Nothing. It was peaceful, lovely, and welcoming.

This is one of the most unique places we have ever stated! The staff made us feel welcome and took time to offer us tea and share the history of the temple. The experiences they offered were so cool - our kids learned how to make onigiri and miso soup, and we participated in the meditation session. When we almost got stuck in town due to a canceled train, they offered to let us stay an additional night. We would stay here again in a heartbeat.

Stayed in August 2025

it would have been good to learn more about the temple’s history and daily life for the monks. it’s a shame that you had to pay extra for the meditation as the stay was already expensive. a great visit though.

A memorable stay in a beautiful temple in the heart of Takayama. We stayed in a lovely room overlooking the tranquil garden. The highlight of our stay was a meditation session the following morning. It was great to take part and learn more about Buddhism and meditation.

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing

Beautiful building Very friendly staff Very quiet

Stayed in June 2025

We thought we were booking a room with 2 single beds and a kitchenette, but we got 3 rooms: one with a low table and comfortable cushions, along with adjacent kitchenette; another with a lounge chair and lots of large comfy pillows on tatami mats, and the top floor--an open loft--with two double beds and another lounge chair. The decor was a combination of Japanese minamalism and 20th C modern--tres chic. The staff couldn't be nicer and my friend and I attended a Budhist ceremony, followed by a meditation class and then about 40 minutes of copying the Sutra. The priest who led the Budhist ceremony and meditation session spoke very good English and was excellent at communicating the central tenets of Budhism as well as placing the religion in the broader context of East/West cultural differences. I'm not religious but found this introduction to Budhism and Japanese culture fascinating. The hotel is very centrally located and the town itself charming, with traditional architecture, many restaurants and boutiques; and 15 minutes away by cab is the Hida Folk Village, which is not to be missed. I highly recommend staying at this temple/hotel.

Stayed in June 2025

The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. We did the morning prayer service, meditation, rice ball/miso soup experience and kimono experience. All were great! The room was new and quite large. It was wonderful to have a washer/dryer in the room with provided laundry soap.

Stayed in May 2025

The room had an odd smell in our opinion, even with the window opened all night. We stayed in much better places for less money. Overall, overpriced for what it offers.

The staff were really great. The morning prayer was interesting and this is the only thing we can recommend.

Stayed in May 2025

All good

Absolutely beautiful location. The young lady who greeted us was wonderful and the Buddhist monk was so insightful we really enjoyed our conversation with him. Will definitely return in the future.

Stayed in April 2025

Our room (Sakura) had a bad ‘eggy fart’ smell. This was explained by the kind staff who worked there as they had done a renovation of the tetami (flooring) and the smell is the glue used to stick the mats. However it was not a big deal as after a few minutes you could not smell anything

Staff very friendly and helpful, clean room and shared bathroom/bath. We had to reserve our bath times but this was no problem and everyone shared the space well. We participated in the morning prayer session and also we did meditation session which was a great experience and something we will not forget.

Stayed in April 2025

The room was comfortable, shared facilities were clean. Enjoyed taking part in the prayers and meditation in the morning after my stay

Stayed in March 2025

The staff were all incredible, the facility was stunning, and we absolutely loved our stay! We really enjoyed the morning prayer session.

Stayed in April 2025

All good

Overall experience. Morning prayer, meditation, the interaction of the staff with us.

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing

Beautiful rooms and garden

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing

Prefect !

Stayed in March 2025

Everything was perfect.

We absolutely loved the place. This was actually once of the places that we really want to come back to sometime in the future. Everything was perfect and even exceeded our expectations. The staff was super friendly, tentative to all the details. Temple itself, common areas and the room were very cozy and relaxing. The private bath, meditation and making personal scent were the activities that we tried and enjoyed so very much. It felt so good to escape Kyoto (we loved it, but it's a big and touristy city..) and calm down at least for a day. So this place met all these expectations. Thank you so much.

Stayed in February 2025

Amazing experience! 100% recommended. I enjoyed the morning meditation.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing.

Takayama Zenkoji is beautiful with a very welcoming atmosphere. We attended a service and listened to a very good sermon by the temple priest. There are activities such as Sutra writing, meditation, and walking through the 'crypt' or underground passage in the dark. We had done this before in the Zenkoji temple in Nagano. The rooms are beautiful with a fantastic bathroom and a lovely Ofuro that can be booked in advance.

Stayed in January 2025

We did love the electric blankets as it was snowing outside. Room was very spacious, with nice view to garden.

Stayed in December 2024

The monks/hosts were amazingly friendly and took their time to welcome me to the place. I partook in the morning prayer and was able to have a very nice conversation with the monk, who patiently answered my questions and taught me about Buddhism. It was cold at night, but the room had good heating options and an electric blanket in the futon.

Stayed in January 2025

If I had to criticise I’d warn people that it is cold in winter. Totally understandable being an old temple. We were comfortable as electric blankets were on all the beds and reverse air con and heating were provided. Maybe not the place for you in winter if cold bothers you.

Beautiful traditional rooms set in an old temple. We had a large suite with its own bathroom and effectively 3 other rooms (2 bedrooms and a dining area) for a family of 4. The facilities were super clean and beautifully presented, and the staff we met were just lovely and helpful. Think tatami mats, futon beds etc. The other thing that struck us was the amount of space, we never expected to stay somewhere so spacious in Japan. There are a number of experiences you can participate in as well, be sure to check them out! Probably no more than a 15 min walk to most sights in town.

Stayed in December 2024

Very good hotel like rooms. Both private and public bath and washrooms where very clean and new. The friendly temple employees gave good information and guidance.

Stayed in November 2024

All good

Location

Stayed in November 2024

beautiful Temple in one of my favorite Cities.. fantastic staff, very nice and accommodating.. specially Nod goes to the meditation coach after morning prayer. so thankful for everything he taught me.

Stayed in November 2024

This place is amazing, the staff is amazing, the experiences are amazing. The morning prayers are very suggestive and the breakfast cooking fun, they explain to you everything and they do it with nice smile and passion. Thank you to Mihoko, the monk and the host that helped me with the breakfast making Ryou (I don’t know if I spell it right) and the host from Hokkaido ( unfortunately I don’t know his name). It has been a real pleasure!

Stayed in November 2024

A very nice experience indeed. All my friends enjoyed the meditation as well. And our luggage was kept for us

Stayed in October 2024