Kongo-ji Temple

Kongo-ji Temple is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple located in the quiet town of Minamiashigara, about 2 hours from Tokyo. Kongo-ji Temple was founded in 1394 by the monk Kiko Houn. It is a family-run temple that has been under the care of the same family for generations. Today, Kongo-ji is under the care of Issui Sasaki, its 19th head priest.

The main deity at Kongo-ji is Enmei-Jizo-Bosatsu, or “Ojizō-sama”. Enmei-Jizo-Bosatsu is seen as a protector of newly born children with many worshippers visiting the temple to pray for safe delivery. Kongo-ji also houses the “Siam Buddha”, a statue of Siddhartha Buddha from Thailand that is hundreds of years old.

Temple stay near Tokyo

If peace and tranquility away from the busy city are what you’re looking for, then a stay at Kongo-ji temple is what you need. You’ll be able to feel the essence of Zen with an overnight stay in the temple’s main hall. You can leave behind modern amenities and experience a simpler way of life. While there are no bathing facilities in the temple lodging, you can bathe at the nearby hot spring Only Yu for ¥1,760 in the evening.

You will experience the essence of Zen life with an evening and morning Zen meditation, guided by the head monk himself. You will also participate in morning prayers and sutra copying. A traditional Buddhist breakfast is also included; this is a vegan meal usually consisting of okayu (rice porridge), umeboshi (pickled plum), and pickles.

Don’t worry if you can’t speak Japanese. The head monk can speak good English and his wife Judith is fluent.

Price

The last we heard, temple stays cost under ¥10,000 per night — but it’s best to contact them to confirm the latest rates.

Volunteering

If you would like to fully experience life in a Zen temple or give back to a local Buddhist temple, consider volunteering at Kongo-ji. Volunteering is free, and you will be an “employee” of the temple (remember to check your visa before confirming anything). You will live together with the head priest with your own traditional tatami room and futon. Meals will be provided.

As a volunteer, you will be working at the temple maintaining the grounds, opening the temple at 6 a.m., and tending to the plants around the temple. On your off days, you are free to travel and enjoy the local area.

Warabe Jizo trail

For a bit of extra fun at Kongo-ji, you can go on a “scavenger hunt”, searching the temple grounds for the 11 Warabe Jizo statues by solving riddles (both English and Japanese are available). After finding all the statues, you will receive a small gift from the temple.

Waterfall meditation

In addition to your Zen experience, you can experience the power and tranquility of nature with a waterfall meditation. The head monk of Kongo-ji temple is friends with a local shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) practitioner. At your request, they can organize a ¥9,000 trip to the nearby Sunset Falls, where you will meditate under the ice-cold water of the waterfall — becoming one with nature.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.