Stay at a Temple and Experience Monastic Life! A Unique Cultural Stay at Gyokurinji on Sado Island

Looking for a one-of-a-kind stay in Japan? Gyokurinji, a temple lodge on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, offers a unique chance to experience monastic life while staying in a traditional Japanese house. Part of the temple where the head priest resides offers a guest space, giving you the feeling of a homestay in a real temple. Guests can join morning prayers, try sutra copying, and take part in various activities at their own pace. There are also opportunities to connect with the local community, making your stay even more enriching. Surrounded by Sado’s beautiful nature, this is the perfect place to refresh your mind and body. If you’re looking for an immersive cultural experience, Gyokurinji is the place to be!

Training Experience #1: Cleanse Your Mind and Body with Morning Buddhist Ritual
Training Experience #2: Quiet Your Mind and Clear Your Head with Shabutsu and Shakyo
Try Rice Harvesting in the Terraced Rice Fields of Sado! Experience Local Life
Experience Sado Culture! Admire Wajima Lacquerware at the Kura Gallery

Training Experience #1: Cleanse Your Mind and Body with Morning Buddhist Ritual

Every morning, you can take part in gongyo (a Buddhist devotional practice) held in the temple’s main hall. It’s a time to quietly bring your hands together in prayer, calm your mind, and find inner peace. For breakfast, you’ll prepare ocha-gayu (tea-infused rice porridge) using Sado Bancha tea—another part of the training experience.

Training Experience #2: Quiet Your Mind and Clear Your Head with Shabutsu and Shakyo

When it comes to temple practices, shakyo (sutra copying) and shabutsu (tracing Buddha images) are a must. In shakyo, you carefully copy Buddhist teachings, one character at a time, a practice known for calming the mind. In shabutsu, you trace images of Buddha onto thin paper. Both practices are perfect for easing daily stress and refreshing your spirit.

Try Rice Harvesting in the Terraced Rice Fields of Sado! Experience Local Life

In the picturesque terraced rice fields of Tsukibuse in Sado, you can try your hand at rice harvesting! This experience is available only on weekends from late September to mid-October. You'll hop onto a truck and head up the mountain roads to participate in the harvest. Immerse yourself in Japan's agricultural traditions and the beauty of the Satoyama landscape while enjoying the natural bounty unique to Sado!

Experience Sado Culture! Admire Wajima Lacquerware at the Kura Gallery

The Kura Gallery, housed in a traditional storehouse, showcases around 100 pieces of Wajima lacquerware that had been tucked away in the storehouse for many years. As you explore these beautiful pieces, you’ll get a glimpse into the rich culture and history of Sado's past. If you're interested in Sado's culture, ask the staff for more insights!

Access

Address	203 Hatano Ko, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture
Official website	https://r.goope.jp/gyokurinji-hotel/

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