Experience & Temple Lodging
Step away from the everyday and find a moment of tranquility
Training Experiences
Senjuin Temple offers a variety of training experiences in which anyone is welcome to participate.
Spend a reflective moment at our serene mountain temple, reconnecting with your inner self.
Senshinkai (Zazen Meditation Gathering)
¥1,000No reservation required
A regularly held zazen meditation gathering. All are welcome to attend. Beginners are most welcome.
Date & Time:Fourth Saturday of each month: (1) 10:00 a.m. (2) 2:00 p.m.
Duration:Approximately 60 minutes
The session begins with gentle physical movement, followed by seated zazen meditation to bring ease to the mind.
Chairs are available for those with limited mobility.
What to bring:Comfortable clothing (skirts are not permitted)
Zazen Experience
¥5,000Reservation required
Experience the practice of seated meditation to cultivate mental focus and inner stillness.
Duration:Approximately 60 minutes
Fee:¥5,000 per person (¥1,500 per person for groups of 15 or more)
* Sessions may be unavailable due to temple ceremonies or events
* Special arrangements for school excursions are available upon consultation
What to bring:Comfortable clothing (skirts are not permitted)
Sutra Copying Experience
¥5,000Reservation required
Experience the meditative practice of copying the Heart Sutra with a focused mind. Participants trace the sutra onto special paper using a brush pen.
Duration:Approximately 60 minutes (varies depending on completion time)
Fee:¥5,000 per person (individual experience; group arrangements available upon consultation)
* All necessary materials are provided. Please come empty-handed.
What to bring:None
Buddha Tracing Experience
¥5,000Reservation required
Experience the meditative practice of tracing sacred Buddhist artwork. Participants trace either the portrait of Prince Shotoku or Bishamonten using a brush pen.
Duration:Approximately 60 minutes
Fee:¥5,000 per person (individual experience; group arrangements available upon consultation)
* All necessary materials are provided. Please come empty-handed.
What to bring:None
Garden Relaxation
¥2,000
A programme offering peaceful relaxation amidst nature in the gardens of Senjuin Temple. Refresh your body and mind while taking in the beautiful scenery of Mt. Shigi.
Introductory Training Experience (For Beginners)
Ideal for those who are curious about training experiences but may feel that a full session is a little daunting.
These are short, accessible courses that offer a gentle introduction.Reservation required
The following are examples. Duration and fees will be determined through consultation. (Individual or group)
Course 1: Zazen + Sutra Copying
Duration:Approximately 75 minutes
Details:A combined experience of zazen meditation and copying a short sutra (a brief sutra rather than the full Heart Sutra)
What to bring:Nothing required (come empty-handed)
Course 2: Zazen + Sutra Copying + Waterfall Meditation
Duration:Approximately 100 minutes
Minimum participants:2 persons or more
Details:In addition to zazen and sutra copying, this course includes a waterfall meditation experience (ritual garments for the waterfall practice are provided)
What to bring:Comfortable clothing suitable for movement (skirts are not permitted), sandals, towels
* Ladies are kindly requested to bring swimwear or an undershirt
* Fees vary depending on the course and number of participants. Please contact us by telephone.
* Certain conditions apply. Please be sure to confirm by telephone in advance.
Advance reservations are required for all experiences. Please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone.
Group bookings (10 or more persons) are also welcome.
Temple Lodging
Senjuin is the oldest temple lodging on Mt. Shigi, long revered as the "honke" (founding house) of Shigisan.
Today, Senjuin continues its distinguished heritage as a temple lodging, offering facilities for prayer, memorial services, rest, seminars, accommodation, and dining to all who visit.
Rooms
Our temple lodging comprises the Main Building and the New Building, with a total of 13 rooms ranging from 6 to 12 tatami mats in size. A large banquet hall is also available. Whether you are visiting as a couple, with friends, or travelling alone, or for school excursions, corporate retreats, group tours, or training camps, you are most welcome.
Main Building (Goyo-no-Ma)
The Main Building, handed down since the Edo period, is the second-oldest structure on Mt. Shigi. Visitors can appreciate its nostalgic and romantic atmosphere through its magnificent fusuma sliding-door paintings and views of the inner garden through rippled Taisho-era glass. (The oldest structure on Mt. Shigi is the Tahoto pagoda.)
It also offers the only strolling pond garden on Mt. Shigi. This garden is said to have been designed by the renowned tea master and architect Lord Kobori Enshu, when the Sengoku-period general Katagiri Katsumoto served as construction magistrate during the reconstruction of the temple halls.
With a magnificent borrowed-scenery view of the main hall of Chogosonshiji Temple, and featuring the Sala trees (stewartia) deeply connected to Buddhism, it is a space where all who visit Mt. Shigi may find peace and solace.
New Building (Komyo-no-Ma)
The New Building commands a view of the approach to Mt. Shigi. It features comfortable, modern guest rooms on the second floor, a grand hall on the third floor seating up to 150 persons, and the Daihikaku training hall on the fourth floor accommodating 60 persons for zazen. It is well suited for school excursions, corporate retreats, group tours, and training camps.
For enquiries regarding the use of these facilities, please contact the temple directly.
Cuisine
We offer full-course meals prepared with an abundance of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Our cuisine blends traditional kaiseki with contemporary presentation, resulting in dishes that are both approachable and satisfying.
Guests may choose between Kaiseki cuisine and Teppachi cuisine (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).
Amenities
* Towels, bath towels, and toothbrushes are not provided. Guests are kindly requested to bring their own.
Accommodation Rates(Tax included; revised 15 June 2025)
Residents of Japan
| Plan | 1 person | 2 or more |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night with 2 meals | ¥15,400 | ¥13,200 |
* Residents of Japan are kindly requested to make reservations by telephone (0745-72-4481).
Overseas Residents
| Plan | 1 person | 2 persons | 3 persons | 4 or more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 night with 2 meals | ¥35,000 | ¥30,000 | ¥29,000 | ¥28,000 |
* Guests who are vegetarian or have food allergies are kindly requested to inform us at the time of booking.
* We are unable to accommodate vegan or gluten-free dietary requirements.
* Vegetarian and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine is prepared with bonito (fish) stock.
* As a general rule, consecutive-night stays are not accepted. In the event of a consecutive stay, meals (dinner and breakfast) will be provided for one night only; additional nights will be on a room-only basis.
Reservations & Enquiries
Reservations for experiences and temple lodging are accepted by telephone.
Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding dates, plans, or any other enquiries.
Reception Hours: 8:30 - 17:00
Online reservations for temple lodging