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Enjoy an overnight stay and discover Buddhist traditions at a peaceful temple in Gunma Prefecture
Gunma Prefecture
Under two hours by train away from the Tokyo metropolis, TEMPLE STAY ZENSŌ offers visitors a retreat from the big city. The renovated guesthouse is located on the grounds of Horinji Temple in the town of Chiyoda, Gunma Prefecture, which dates back to 1306. You can enjoy a relaxing getaway and take part in the Buddhist traditions of shakyo (sutra copying) and zazen meditation.
The guesthouse offers modern conveniences—a television, kitchen, terrace, and amenities for making specialty coffee and homemade pizza. All of this is surrounded by the spiritual atmosphere, large gardens, and traditional aesthetic of the temple. The accommodation not only welcomes solo travelers, families, and couples, but is pet friendly as well.
Guests can take part in Buddhist practices, such as performing shakyo or trying guided meditation under the tutelage of the temple priests. These experiences are a must-try extra for guests who want to learn more about Buddhism.
Slow down, relax, and take time to appreciate the zen environment—especially the emblematic rounded window, which gives the guesthouse its name and logo.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Ueno-Tokyo Line to Kitasenju Station (about 20 minutes). From there, take the Tobu Liberty Ryomo Limited Express to Tatebayashi Station (about 50 minutes) and transfer to the Tobu Koizumi Line to Nishi-Koizumi Station (about 20 minutes). Board the bus outside Nishi-Koizumi Station and ride to the Shinpukuji Kouminkan Nishi stop (about 20 minutes), then walk about 5 minutes to the temple.
705 Shinpukuji, Chiyoda-machi, Oura-gun, Gunma-ken
