Independent Sogawa hotels

"First time staying in a Skukubo in Japan. The traditional Japanese ryokan style of the Sojin was great. Including tatami matts and sliding doors. The staff and monk service was very accomodating. They provided extra water when I asked for it, and made my bed while I was having dinner. Expecially the dining experience of the Buddhist monks cooking and serving their meals of Shojin Ryori. These were the best meals I have ever had!"

"I’d stay here again"

"A very different experience for a foreigner, and one that I cherished as a student of Buddhism. If you aren’t adventurous, I don’t recommend it, and if you go, please be curious, open, and full of respect. The non-sleeping rooms will be very cold in winter, the food served is the food served, without changes available, there are rules about which slippers to wear where and what can be photographed, etc. If you’re interested in deep travel (versus hedonism), you will be gifted and changed. Otherwise, please don’t go. "

"I wasn’t expecting multi-course dinners that included sashimi and other top quality ingredients. It was incredible, delicious and filling. Great breakfast buffet too. I was delighted with our stay, my boyfriend wasn’t happy about having to go to the onsen to shower, but he got into the spirit and enjoyed himself."

"The best sleep we had for the whole trip"

"The meals are great, pick up and drop off service really well organised."

"It’s worth noting that this is not a normal hotel but a traditional pilgrim’s lodging, so it is expected that you sleep on a mat on the floor and the facilities are relatively basic. You are staying here for the experience. The property was clean with onsen (hot bath) provided and our room had its own toilet/sink. Our only complaint is that they no longer serve food and we were not notified of this despite this being part of our booking, however we found a restaurant for dinner walking distance away and had a delicious meal. "

"Convenient "

"My family had a truly amazing stay here. One of the best experiences of our trip through Japan. The temple and surrounding area is beautiful. The staff spoke excellent English and the vegetarian food was great. Get up for the morning prayers if you can. "