The perfect place to unwind and recover from jetlag for this female solo traveller heading back from the Arctic to Australia. Tendou picked me up from Takasaki train station, an easy shinkasen trip from Tokyo Central station. On arrival, I felt tension melt away. Birds were singing and inside gentle music was playing. Tendou has some English but I don’t speak Japanese which limited communication a bit but everyone was welcoming, helpful and responsive. I meditated, copied some sutras, bathed, went on walks and on one 15 minute bike ride past the paddy fields, I saw a fox, huge dragonfly, two cranes and a small snake (not poisonous and a sign of financial fortune according to Tendou!) The traditional Japanese dinners were superb and I enjoyed learning about the beautiful Zen Buddhist Samurai temple which has been in Tendou’s family for generations.

I liked the bed on the floor as I wanted a true Japanese experience but be aware it is very firm.

Absolutely beautiful location. Very peaceful, traditional Japanese accommodation. The staff are exceptional. Our room had a private courtyard with onsen.

Some of our party found the futon mats not very comfortable. I suspect because we are just used to western beds.

Superbe accueil, chambre magnifique et très bien équipée, temple magnifique à visiter absolument et dîner / petit déjeuner excellent. Nous avons pu échanger avec notre hôte, un samouraï, qui nous a parlé de son quotidien en tant que gardien du temple. Je vous invite à le solliciter pour le transfert de la gare au Ryokan car c’est assez isolé. Je recommande grandement !

Very nice room in historical temple place. The staff was very nice and mindful! Thank you (Car is recommended if you want to move around)