyorai."
Name Stone Monument Inscribed by Tokuhon Shonin
Takayama Zenkoji is located along National Route 158. Next to the temple gate facing the national road stands a large stone monument inscribed with the distinctive characters for "Namu Amida Butsu." It was calligraphed by the eminent monk Tokuhon Shonin from Kii Province (Wakayama Prefecture).
Tokuhon Shonin visited Takayama from Shinano Province (Nagano Prefecture) in 1816, during the Edo period. For three days starting July 14, Takayama's Daikeiji invited Tokuhon Shonin, setting up a high platform on the front veranda of the main hall. So many people came to hear his sermons that he preached three times a day—morning, noon, and night. To commemorate his visit, he wrote the name "Namu Amida Butsu" for Daikeiji, and it was decided to erect a stone monument inscribed with this name. To have Tokuhon Shonin write the calligraphy and perform the eye-opening ceremony, a "Dai-hiki" (great pulling) was carried out, where the public worked together to pull a large stone from Mt. Matsukura down to Daikeiji.
Daikeiji also planned to erect a name-inscribed stone monument with Tokuhon Shonin's calligraphy at the Kiryu Man'ninkō execution ground (what would now be called an execution site) and submitted a request to the local magistrate's office. However, by instruction from the Shogunate's accounting office, the application was rejected in January 1819 with the message "it cannot be done." The reason for the rejection was that since Jodo-shu is the shogun's sect, it would be better to refrain from erecting a stone monument with the name Namu Amida Butsu at an execution ground. Later, in February 1821, Daikeiji reapplied, and the name-inscribed stone monument was erected on the condition that it be placed outside the Man'ninkō execution ground.
About 120 years later, in the Showa era, road expansion necessitated its relocation, and it was decided that it would be better to return the relocation site to a Jodo-shu temple. This connection led to its transfer here to Takayama Zenkoji, where it remains to this day.
Garden "Niga Byakudo"
Behind the main hall, there is a garden that recreates the parable of "Niga Byakudo," a teaching unique to the Jodo-shu sect.
"Niga Byakudo" refers to the parable where between this world and the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, there are a river of raging fire and a river of turbulent water, which people cannot cross. However, by believing in and chanting "Namu Amida Butsu," a single white path appears, allowing one to cross it and reach the Pure Land. This teaching is primarily explained through illustrations and hanging scrolls.
The garden at Takayama Zenkoji expresses that by following this faith and crossing the stone bridge over the pond while chanting the nenbutsu, one can attain birth in the Pure Land.
War Memorial Monument
In the recent World War II, many sacrifices were made in the Pacific War, regardless of military or civilian status, or nationality. The third chief priest, Shinjun Shonin, himself had war experience as a naval aviator and lost many comrades on the battlefield.
Shinjun Shonin learned that many unrecovered remains still existed on the Pacific islands that were battlefields. Together with the fourth chief priest, Hakudo Shonin, he visited these sites many times to offer prayers for the deceased, recovered numerous remains, and brought them back to their homeland. These remains are enshrined beneath a monument praying for world peace, where they rest peacefully.
Shinjun Shonin, who dedicated himself to collecting remains, passed away (senge) while working on Tinian Island in the Northern Mariana Islands. The War Memorial Monument also serves as a monument to Shinjun Shonin. On Tinian Island, where Shinjun Shonin passed away, a monument has been erected on the grounds of Tinian Junior High and High School, and it is still maintained by local students and teachers.
Kobo Daishi Hall
In 1911 (Meiji 44), twenty-one sacred sites were established in Takayama, transcending sectarian boundaries. This Daishi Hall is the second sacred site, housing a holed stone (sacred stone) said to be marked by Kobo Daishi's staff. At Zenkoji, which became a sacred site, the Daishi Hall was built with donations from devotees and their relatives.
Stories related to Kobo Daishi remain in various regions, telling how he traveled across the country, striking the ground with his staff to make water or hot springs gush forth in barren lands, and saltwater wells appear where salt was unavailable. Rumors spread that drinking the gushing water restored sight to the blind and that the hot springs healed the body. It was said to be effective for all kinds of ailments, including eye diseases, gastrointestinal problems, skin diseases, cuts, burns, safe childbirth, calligraphy, and tea ceremony. People who benefited from this water began to offer holed stones, inspired by the staff marks, as a token of gratitude.
