SHUKUBO KAKURINBO: Meditative Temple Stay and Cultural Activities

Shukubo Kakurinbo (Gyogakuin Kakurinbo) is a temple lodging at Mt. Minobu in Yamanashi Prefecture and a sub-temple of Kuon-ji, the head temple of the Nichiren Shu school of Buddhism. It was built as the retirement residence of Nitcho (1422 to 1500), the 11th head priest of Kuon-ji. Guests sleep on futons in tatami rooms, eat meals based on Shojin Ryori with local Minobu yuba, and can take part in 25 activities, from Shodai-gyo chanting to calligraphy.

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

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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 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.

Calligraphy

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

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

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

You practice several times.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

Dining Experience

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

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Shukubo Kakurinbo from Tokyo?

Shukubo Kakurinbo is about 3 hours from Shinjuku by train. Take a JR Chuo Line limited express to Kofu, change to the JR Minobu Line and get off at Minobu Station. From there, take a taxi to the lodging, or a local bus to the Minobusan stop and walk uphill for 10 to 15 minutes. An express bus from Shinjuku to Minobusan takes about 3.5 hours.

Do rooms at Kakurinbo have private baths?

Most guestrooms at Kakurinbo do not have a private bath or shower. Guests use three large shared baths privately, 30 minutes at a time, between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and only showers are available in the morning. The Family Guestroom is listed with a private bathroom. All toilets at Kakurinbo are Western-style.

Do activities at Kakurinbo need to be booked in advance?

Many activities at Kakurinbo need to be reserved in advance. The lodging lists 25 activities related to Buddhism and Japanese culture, offered for a fee, including Shodai-gyo chanting, calligraphy, udon making and a wedding kimono experience. Kakurinbo asks guests to contact it before arrival for details.

Do you need to be Buddhist or speak Japanese to stay at Kakurinbo?

Kakurinbo welcomes guests who are not Buddhist, and speaking Japanese is not required. The temple says its staff do their best to provide hospitality in English. For inquiries in English, Kakurinbo recommends writing through the contact form on its website or the reservation page.

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