Temple Hotel Takeibo

I felt refreshed by the time I returned to Tokyo, even after only a short stay. The air and water in Minobu are delicious, and the village itself is charming, close to the hotel. Takeibo Temple Hotel was a wonderful place for my brief work trip. The building is new and well-kept, with spacious suites that are a real treat if you enjoy Japanese-style tatami rooms. Staff were kind, and it was easy to make friends in the peaceful centre-garden. The hotel connects directly to Takeibo Temple and welcomes all its guests. The monk looking after the temple was kind, and I enjoyed his company. Attending a temple activity was easy and well worth doing. I went to the sunrise service at the Hondo Temple, a moving experience and one of my highlights. You can climb the Bodaitei stairs to the temple grounds at the top of the nearby mountain, then take a ropeway from there to Mount Minobu. The view takes in the valley, the meandering Fuji river, and endless mountain ridges. With clear skies, you may also get a majestic view of Mount Fuji. I’d like to try one of the mountain trails on a future visit.

The meals were thoughtfully prepared and delicious, and the facilities were clean. I’ve visited Kuonji Temple many times, but this was my first stay at its temple lodging. The head priest, called “Oshōnin” in Nichiren Buddhism, the mother, and all the staff were wonderful. They took me to Kuonji Temple’s morning service, which starts at 5:30 AM during summer, then gave me a detailed tour and explanation of the temple grounds, mausoleum, and Minobu’s history. I learned many things for the first time. It was a truly wonderful stay, and I intend to return next time I visit Minobu overnight.

The food was delicious, and you could tell the care that went into making it. The lodging is near the grounds of Minobu-san Kuonji Temple. Its parking area isn’t large, but it seems to fit a few cars. Temple lodgings are for believers undertaking spiritual training, so rooms normally don’t have TVs. Training begins at 4:30 a.m. with believers chanting sutras in the main hall, followed by breakfast and many more sessions. I think it’s best to ask the temple lodging directly whether it’s open to the general public.

The simple room had no TV, which was refreshing, though you can hear voices from other rooms, so being considerate at night matters. The bath wasn’t a hot spring, but the water was good and I really enjoyed bathing. Both the bath and toilet were clean. I’m grateful for this wonderful trip. The vegetarian food was healthy and delicious, and I ate every bit. Dinner was hearty, and breakfast satisfying. I also joined the morning and evening religious services, which left my mind feeling purified and refreshed. Morning service is held at Kuonji Temple, and having breakfast available so early was very helpful. Nearby are Nichiren Shonin’s hermitage ruins, Kuonji Temple, and Okunoin, reached by ropeway, as well as Mt. Shichimen. It’s a sacred place that gives you energy. I hope the culture of temple lodgings continues for future generations. Young people, aim to become a temple lodging owner! Thank you very much.