It is believed that these holed stones were offered as good luck charms, as a hole in a hard stone allowing one to see through it symbolizes wishes coming true. It is very difficult to find a holed stone among small pebbles. Holed stones are considered auspicious because "a hole passing through = seeing well" and "a stone passing through = intentions passing through."
At Zenkoji, holed stones are brought by worshippers from all over the country, and it is believed that touching the stones or sleeping with them by one's pillow brings blessings for safe childbirth and fertility.
Kaidan-meguri
Takayama Zenkoji, like Shinshu Zenkoji, has a Kaidan-meguri.
The Kaidan-meguri at Takayama Zenkoji is a practice where one enters an underground corridor from the inner sanctuary of the main hall and, without the aid of light, circles beneath the hidden principal image (Go-honzon). By touching the "O-jomae," which is considered an emanation of the Buddha, one forms a connection with the Buddha, purifies all negative karma committed since birth, and receives a promise of rebirth in the Pure Land. Therefore, the O-jomae is called the "Key to Purification and Paradise."
Upon entering the Kaidan-meguri, you grope your way through pitch darkness where you cannot see an inch ahead. When you eventually touch the "Key to Purification and Paradise" hanging directly beneath the principal image and emerge, the first thing you see is the light streaming from the exit. Seeing that faint light before you, you will surely feel a sense of relief. You will realize the preciousness of light and the value of sight, things you usually do not perceive.
The darkness within the Kaidan is said to represent a world of indiscriminate equality. In our daily lives, we are often distracted by unnecessary things, misjudging the essence of things, quarreling, envying, or craving, which ultimately leads to suffering. However, in the darkness, we detach from various attachments and concentrate solely on finding the O-jomae. In other words, it is a practice that allows us to enter the world of the Buddha. We invite everyone visiting Takayama Zenkoji to experience the Kaidan-meguri.
- * The minimum height inside is 180 cm, so tall individuals should be careful.
- * The "Key to Purification and Paradise" is located on the right wall, at about chest height.
About Shinshu Zenkoji
Zenkoji Faith
Zenkoji in Nagano Prefecture is a rare temple in Japan that is non-sectarian and does not have a danka (parishioner) system. It has long been affectionately called "Zenkoji-san" as a temple for the common people, welcoming everyone regardless of gender or age.
While Zenkoji itself is non-sectarian, it houses the Tendai sect's "Daikanshin" and the Jodo sect's "Daihon-gan." Monks from 39 sub-temples (25 Tendai, 14 Jodo) jointly protect the main hall. The head priest of the Jodo sect's Daihon-gan is called "Zenkoji Shonin" and is traditionally a woman, making it a nunnery that welcomes head priests from aristocratic families. It enshrines the Ichiko Sanzon Amida Nyorai, said to be the oldest in Japan, as its principal image.
Temple for the Salvation of Women
Zenkoji is also known as a temple for the salvation of women.
During the Nara and Heian periods, temples, under strict precepts, refused entry to women. This was opposed by Kamakura Buddhism, founded by Shinran, Dogen, and Nichiren, and from this time, women's faith in Zenkoji flourished. Originally, Zenkoji was known as a temple that saved women, as told in the 'Zenkoji Engi' (History of Zenkoji) about healing the illness of a wealthy merchant's daughter. In the Kamakura period, Hojo Masako, wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo, was also a devout follower. In the Edo period, women accounted for half of all visitors, and even today, many of the worshippers are women.
Principal image
The Amida Nyorai in the Ikkosanzo style is called Zenkoji Nyorai, which refers to a Buddhist statue where Amida Nyorai, Kannon Bosatsu, and Seishi Bosatsu are enshrined within a single boat-shaped halo.
This statue is revered as an absolute secret Buddha of the temple and is never revealed to anyone. However, according to the traditional Japanese calendar, once every seven years, a maedachi-butsu (a replica statue that stands in front of the secret Buddha) is displayed to the public. Many pilgrims from all over the country visit to receive its blessings.
