Temple Hotel Daitaiji｜A special experience of “staying at a temple” at the 1200-year-old Yakushi Sacred Temple, which has been in existence since the Heian period.

Daitaiji Temple was founded by Saicho, the founder of Mount Hiei, and has a history of about 1,200 years. The Yakushi Nyorai enshrined at the temple is one of the seven Kumano Yakushi (Medicine Masters), and is believed to be especially effective for various illnesses, including mental illness, ear, tooth, foot, and headache. The temple is surrounded by trees and bamboo groves and is rich in nature with seasonal flowers and grasses. Enjoy a special “stay at a temple” experience at Daitaiji, where you can try zazen, sutra copying, and even a tent sauna.

A Sense of Tranquility Sharpened by Tranquility

Nestled in the middle of the independent hills created by the Ota River, is the 1200 year old Daitaiji Temple, a sacred place for medicinal herbs. Surrounded by forests and bamboo groves, it is so quiet that it is hard to believe that it is just a short side road from the prefectural road. There is a special atmosphere as if you are deep in the forest. Dai-tai-ji Temple is a sacred place for medicinal herbs founded by Saicho, the founder of Mount Hiei. Because of its historical background, it is a rare temple with many beautiful Buddhist statues, ink paintings, and gardens that are rarely seen anywhere else.

The temple’s chief priest, Toumi Nishiyama, started the lodging service in the hope of “lowering the temple’s threshold and making it more accessible to more people. The ability to stay overnight at a temple is a special experience in itself, but one of the advantages is that you can ask questions about the temple that you might not normally be able to ask in person.

Mr. Toumi Nishiyama, the chief priest of the temple.

”For example, why do they beat the wooden fish? By coming into contact with the thought, culture, and customs that form the basis of Buddhism, one can understand what Buddhism is all about. I think this is one of the advantages of staying at a temple,” said Mr. Nishiyama. There is a reason for each and every gesture and object used. By coming into contact with these things, you may find something interesting that will open up a whole new world to you.

When you wake up in the morning, you can hear birds chirping and the sounds of nature. In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom and the blue sky is reflected in the water of the rice paddies waiting for rice planting. In early summer, the hydrangeas bloom, in autumn, the leaves change colors, and at New Year’s, people gather from the community for the many events celebrating the New Year. Even the way a single light shining into the hall may change the way you see and feel this place. Enjoy the passage of time and the flavors of each season as you feel your senses gradually sharpen in a space slightly removed from everyday life.

Stay at a historic temple and experience Japanese culture.

Rooms are available in the spacious “Kyakuden” and “Hanare” next to the main hall, both of which are Japanese-style rooms with a relaxed atmosphere where you can relax and unwind. The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, heating, kitchen, Wi-Fi, and other amenities for your comfort, and pets are welcome to stay with you. Another feature of Daitaiji is that you can enjoy the tent sauna. The best way to fully enjoy your stay is to experience both zazen and sauna.

According to Mr. Nishiyama, “Since the time of the experience is fixed, many day-trippers only experience either the sauna or zazen and leave. If you are staying overnight, you can do both, such as taking the sauna the afternoon before and doing zazen the next morning, to get a more satisfying experience.

One of the reasons why the tent sauna is a part of the experience at Daitaiji is that the sauna experience gives a sense of “enlightenment,” which is the goal of zazen.

Accommodation at Daitaiji is also recommended for English-speaking foreigners and those who have friends overseas. Mr. Nishiyama used to be an English teacher, and many overseas guests who have actually stayed at the temple have commented that it is good that they can get answers to their questions in English. It is a rare experience for foreigners to be able to experience Japanese culture one step further.

From lodging, zazen experiences, tent saunas, and other activities such as sutra copying and beach cleaning, Mr. Nishiyama is constantly working on new things while doing his job as a Buddhist priest, including Buddhist memorial services. While emphasizing the importance of making the experience itself enjoyable, he shares his thoughts on temples and the community, he says “I am trying to find ways to connect the historic temples to the future in a sustainable way.“

Nachi-Katsuura Town is a popular tourist destination, with the highest waterfall in Japan, Nachi Falls, and hot springs. Of course you can enjoy the sights and activities, but why not try something different and carefully savor the time you spend there away from the hustle and bustle of the city?

Stay at a historic temple and experience Japanese culture.

One of the reasons why the tent sauna is a part of the experience at Daitaiji is that the sauna experience gives a sense of “enlightenment,” which is the goal of zazen.