The meaning of shukubo
Temples that provide accommodation are known as “shukubo” (宿坊, lit. “accommodation priest”). Originally, only visiting priests were allowed to stay at such places. However, as the number of worshippers increased, so too did the number of people requiring lodgings, leading to the shukubo that we see today. Kakurinbo is one of many shukubo in Minobusan. As a sub-temple of Kuonji, the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism, and a temple lodging, we welcome all visitors.
A temple stay is an extraordinary experience.
Enjoy a night in a stately wooden building immersed in history.
Look out onto an ornate Japanese garden while relishing culinary delights.
Savor an atmosphere steeped in Buddhist culture and embrace experiences that bring you closer to traditional Japan.
Stay in a place built long ago for priests and pilgrims to walk the path of the Buddha.
Relish a spiritual journey into the history and culture of Japan and Buddhism.
Far from the stresses of daily life, savor delicious vegetarian cuisine. Choose from a variety of traditional and cultural experiences.
Discover a deep sense of peace on a journey that your heart desires.
Evolving to meet the needs of today’s travelers
In the past, shukubo in Minobusan accommodated Buddhist priests visiting for ascetic training and pilgrims coming to worship. However, times have changed. Nowadays, so-called “temple stays” are popular among visitors looking for unusual experiences that are easily accessible. This change in how Buddhist temples function is not a new phenomenon. Temples in Japan have always adapted with the times. Over the years, they have become centers for memorial services, education and the management of family registers. However, the role of a temple as a locus for Buddhist culture and tradition and for bringing people together has remained constant.
Choosing to stay at a shukubo
With its tatami-matted floors, sliding fusuma doors, shoji paper screens, and futons in place of beds, Kakurinbo retains traditional Japanese elements that are fast disappearing from everyday life.
Unique to a shukubo
Savor the beauty and history of Japan
Stately wooden architecture
The modest beauty of a shukubo is one of the pleasures of staying at a temple. Stately wooden beams and pillars support plaster walls that have history etched into them. The fusuma sliding doors and furnishings create congruous patterns, while tatami mats and incense provide soothing aromas. The architecture itself is designed to fuse comfort with Japanese sensibilities, emphasizing harmony and traditional aesthetics.
Increasingly popular among vegans and vegetarians
Shojin ryori
Based on Buddhist teachings that eschew the taking of life, Japanese Buddhist cuisine, known as shojin ryori, is composed entirely of plant-based ingredients. Although shojin ryori has long been popular among women due to its health benefits, in recent years it has also attracted the attention of vegans and vegetarians. Expect to be delighted by a wide variety of dishes, many of which include plenty of locally sourced seasonal vegetables.
Experience Buddhism and Japanese history
Traditional and cultural experiences
A shukubo is a combination of a Buddhist temple and a family-run inn. As such, guests can enjoy Buddhist-related experiences such as sutra reading and sutra copying. Many shukubo, by their nature, are located near important Buddhist temples. Where there are many shukubo, teramachi, or temple towns, have evolved that have become fertile ground for the development of Buddhist art and traditional crafts. This allows visitors to enjoy many aspects of a single area.
FAQ
Staying at Kakurinbo
What are the check-in and checkout times?
Check-in is from 15:00 and checkout is before 10:00.
Stays can be extended for an additional cost of 1,000 yen per hour at Kakurinbo and 2,000 yen per hour at Ebisuya. Please note that stay extensions may not be possible on certain days.
Does Kakurinbo have Wi-Fi?
Yes, all guestrooms have access to Wi-Fi.
Are Western-style beds available?
As we are a shukubo, guests sleep on futons. Please let us know in advance if you have a physical impairment and require a bed.
Is it possible to make a phone reservation in English?
For inquires, we recommend you email us using the contact form on the website or the reservation page.
Do I need to speak Japanese to stay at Kakurinbo?
You do not need to speak Japanese to stay at Kakurinbo. Our staff members try their best to provide hospitality in English.
Where do guests eat?
Guests eat in the dining room, which looks out onto the traditional garden.
What time are breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Breakfast is from 7:00 to 9:00 (please let a staff member know if you would like breakfast earlier). Lunch is between 11:00 and 15:00. Dinner is from 17:30 to 20:00 (dinner may start later depending on the season).
Do you sell drinks and cigarettes?
We do not sell cigarettes. There are refrigerators with drinks in the hallways. We ask guests to help themselves and pay when they leave.