Rooms & Rates
There are 6 types of guest rooms to choose from, depending on the number of guests and purpose. Up to 30 people can stay by combining rooms, and you can also inquire about renting all 6 rooms. All rooms are equipped with single futons, fans, air conditioners, towels, toothbrushes, hair dryers, and Wi-Fi.
| Photos | Room | Capacity | Size | Water facilities | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Hanami no Ma | 3 people | 18㎡ | Private toilet and shower | Washer/dryer, garden view, safe |
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Yukimi no Ma | 4 people | 43㎡ | Private toilet and shower | Washer/dryer, garden view, safe |
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Kazami no Ma | 9 people | 90㎡ | Private toilet and shower | Washer/dryer, garden view, safe |
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Tsukimi no Ma | 3 people | 20㎡ | Shared (no private toilet/bath) | — |
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Sakurami Room | 2 people | 12㎡ | Shared (no private toilet/bath) | — |
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Sorami Room | 8 people | 48㎡ | In-room toilet, private shower | Beds available, washer/dryer, safe |
Click on a room name to view photos and floor plans for that room. Rates vary depending on dates and number of guests.Please check availability and rates from the booking button for each room.
Hanami Room (Capacity 3 people)
Yukimi Room (Capacity 4 people)
Kazami Room (Capacity 9 people)
Tsukimi Room (Capacity 3 people)
Sakurami-no-ma (Capacity: 2 people)
Sorami-no-ma (Capacity: 8 people)
Accommodation Plans
Room-only Plan
Choose from a variety of room sizes and types. Each can accommodate 2 to 9 guests, and by combining rooms, up to 30 guests can be accommodated.
Plan with Experiences
All plans can include optional experiences such as zazen and sutra copying.
- Reservations are required. Please apply by 6 PM the day before (we may not be able to accept your request due to instructor availability).
- Experiences are generally held daily between 9 AM and 7 PM.
- It is also possible to conduct experiences before check-in or after check-out. Please inquire for details.
For details on experiences, please seeExperiences.
Workation Plan
All plans can include the option to rent the main hall, shared lounge, or Japanese-style meeting space (advance reservation required). Available for half-day/full-day use, and can be used before check-in or after check-out. Guests not staying overnight can also use these facilities.
| Private Rental | Half-day | Full-day |
|---|---|---|
| Main Hall | Accommodation fee + ¥5,000 | Accommodation fee + ¥10,000 |
| Shared Lounge | Accommodation fee + 3,000 yen | Accommodation fee + 5,000 yen |
| Japanese-style room | Accommodation fee + 3,000 yen | Accommodation fee + 5,000 yen |
About your stay
Check-in 15:00-18:30 (There is no curfew. Staff will be available until 18:30,after 18:30 the entrance will be locked and self-check-inwill be required. If you will arrive after 18:30, please contact us in advance). Check-out 11:00. Golden Week (May 3-7) and New Year's (Dec 15-Jan 5) are special periods. Children aged 3 and under stay free (baby cribs are 500 yen if requested). For stays less than 3 nights, there is no cleaning or linen change (linen change for stays of 3 nights or more).
Facilities and Amenities
- 6 types, 2-9 people / Max 30 people
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- Shared kitchen
- Private shower (4 rooms) / Private bath (reservation required)
- Washer/dryer (4 rooms)
- All rooms air-conditioned
- Hair dryer
- Crib (500 yen)
- Jodo-style garden "Nigobyakudo"
- Free parking on temple grounds (approx. 4 cars)
- Check-in 15:00-18:30 / Check-out 11:00
- Self check-in after 18:30
- Approx. 5 minutes walk from JR Takayama Station East Exit
- Rooms with stairs available
- No pets allowed
- Safety equipment
Experiences
These are experiences held on the temple grounds. All require advance reservations (participation fees are approximate, tax included). You can participate in conjunction with your stay or just for the experience.
Meditation
With careful explanations and meditation instructions from Kaishi Yamamoto, a monk at Takayama Zenkoji, even beginners can feel free to participate. Why not calm your mind in an environment where you can become one with yourself?
- Date and Time: There are time slots at 8:00, 11:00, and 14:00. All sessions cover the same content. Depending on the date and reservation deadline, fewer slots may be available, so please check the reservation screen for same-day availability.
