Temple Stay Experience: Why Mt. Minobu Kuonji BEATS Koyasan

If you’re looking to experience the tranquility of Japan’s spiritual side, staying at a temple on Mt. Minobu could be just what you need.

While famous destinations like Mt. Koya and Mt. Hiei often attract large crowds, Mt. Minobu offers a quieter, more serene experience where you can truly connect with nature and spirituality without the hustle and bustle. Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, just a few hours away from Tokyo, Mt. Minobu (Minobusan) is one of Japan’s Three Sacred Buddhist Mountains (日本仏教三大霊山), alongside Mt. Koya and Mt. Hiei.

These mountains hold profound spiritual significance in Japanese Buddhism, but while Mt. Koya (Koyasan) and Mt. Hiei (Hieizan) are widely featured in guidebooks and social media, Mt. Minobu remains a hidden gem—a place where the sacredness of the mountain is preserved in a peaceful, uncrowded environment.

A Sacred Retreat with Deep Spiritual Roots

Mt. Minobu is home to Kuon-ji Temple, the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism, where the famous Buddhist monk Nichiren spent his later years. It’s a deeply spiritual place with centuries of history. Staying at a shukubo (temple lodging) here allows you to experience the peaceful daily life of the monks, from morning prayers to meditation and simple, delicious shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian meals). You’ll have the rare opportunity to connect with Nichiren’s teachings while surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountain.

An ornate red-lacquered temple hall at Kuonji on Mount Minobu, its grey tiled roof and gilded carvings set against a forested hillside, stone steps and balustrades in front

Temple Stays at Mt. Minobu: Unique Cultural Experience

Mt. Minobu is home to 30 temple lodgings (shukubo), offering a variety of accommodations to suit different needs. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply a peaceful escape from the demands of daily life, staying at one of these shukubo is a deeply enriching experience.

For non-Japanese speakers, Kakurinbo is a highly recommended choice. This temple lodging goes beyond providing a place to stay—it offers a gateway to Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Guests at Kakurinbo can enjoy a wide range of activities, including:

Delicious Shojin Ryori: Relish traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.

A temple lodging (shukubo) dinner laid on a grey table — individual clay hot pots over flames, tofu on a leaf-shaped dish, small side bowls and sake, a vegetarian shojin-ryori spread

Buddhist Chanting: Take part in meditative sacred prayers.

A monk in black robes kneeling on the tatami of a temple hall before a gilded altar, a large bowl-shaped bell and sutra stand beside him

Gagaku Music Performances: Experience the elegance of ancient Japanese court music.

Three young monks in pale blue robes seated on a red mat playing gagaku wind instruments — bamboo flutes and a shō mouth organ — during a ceremony

Calligraphy Workshops: Discover the art of Japanese calligraphy.

A masked elderly instructor guiding a woman in an orange sweater as she paints Japanese calligraphy with a brush at a black lacquer table

Kimono Dressing: Try on beautiful, traditional Japanese attire.

A man in a black formal montsuki kimono and haori gives a thumbs-up while helping a woman try on traditional dress, a gold folding screen behind them

Udon-Making Classes: Create and enjoy handmade noodles.

Visitors in aprons making soba noodles at tables in a tatami room, one cutting rolled dough with a long knife, a hanging scroll with a black enso circle on the wall

The highlight of staying at Kakurinbo is the English-speaking staff, who guide you through each activity and provide detailed explanations of their cultural and spiritual significance. Whether you’re exploring Japanese traditions or immersing yourself in Buddhist practices, Kakurinbo ensures an unforgettable and meaningful experience.

If there’s a specific activity you’d like to experience, it’s recommended to contact the temple lodging in advance to make arrangements.

For an even deeper cultural experience, consider waking up early and visiting Kuon-ji Temple. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the daily routines of the temple workers. From ringing the morning bell to walking while chanting sutras, the sights and sounds are truly awe-inspiring. This is a unique opportunity to witness a side of Japanese temple culture that can only be experienced by staying on Mt. Minobu. Don’t miss it!

Start your morning at Kuonji Temple with the resonating sound of a sacred bel?️
Watch as monks chant sutras and make their way to the main hall—a mesmerizing glimpse into Japan’s spiritual traditions??#temple #Japan #yamanashi #monk pic.twitter.com/miTKpczrUL
— Japan Documented (@JapanDocumented) December 27, 2024

If you are interested in this temple, please check the following link.

https://japan-documented.com/travel/accommodation/shukubo-kakurinbo/

Rest Spot: No Cafe ZENCHO

While exploring Mt. Minobu, make sure to visit No Cafe ZENCHO, a charming café nestled within the serene mountain surroundings. The café focuses on local gastronomy, using fresh ingredients sourced from the nearby area to create simple yet flavorful dishes.

