清浄心院 -Shojo Shin-in-

Highly recommend this experience, highlight of my trip to Japan

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Great location, beautiful grounds and comfortable room

A little pricey for shared bathrooms really, but the experience is genuine and it is an honour to stay in this sacred place with the monks who steward it

Our room was on the second floor and had a beautiful view of the garden and the mountain Hillside. Large screen doors kept out any mosquitoes and still let in fresh air, so we could enjoy the garden. Our introduction to the temple and to the rooms was done very well by one of the resident monks. In addition we took a free tour of the property the next morning given by a different monk. it was very interesting. The food was good and plentiful. We were able to use the small bath in the building as a couple. This was very convenient. also, being older and somewhat shy, it was nice for us not to do a communal bath.

Be warned that the futon mattresses are very hard. We availed ourselves of extra futon from the closet and so we were comfortable. However, if your party has so many people that you use all of the available futon, this could be a problem. we suggest that you ask in your reservation for an extra mattress.

A unique experience, beautiful gardens and building, attending the fire ceremony, an interesting tour of the temple with a fabulous staff member. We appreciated the low chairs and tables for dinner.

Only possibility for a shower was in the communal bath