- Location: Takayama Zenkoji Main Hall /Duration: Approximately 1 hour /Participation Fee: 3,000 yen
Onigiri and Miso Soup Making Experience
Would you like to make handmade onigiri (rice balls) and miso soup together using fresh local ingredients? We generally do not use meat or fish, so vegetarians and vegans can participate with peace of mind. Enjoy a heartwarming time while experiencing Japanese food culture. Anyone of any age can participate, and no cooking experience is necessary.
- Experience Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (reservation required)
- Location: Takayama Zenkoji Cooking Studio /Duration: 45-60 minutes /Participation Fee: 3,000 yen per person
Mochi Pounding Experience
Experience mochi pounding at a temple in Takayama. Pound rice with a wooden mallet, shape the dough, and enjoy it with toppings. Discover the cultural significance embedded in this Japanese tradition.
- Experience Time: 15:30 - 16:30 (reservation required)
- Location: Takayama Zenkoji /Duration: 60 minutes /Participation Fee: 6,000 yen per person
Original Zuko (Incense Powder) Making
Would you like to purify your mind and body at the temple with a Japanese fragrance? You can experience making your own original zuko (incense powder). All natural, finely ground incense ingredients are used, and you can choose the scent according to your mood and physical condition.
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (reservation required)
- Location: Takayama Zenkoji Main Hall /Experience Duration: 20-30 minutes /Participation Fee: 5,000 yen per person
Table Style Tea Ceremony
This is a modern style tea ceremony that you can easily experience while seated. It's a special moment to touch Japanese culture and the spirit of hospitality. Instructor Mihoko Omori (Tsubaki-no-kai) will guide you through the tea ceremony in a table style, which is popular even overseas. No seiza (kneeling) required; you can easily experience it while sitting in a chair.
- Sessions: 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM / 3:00 PM (45 minutes each, reservation required)
- Location: Lobby /Price: 13,000 yen (for 2 people)
Temple Yoga
This is "Temple Yoga," held several times a month. Why not enjoy yoga in a slightly different atmosphere in the main hall of the temple? Please come in comfortable clothing. You can bring your own yoga mat, but we also lend them out for free.
- Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (reservation required)
- Location: Takayama Zenkoji Main Hall /Duration: 1 hour /Participation fee: 3,000 yen per person
Kaidan-meguri
Kaidan-meguri is a practice where you descend stairs leading to the basement of the main hall and, in complete darkness, grope for a key. It is believed that by touching this key without the aid of light, you can overcome the fear of darkness and gain courage. For the religious origins, please seeTemple History.
- Date and Time: Held as needed /Location: Takayama Zenkoji Main Hall Basement /Participation fee: 500 yen
Sutra copying
Sutra copying is a practice of transcribing Buddhist teachings that has continued for 1,300 years. Even beginners can easily experience it. Devote yourself to writing the Buddha's teachings and add your own prayers to wish for their fulfillment.
- Schedule: Held as needed /Location: Takayama Zenkoji Main Hall /Duration: Approximately 30 minutes /Fee: 1,000 yen per person
Sutra Tracing
This is a simple experience of tracing the principal image of Takayama Zenkoji, Amida Nyorai, in the temple's main hall. Concentrating on moving the brush in the main hall can refresh both your mind and spirit. While feeling gratitude for being able to live your daily life as usual, you carefully trace the image.
- Date and Time: Held as needed /Location: Takayama Zenkoji Main Hall /Duration: Approximately 30 minutes /Participation Fee: 1,000 yen per person
Kimono Dressing Experience
Experience wearing a kimono (yukata in summer) at the temple. Our dressing specialists will assist you carefully, so even first-timers can feel at ease. Strolling through the atmospheric streets of Takayama in a kimono will surely be a memorable experience.
- Schedule: By reservation /Location: Takayama Zenkoji Main Hall
- Duration: Approximately 15 minutes for men, 30 minutes for women
- Price: Men 3,000 yen/person, Women 6,000 yen/person (includes hair styling)
For Groups and Corporations
We also accept group and corporate training. You can combine meditation (capacity 40 people), zukō (incense anointing), cooking experience (capacity 14 people), and yoga, with support in both Japanese and English.
Temple Work: Equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, kitchen, and air conditioning/heating. It can be used as part of a stay or for day trips, and is also used for 1-night, 2-day management retreats for groups. Both workation (stay + work; it's also possible to attend the morning service before starting work) and day use (for meetings) can be held in the main hall, zendo, and guest rooms. Please inquire for details. For prices, please see theAccommodation Plans.
