Tucked away in Yamanashi’s peach orchard countryside, the Temple Hotel Minami-Alps Hougen-Ji offers a peaceful escape with a genuine touch of Japanese tradition. The hotel is a renovated farmhouse run by the resident priest of Hougen-Ji, who warmly welcomes guests to experience the rhythms of temple life.

Just a five-minute walk from the temple’s main hall, the hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it's an invitation to slow down and reconnect. Guests can join the morning service, sit for quiet meditation, or take a guided walk through the nearby South Alps with the friendly priest.

For those looking to go deeper, the temple offers hands-on experiences:

• Samu (Temple Ground Cleaning): Sweep the temple grounds alongside the priest, clearing both the space and your mind.

• Shakyo (Sutra Copying): Sit in quiet focus as you trace ancient Buddhist texts with brush and ink—a meditative practice that brings calm and clarity.

• Suigyo (Water Purification): Purify your mind and body by pouring water over yourself in a centuries-old ritual of renewal.

This stay is less about luxury and more about presence. It’s about finding calm in simple tasks, soaking in the beauty of the peach blossoms, and stepping into a way of life centered around gratitude.