Do you provide vegan or vegetarian meals?
Meals served at Kakurinbo are almost entirely vegetarian so vegans and vegetarians are easily provided for. However, to ensure the best possible experience, please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you make a reservation and again when you check in.
Are the lavatories Japanese- or Western-style?
All toilets at Kakurinbo are Western-style.
Do the guestrooms have their own bath or shower?
Guestrooms do not have baths or showers. There are three large, common-use baths available for private use on a time-allocation system.
What time are the common-use baths available?
The baths are available 30 minutes at a time between 16:00 and 22:00.
Do you accept guests with tattoos?
Yes, we do. Kakurinbo welcomes diversity.
Can I stay at Kakurinbo even if I am not a Buddhist?
Everyone is welcome at Kakurinbo. We hope you enjoy your stay at a Buddhist temple.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept VISA, Mastercard, JCB and American Express.
Can I leave my luggage before I check in or after I’ve checked out?
This is usually possible. Please ask a staff member for details.
Is there mobile phone service?
Because we are located in the mountains, there may be times when the mobile phone connection is weak. Please feel free to use the available Wi-Fi.
Is alcohol available at Kakurinbo?
There are various alcoholic drinks to enjoy at Kakurinbo, including our very own Temple Beer. There are selected sake styles from local breweries and wine from Yamanashi wineries that go well with Japanese food. Please ask our staff for more information.
Are there places to park?
There are two parking areas, one in front of the Kakurinbo entrance and the other at the back of the building. All parking is free of charge. Please note that we do not accept reservations for parking except for visitors with limited mobility.
Can you arrange a taxi for me?
Taxis are readily available during the day. However, taxis may not be available at night or early in the morning. Please ask a staff member for assistance.
Is there a refrigerator I can use?
There are no refrigerators in the guestrooms. However, we can provide use of a refrigerator for the duration of your stay. Please ask a staff member for assistance.
Does Kakurinbo have wheelchair access?
Only the guestrooms on the first floor (ground floor) are accessible by wheelchair. Therefore, we ask guests using wheelchairs to let us know in advance. The same applies to guests requiring use of beds.
Are there any hot springs nearby?
The only hot spring in Minobusan is at Guest Villa Ebisuya, a sister property of Kakurinbo. Please ask a staff member for more information. The day spa, Healthy Spa Sun Road Shimobe no Yu, is located 15 minutes by car from Kakurinbo or one stop by train from Minobu Station.
Can I bring my dog with me?
Please inquire before making a reservation.
Can I take a bath in the morning?
Only showers are available in the morning. Please ask a staff member before using the shower room.
Guests with children
Do you have a children’s menu?
We offer a “kids’ plate” that is suitable for children. Please note that it may include meat.
Can I share my futon with my child?
Children 5 years old and under can share a futon with a parent. Please contact us for more details.
Do you provide hot water for babies’ milk?
Yes, we can provide hot water. Please ask a staff member for assistance.
Access and the local area
What is Minobusan famous for?
Minobusan is famous for Kuonji, the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism. There are also well-known locally produced foods, such as Akebono soybeans, which are larger and sweeter than usual soybeans, and yuba bean curd sheets, which have long been a valuable source of protein in the Buddhist diet.
Is there a hospital nearby?
The nearest hospital is Minobusan Hospital. It is a 10-minute drive from Kakurinbo.
How do I get to Kakurinbo from the Minobusan bus stop?
Please see the photo explanation at the bottom of the Access page. If you follow us on Instagram (kakurinbo_temple) and message us your arrival time, we may be able to pick you up.
Are there any places of interest or things to do around Kakurinbo?
The temples of Kuonji and Shichinkaku Okunoin are well worth visiting. There is also hiking on Mt. Minobu and Mt. Shichimen. Kakurinbo offers 25 activities related to Buddhism and Japanese culture that guests can participate in for a small fee. Please note that many activities need to be reserved in advance. For more information, please contact us ahead of your arrival.
Do you provide a shuttle service to the bus stop or train station?
If you follow us on Instagram (kakurinbo_temple) and message us your arrival time, we may be able to pick you up at Minobusan bus stop. However, please note that this may not be possible during peak hours. From JR Minobu Station, please catch a taxi to Kakurinbo or a local bus to Minobusan.
Do you provide a luggage delivery service?
Yes, we do. Please ask a staff member for assistance.