Experience Reservations / Inquiries
Access
Hida Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, home to Takayama Zenkoji, is one of the most nature-rich areas in the prefecture. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you amidst the natural beauty of Hida Takayama.
4-3 Tenman-cho, Takayama-shi, Gifu 506-0025 Phone number: 0577-32-8470
です。
Nearby sightseeing: Kaidan-meguri, morning service and morning market, old townscape, Takayama Festival and Miyagawa cherry blossoms, and the Higashiyama Temple Area are all summarized in the
- Hida Takayama Tourist Guide.Directions from major stations to Takayama StationDeparture point
Route
| Travel time | Fare | Nagoya Station | JR Limited Express Hida → Takayama Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 hours 30 minutes | 6,230 yen | Nagoya Station | Nohi Bus → Takayama Station |
| 2 hours 30 minutes | 2,980 yen | Kyoto Station | Shinkansen → Nagoya Station → JR Limited Express Hida → Takayama Station |
| 3 hours 30 minutes | 10,470 yen | Kyoto Station | Nohi Bus → Takayama Station |
| 4 hours 10 minutes | 4,200 yen | Matsumoto Station | JR Limited Express Shinano → Nagoya Station → JR Limited Express Hida → Takayama Station |
| 5 hours 35 minutes | 11,620 yen | Matsumoto Station | Nohi Bus → Takayama Station |
| 2 hours 20 minutes | 3,190 yen | Tokyo Station | Shinkansen → Nagoya Station → JR Limited Express Hida → Takayama Station |
| 4 hours 10 minutes | 15,220 yen | Shinjuku Station | Nohi Bus → Takayama Station |
| 4 hours 30 minutes | 6,690 yen | *Fares and travel times may differ from the above depending on the train/bus schedule, time of day, and seat type used. | Parking |
Information on parking within the temple grounds (please park from the left side)
If you are coming by car,
. You can park within the temple grounds. Please use the parking spacesstarting from the left side in order.The areas marked 🚫 in the diagram are not accessible for entry or parking. The spaces in front of the adjacent cafe "Rinrin" are also not available.Frequently Asked Questions
Before making a reservation
We have compiled common questions for those considering a reservation. Procedures after booking (changes, cancellations, check-in) can be found
later on this page
.Are there places to have breakfast early in the morning?Miyagawa Morning Market is ideal for early morning breakfast, but if you're short on time, we can recommend nearby cafes.
Are there restaurants or convenience stores nearby?
Nearby, you'll find Hida beef restaurant "Maruaki," local cuisine restaurant "Hakkakutei," and izakaya "Entaku." There are also convenience stores and supermarkets within walking distance.
What kind of experiences are available? Please tell me about the fees and how to make reservations.
Experience programs include the "morning service" (free, no reservation required) held every morning at 7 AM, as well as meditation, sutra copying, Buddha statue copying, Kaidan-meguri, onigiri & miso soup workshop, table-style tea ceremony, yoga, original zuko (incense powder) making, and kimono dressing experience. The fees, times, and reservation methods for each program are as follows: Morning service: Held daily at 7 AM in the main hall. Guests can participate for free. No reservation is required. Children are also welcome to participate. Onigiri & miso soup workshop: Held from 9 AM. The fee is 3,000 yen per person. Advance reservation via the website is required. Training experiences: Meditation (3,000 yen) is held at 8 AM, 11 AM, and 2 PM, with each session being the same content and lasting approximately 1 hour. The available slots vary by date. Sutra copying (1,000 yen), Buddha statue copying (1,000 yen), and "Kaidan-meguri" (500 yen), which involves walking through the darkness of the main hall's basement, are also available. For these training experiences, please discuss the details at check-in. Japanese culture experiences: Table-style tea ceremony (6,500 yen), yoga (3,000 yen), original zuko making (4,300 yen), and kimono dressing experience (3,000 yen for men, 6,000 yen for women) are available. Kimono dressing experiences are generally held between 10 AM and 1 PM. These Japanese culture experiences involve external instructors and require advance reservations. There may be cases where it is difficult to hold them due to the instructor's schedule. Regarding children's participation, it varies by program except for the morning service, so for details, please
contact us
.The content, duration, and reservations for each experience are summarized on theExperiences
page.Can I experience meditation or sutra copying?Meditation and sutra copying experiences are available. Meditation sessions are offered at 8 AM, 11 AM, and 2 PM. All sessions are beginner-friendly, guided by a monk, last approximately 1 hour, and cost 3,000 yen per person. The available slots vary by date, so please check the reservation screen.
