SHUKUBO KAKURINBO: Meditative Temple Stay and Cultural Activities

Kakurinbo, located at the base of Mt. Minobu near the historic Kuon-ji Temple, offers an unforgettable temple stay experience where guests can immerse themselves in Japanese spirituality, culture, and traditions.

Whether you’re a traveler seeking tranquility, a food enthusiast curious about Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, or someone eager to explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage, Kakurinbo has something for everyone.

Accommodation Type	Temple Lodging (Shukubo)
Dining	Shojin Ryori (Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine)
Cultural Activities	Buddhist Chanting, Calligraphy, Udon-Making, Kimono Dressing, Gagaku Music
English Support	English-speaking staff available
Check-in/out	IN: 3:00 PM – OUT: 10:00 AM
Children Policy	Welcomes guests of all ages

Dining Experience

One of the highlights of staying at Kakurinbo is enjoying Shojin Ryori, a traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Not only is it a fantastic option for vegan guests, but it’s also highly recommended for anyone looking to experience a unique aspect of Japanese culture. Each dish is prepared with great care, offering a perfect balance of flavor and mindfulness that reflects Buddhist principles. Guests can savor their meals in a serene setting, making it an enriching and memorable part of their stay.

Cultural Activities

At Kakurinbo, guests can participate in a variety of hands-on activities that showcase Japan’s rich cultural traditions:

Buddhist Chanting:

During my stay at Kakurinbo, I had the chance to participate in Shodai-gyo, a unique chanting meditation practiced in Nichiren Buddhism.

Unlike simply listening to monks, I joined them in chanting the sacred mantra, following their rhythm and tone.It was a rare experience, even for Japanese people, and I found it calming.

The ornate gilded main altar of Kakurinbo temple lodging, with dragon carvings, hanging lanterns and a Buddhist statue at its center

The act of chanting in unison created a sense of focus and tranquility that stayed with me long after the session.

If you’re looking for a meaningful and peaceful activity, Shodai-gyo is something I highly recommend trying during your visit.

A monk in black robes kneeling on the tatami before the golden altar with a large ceremonial bowl-bell

Calligraphy:

Learn the graceful art of Japanese calligraphy, guided by skilled instructors.

First, you choose the character or word you want to write.

Calligraphy sheets laid on a red carpet, English word cards — hope, love, dream, future — paired with their brushed kanji

The instructor patiently guides you through the process of calligraphy, teaching you step by step as you practice.

An instructor in an orange sweater guiding an elderly guest's hand in a brush-calligraphy lesson

You practice several times.

A guest in a blue sweater concentrating as she writes kanji with a calligraphy brush

A close-up of hands writing a kanji character in black ink with a brush on white paper

Finally, you create your final piece, and you’re done!

A smiling guest holding up a finished hanging scroll bearing the kanji for 'chance encounter'

Kimono Dressing:

Try on traditional Japanese attire and capture unforgettable memories.

Men can experience wearing a hakama, while women can try on a kimono.

A hakama is a traditional Japanese garment, resembling wide pleated pants, typically worn over a kimono. It’s often associated with formal occasions, traditional ceremonies, and martial arts like kendo and kyudo.

A foreign guest in a black montsuki kimono giving a thumbs-up while a staff member helps adjust it

A kimono is a classic, long-sleeved robe tied with an obi (a wide sash) and is one of Japan’s most iconic traditional outfits. Kimonos are worn on various occasions, including weddings, tea ceremonies, coming-of-age celebrations, and seasonal festivals. They symbolize elegance and tradition, with intricate patterns and designs often reflecting the season or the nature of the event.

A staff member in a red bandana helping a guest put on a colorful floral furisode kimono

This experience allows you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture by wearing these beautiful traditional garments, which carry deep cultural significance.

Udon-Making:

I participated in an experience where I made udon noodles and then enjoyed eating them.

A group of foreign guests making soba noodles by hand at a table in a soba-making class

Gloved hands lifting freshly hand-cut soba noodles on a metal tray

Gagaku Music:

Immerse yourself in the elegance of ancient Japanese court music.

These activities are thoughtfully designed to provide guests with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and spirituality.

Three monks in pale-blue robes performing gagaku court music on wind instruments before a garden window

A close-up of a monk in blue robes playing a ryuteki bamboo transverse flute

A monk in blue robes playing a sho, the upright bamboo mouth-organ of gagaku music

A monk in pale-blue robes playing the ryuteki flute during the gagaku performance

Dining Experience

At Kakurinbo, you can experience Shojin Ryori, a traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. The meal is thoughtfully prepared with seasonal, plant-based ingredients, offering a glimpse into the mindfulness and simplicity central to Buddhist culture.

A shojin-ryori vegetarian dinner spread with individual hot pots, tofu and assorted small dishes

This is a great option for vegan guests and anyone interested in exploring a meaningful part of Japanese culinary tradition. It’s a chance to enjoy not just a meal but a genuine cultural experience.

A bowl of mixed-grain rice beside a lacquer bowl of somen noodle soup and pickles

Room Introduction

The entrance to each room is through a beautiful, well-maintained corridor that sets the tone for your stay. Walking down the hallway, you’ll already feel a sense of excitement and anticipation before even stepping inside.

A dim temple-lodging corridor lined with colorful kimono hung along the tatami hallway

The rooms at Kakurinbo are traditional Japanese-style tatami rooms, offering an authentic and serene atmosphere. Instead of beds, guests sleep on futons, a quintessential part of the Japanese lodging experience.

A tatami guest room with two futons laid out, a low table and a waterfall hanging scroll in the alcove

Two futon beds made up on the tatami of a traditional guest room with a waterfall scroll and shoji screens

While the rooms are equipped with heating and air conditioning, you can choose to forgo them for a more immersive temple stay experience, embracing the natural environment as it is.

From the room I stayed in, I had a beautiful view of the garden, which added to the peaceful ambiance.

I highly recommend staying in these rooms for a memorable experience!!

An overhead view of Kakurinbo's Japanese garden with a red arched bridge over a koi pond amid autumn trees

Summary

If you’re considering a temple stay, Kakurinbo is highly recommended! It offers a unique and enriching experience where you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture and spirituality.

For more information, visit the official website through this link. If you have any questions or need help planning a trip tailored to your preferences, feel free to reach out. We’re here to assist you!

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