Ryutakuzenji

We came back less than a year after our first visit because we loved it so much. Calling it the most wonderful place I’ve stayed in the world sounds over the top, but I mean it. It’s hard to put into words what makes this place so perfect. Waking up in a traditional Japanese room, walking through the temple grounds, then going inside to hear the bells is unlike anything I’ve experienced. Meditating with the owner was indescribable. The food and service were excellent, and the location is fantastic too.

The owner was super friendly, and this was the best temple stay I had in Japan. The rooms are huge and comfortable, with a private bathroom. You can also get up early for a Zen meditation lesson with the monk, who tells you about the temple. My only disappointment was breakfast. It wasn’t traditional shojin-ryori, Buddhist temple vegetarian food. Apart from that, it was a wonderful stay.

You’ll need a car to get here, though the place isn’t hard to find. We loved staying at Ryutakuzenji. The atmosphere was peaceful and zen, and the service was excellent. Breakfast was tasty and filling. The head priest introduced me to the temple, and meditating inside it early in the morning was amazing.

A great nearby lake makes for a nice run, and the grounds are beautiful. The temple is also something you shouldn’t miss. If you can, join the early morning meditation and try to stay with it for more than 20 minutes. Our stay at Ryutakuzenji was unexpectedly excellent. The service was friendly, even to non-Japanese travelers, the rooms were clean and well equipped, and the food was excellent. Highly recommended.