Is a yoga experience possible? How do I make a reservation and what is the fee?
A yoga experience is possible. The fee is 3,000 yen, and advance reservation is required. For reservation methods, please
contact us
.When can I do the "Explore the Darkness" experience?The "Explore the Darkness" experience can be started immediately after check-in.
Is it okay to inform you of the number of participants for the experience on the day itself?
It is perfectly fine to confirm the number of participants for the temple experience on the day. Observer participation in workshops is also possible.
Is internet (Wi-Fi) available?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
What about the bath/shower facilities? Do I need to make a reservation?
Depending on the room type, some rooms have a private shower and toilet, while others use shared bathrooms (by reservation) and toilets. The kitchen is shared. For the shared private bath/shower, please discuss a time at check-in to avoid busy periods. Please note, there are no cats at this temple.
Is there parking? Is a reservation or fee required?
There are approximately 4 free parking spaces in front of the main hall on the temple grounds.
Please enter directly from the main street through the main gate with your car. Reservations are not mandatory, but it would be helpful if you could inform us of your estimated arrival time in advance so we can keep track of the number of parked vehicles. For parking instructions on the temple grounds, please refer to the diagram on the
Accesspage.Is there parking for motorcycles?There is a parking space for motorcycles. Please contact us upon arrival, and we will guide you to the parking spot.
How do I get there from the nearest station?
You can reach us in about 5 minutes on foot from the East Exit of JR Takayama Station. For routes, travel times, and fares from major stations to Takayama Station, please refer to
Access
.Do you offer a shuttle service?We do not offer a free shuttle service. We recommend taking a taxi from near the bus center.
Can I consult about my itinerary or transportation?
We are happy to consult with you about your itinerary and transportation. You will need to take a bus from Toyama to Takayama. Travel from the Nagoya area is not a problem. It is also possible to travel from Takayama to Nagoya via the Chuo Line. A bus is the best option from Nagano to Takayama, but we recommend booking early. If you have an international driver's license, a rental car is also an option.
Can you make reservations for buses or other transportation on my behalf?
We do not make reservations for buses or other transportation on your behalf.
Can you make reservations for external facilities such as izakayas on my behalf?
We can make reservations for external facilities on your behalf. Depending on the reservation details, we may inform you of important points for your visit, such as strict adherence to time.
Can I stay with my pet?
We sincerely apologize, but we ask that you refrain from bringing pets.
Are there any animals at the temple?
There are no cats at the temple. If you have a reason for asking, such as allergies, we may inquire further.
Is it quiet at night?
It is very quiet at night. However, as we are located on a road, you may hear the sounds of emergency vehicles.
Is there a curfew?
There is no curfew, but after 6:30 PM, check-in is self-service and the entrance will be locked. If you will be arriving after 6:30 PM, please contact us in advance.
Is there an accommodation tax (Takayama City)?
Takayama City, where Takayama Zenkoji is located, will introduce an accommodation tax from October 1, 2025. Depending on the accommodation fee (room rate and service charge, excluding meal costs and consumption tax),
¥100 per person per night (for stays under ¥10,000) / ¥200 (for stays between ¥10,000 and ¥30,000) / ¥300 (for stays of ¥30,000 or more)
will be collected locally, separately from the accommodation fee. Children up to the 6th grade of elementary school and school trips (including chaperones) are exempt from the tax.When do cancellation fees apply? Where can I find the cancellation policy?Cancellation fees are subject to
the cancellation policy displayed at the time of booking
(which varies by booking site and plan). If the free cancellation period has passed, a cancellation fee will be incurred and payment will be required even if you do not stay.If you wish to check before making a reservation,on the reservation page ↗when you select a room and plan, the cancellation policy for that plan will be displayed on the screen before confirming your reservation.For exceptional circumstances such as natural disasters or public transportation disruptions, please consult us individually.Tell me about payment methods, invoices, and receipts.Bookings made through reservation sites are, in principle, subject to the payment regulations of that site. Invoices, payment links, and receipts can be sent via email, so please let us know if you require them.
