Splendido complesso di templi incastonati sulle colline in mezzo agli alberi. Dalla cima si può osservare un panorama tanto ampio da abbracciare sia Osaka da una parte che Nara dall’altra. Camere pulite e curate, con una bella vista sui boschi. Cerimonie mattutine suggestive. Splendido passeggiare la sera tra i templi illuminati dalle lanterne, sotto alle altissime chiome degli alberi e attraverso i torii che ti guidano lungo i percorsi. Facile accesso con i mezzi pubblici.

Piccolo e semplice onsen che sicuramente se venisse un po’ abbellito renderebbe l’esperienza più piacevole. Esperienza molto turistica e costosa, si percepisce poca spiritualità poiché c’è poco coinvolgimento da parte dei monaci, anche se molto gentili.

I am an American born man, so getting to experience a Shinto Temple first hand was a one of a kind experience. I

Sleeping on a bedroll wasn’t easy for me but that’s no fault of the establishment’s. I am simply not used to it.

I loved the stay, it was enchanting. I loved the walk up which was along steep paths lined with lanterns and festooned with banners. (If you come by car/taxi you can drive up to the top). And at night, with all the lanterns lit, the temple buildings, gardens & views of the stars & the city sparkling in the distance, it was magical. I loved that guests are greeted with a cup of tea & a twist of tiny, delicious chocolate leaves on arrival. The rooms are very spacious and calm, and the vegetarian food was beautifully presented & elegant. It is well worth getting up at 5 am for the goma fire ceremony. Be aware that for meals & ceremonies, you need to sit cross legged or kneeling on a flat cushion on the floor for extended periods.

I was disappointed that the sutra copying & Buddha drawing class wasn't available.

Lovely surroundings in the temple and spacious room.

We felt we didn't get much interaction with the monks. We went there because we wanted to learn about their way of life and the only interaction we had was them showing us to our room and the fire ceremony. The meals were served and everyone was whispering so it created a bit of an awkward atmosphere where we felt we weren't allowed to talk. We travelled for a while to get to this place which is not that accessible on public transport and overall we did not feel that it was worth coming all that way for one night when we did not learn anything about their way of life there.