We arrived in time to have a tour of the temple which starts at 12.30 and really enjoyed learning about the history of the temple and taking part in the fire ceremony at 1pm. I’d recommend arriving for this and giving yourselves enough time to also see the nearby temples. The location is very near to the cemetery entrance so we were able to walk after dinner (which is at 5.30) and then again in the morning for the food ceremony. The staff were wonderfully kind and helpful and gave us recommendations and explained bathing since it was our first onsen experience. Dinner was delicious and vegetarian, and felt like a very transitional experience. The room was beautiful and a comfortable futon, although walls are very thin so we appreciated the 10pm bedtime so everyone could sleep without being disturbed.

The baths are only open at certain times so can get busy, so factor this into your schedule.

Highly recommend this experience, highlight of my trip to Japan

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Great location, beautiful grounds and comfortable room

A little pricey for shared bathrooms really, but the experience is genuine and it is an honour to stay in this sacred place with the monks who steward it

Our room was on the second floor and had a beautiful view of the garden and the mountain Hillside. Large screen doors kept out any mosquitoes and still let in fresh air, so we could enjoy the garden. Our introduction to the temple and to the rooms was done very well by one of the resident monks. In addition we took a free tour of the property the next morning given by a different monk. it was very interesting. The food was good and plentiful. We were able to use the small bath in the building as a couple. This was very convenient. also, being older and somewhat shy, it was nice for us not to do a communal bath.

Be warned that the futon mattresses are very hard. We availed ourselves of extra futon from the closet and so we were comfortable. However, if your party has so many people that you use all of the available futon, this could be a problem. we suggest that you ask in your reservation for an extra mattress.