The facility cannot hold or enter your card information.
Therefore, if you wish to change your card, please proceed through a new payment link. If payment is not completed, you can try again with a different card or request the link to be resent.I don't speak Japanese. Can I inquire in English?Yes, you can inquire in English. Please contact us via the message function of the reservation site or through the
contact form
on this website.I left something behind.If a lost item is found, we will contact you and place it at the entrance or keep it at the reception. However, please understand that we may not always find it. International shipping may be expensive, and items containing lithium batteries cannot be sent via regular postal services, requiring courier services like FedEx or DHL, which may make it impractical.
After Booking Procedures
Information for guests who already have a reservation.
Is my reservation confirmed? I see an unfamiliar amount on my bank statement.
Your reservation is confirmed. The amount displayed on your bank or card statement immediately after booking is often an
“authorization hold” to verify that your card is valid and has sufficient funds
and is not the actual charge. The actual payment will be processed closer to your stay date. You do not need to take any action at this time.I received a message that my reservation was canceled. I also received a suspicious email.Information regarding your reservation will be sent via messages from the reservation site you used or from the facility.
Please do not enter your card information via links in emails you do not recognize.
If you are concerned about the status of your reservation, please check your account page on the reservation site or send a message to us viainquiry. Sometimes, changes to your room may result in a new reservation number, which might appear as a cancellation notification.Can I change my stay dates or the number of guests?Changes are subject to availability.
Please consult us via message first.
For reservations made through a booking site, changes may be processed via the site's "change request" function, or it may be necessary to cancel and rebook. If the free modification period has passed or your desired dates are fully booked, we may not be able to accommodate your change. If the price changes due to an increase or decrease in the number of guests, or if the number of guests exceeds the room capacity, we may suggest changing rooms.Can I change the room type I booked?Changes to the booked room type are subject to availability. Changes to a larger room or a room with specific amenities may incur additional charges. If your desired room is fully booked, we may suggest a different room type. For details, please
contact us
please.Can I rebook a canceled reservation for the same dates?You can rebook through the website, but only if rooms are still available.
Can I change or add experience bookings?
It is possible to change or add activity bookings. However, depending on your desired time slot or content, it may be subject to instructor confirmation and availability. You can also cancel additional activities. For the morning service and meditation sessions, anyone can participate if you inform us of the number of participants at check-in.
Is there anything I need to prepare before my stay?
We ask that you complete the pre-check-in form and inform us of your estimated arrival time. Additionally,
letting us know your preferred experiences and whether you will be arriving by car
will help us guide you more smoothly.You do not need to submit your passport in advance; please present it at the reception desk upon check-in(for all accompanying guests if you are from overseas).Do I need to fill out the pre-check-in form? And present my passport?Yes, we ask that you fill it out before your stay. If you cannot open or send the form, or if you do not have all the information because you have not yet entered the country, please rest assured that
you can fill it out at the reception desk upon arrival
(you can complete it on the spot by scanning the QR code at the reception).Please present your passport at check-in.If you are from overseas, we require all accompanying guests to present their passports and allow us to make copies.The pre-check-in link is not opening/has not arrived.We can resend the form URL, so please let us know. Even if the link doesn't work or you can't fill it out online,
you can fill it out on-site at check-in
(it won't take long). Please rest assured that your reservation will not be invalidated.Do I need to inform you of my estimated arrival time? What if I'm running late?Please inform us of your estimated arrival time.
If you are running late, it would be helpful if you could contact us as soon as you know. Late arrivals may be guided through self-check-in (instructions will be sent on the day of arrival).
What if I can't enter the building at check-in, or don't know how to enter?Staff are available until 6:30 PM, and the entrance is open. After 6:30 PM, the entrance will be locked, and check-in will be self-service. If you expect to arrive after 6:30 PM, please be sure to contact us in advance. For self-check-in instructions and specific procedures if you cannot enter, please refer to the information provided at the time of your booking or
contact
the facility.Can I leave my luggage before check-in time?You can leave your luggage before check-in time. We may ask you to inform us of your estimated arrival time in advance.
Accommodation and inquiries for Temple Hotel Takayama Zenkoji
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