Reading the negative reviews of the Takayama Zenkoji makes me think that we were in a different place! Our experience couldn't have been more positive indeed! A French tourist whom we met in Kamakura recommended us to stay here, so we wrote to the temple's care-taker a few days before our arrival and he booked a room for us. We... More

This is a great alternative accommodation. Our room had tatami mats, futons and paper walls, and gorgeous view out to a snowy garden, electric blankets, two heaters, and a Japanese table with heater under it and blanket over the top. It was a beautiful cozy retreat. The room was spacious and clean, shared bathroom spotless, and common areas had kitchen,... More

First, the website is very well done and the booking through email it was fast and smooth. The staff speaks good english and they are extremely kind, attentive and precise in their services through all your staying period (Yukina was great). The guesthouse area is very spacious and well organized, they have a super well equipped kitchen, many common computers,... More

Japanese-styled futon/tatami-rooms, nice and clean shared facilities. Staff is also taking care of the temple itself and you are free to join the 09.30 morning-prayer. During my stay winter came in and snow was covering the Inn & surroundings, there is a electric heater and more than enough beddings to keep you warm in this wooden construction

Zenkoji temple inn is a hostel like lodging in a traditional Japanese setting. Lodgings are kinked to the temple itself. It has family rooms,as well as single rooms and dormitory beds. There is a common kitchen where you can prepare meals,and make tea or coffee,although no breakfast is being served at the inn. Just across the street there is a... More

I couldn't wait to stay here, it's not everyday that you get to stay in a working Buddhist temple. The hostel is fairly easy to find and not too far from the station or the lovely old town. I had a private room at the front of the hostel although it wasn't particularly full of character it was comfortable, had... More

I loved this place! I found out about this place on Lonely Planet and thought temple living sounded really novel so I booked for 2 nights stay during my 2 week trip to Japan. Got a bit nervous when I read some unfavourable reviews on Tripadvisor but I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived. I got there a bit earlier... More

Value for money wise you can't go wrong. Private rooms are traditional Japanese style with paper thin walls but I believe this adds to the traditional experience. Most rooms look out onto the beautiful garden behind the temple but we chose a room at the front that included wifi and air con as a trade off. Staff were super friendly... More

First, note the distribution of the reviews -- LP's recommendation notwithstanding, opinions differ widely about the Zenkoji Shukudo in Takayama. Long ago, my wife and I lived in Japan for seven years altogether. We'd come back for a nostalgic month of travel. Budget travel for us, perforce, with the yen dipping below 80 to the US dollar. For our large... More