Tentoku-in Shukubo

Known as 'Shukubo', the accommodation here was originally designed for the Buddhist monks and worshipers who visited the temple for training or worship. However, it is now open to members of the public and tourists. The food served here is Shojin, which is vegetarian food in accordance with the Buddhist practices.

Few foreign visitors make it here and guests who do make the effort will be well rewarded with a memorable experience. The rooms are quite small and basic, but quaintly Japanese in style with tatami flooring and sliding rice paper doors. Your futon bed is made up in the evening and some guest rooms have views over the Japanese garden — accredited to master garden designer Kobori Enshu — at the center of the temple. There is a small 'onsen' in the complex, for bathing before dinner (wear the 'yukata' dressing gown and the short over-jacket provided in the room to walk through the complex) and the toilets are communal.

OUR RATING: Simple