A plate of Japanese curry over white rice in a glass dish with a side salad in a green bowl, served with a hammered metal spoon on a wooden tray

No Cafe ZENCHO also offers options for vegetarians, ensuring that a variety of dietary preferences are accommodated. Guests can enjoy their meal while overlooking a beautifully maintained Japanese garden, making for a relaxing and pleasant dining experience.

The exterior of Cafe Zencho, a renovated traditional house with a blue-grey tiled roof and a bicycle stand out front, wooded hills behind

A landscaped Japanese garden of clipped shrubs and a stone lantern with a gravel path and bench, a traditional tile-roofed inn set against the forested hillside

Climbing Mt. Minobu

While it’s possible to reach the main hall of Kuon-ji Temple by car, many visitors choose to take the stairs for a more immersive experience. Be warned—these are no ordinary stairs! Each step is quite steep, and climbing them can be a real challenge. However, the effort is well worth it, as the journey offers a chance to fully appreciate the spiritual significance of the temple and its surroundings.

The steep stone staircase of Kuonji temple rising between towering cedar trees, a few visitors climbing the worn steps

For those looking for even more adventure, you can take a ropeway to the summit of Mt. Minobu, where breathtaking views await. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the mausoleum of Nichiren, a sacred site that adds depth to the experience. Whether you climb the stairs or explore by ropeway, Mt. Minobu offers a rich and rewarding journey into Japan’s spiritual heritage.

A weathered outdoor information board at Kuonji's Okunoin showing photographs of Mount Fuji and mountain views seen from the Minobusan ropeway

The vermilion five-storied pagoda of Kuonji temple beside a wooden bell tower, forested mountains rising behind under a pale sky

How You Can Get There

From Tokyo by Bus

The easiest way to reach Mt. Minobu is by direct highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku). The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and drops you off near the mountain, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a hassle-free trip.

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Once you open this link, select “Departing from” to Tokyo and “Arriving at” to Yamanashi.

A 'Buses Connecting Japan' website banner with a route-search box set from Tokyo to Yamanashi, a red pagoda and Mount Fuji in the background

Select “Shijuku – Shinjuku – Minami Alps City/Minobu Line”S

A screenshot of a highway-bus route table for the Shinjuku to Minami Alps City / Minobu Line, listing main bus stops and one-way base fares

Select “Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal” and “Mt. Minobu” not Minobu.Then, input date and how number of passengers.

A screenshot of a bus booking form titled 'Select Bus — For Minobu', departing Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal for Mt. Minobu with date and passenger fields

From Tokyo by Train

For those preferring trains, take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo to Kofu Station. From there, transfer to the Minobu Line and head to Minobu Station. Once you arrive, you can take a short bus or taxi ride to the temple area. The total journey time is around 3 to 3.5 hours.

If you have a JR Pass, you can travel to Minobu Station at no additional cost! Be sure to take advantage of this convenient option for your journey.

A Japan Rail Pass advertisement banner reading 'Traveling to Japan?' with Mount Fuji, a pagoda and cherry blossoms, and an 'Order Now' button

By Car

If you’re traveling by car, Mt. Minobu is accessible via the Chuo Expressway or the Tomei Expressway, depending on your starting point. Parking is available near Kuon-ji Temple for those driving directly to the area.

Helicopter

If you’re interested in traveling by helicopter from Tokyo, feel free to reach out to me for assistance. Enjoy breathtaking views of Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower as you soar over the city, reaching the Mt. Minobu area in under an hour.

The large wooden main hall of Kuonji temple with its sweeping grey-tiled roof and carved eaves, backed by a dense cedar forest

Final Thoughts

Mt. Minobu is a hidden gem that, despite its rich history, remains relatively unknown even among Japanese people.

From my personal experience, I can confidently say it’s the perfect destination for anyone interested in temple stays, Japanese temples, Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), or immersing themselves in traditional culture and nature. I highly recommend adding Mt. Minobu to your list of places to visit in Japan.

A mountain stream tumbling over boulders through a wooded valley at Minobu, autumn-tinged trees and moss-covered banks lining the water

If you have any questions about how to make your time at Mt. Minobu or would like me to organize a travel tour, feel free to contact me!

I can help recommend plans tailored to your budget and interests.

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