Waqoo Miidera

An overnight stay to fully enjoy the renowned temple "Mii-dera," home to many national treasures.

In late November, during a domestic trip while temporarily returning to Japan, I stayed with a plan called [Special Viewing & Two Meals Included] Omi Kaiseki (with Shuttle Service, Temple Grounds Tour, Zazen, and Special Viewing). In conclusion, it is a luxurious plan that creates an extraordinary experience of "fully enjoying Miidera in one night." First, upon arrival, we were immediately given a tour of the Miidera temple grounds, allowing us to view all the numerous attractions scattered across the vast grounds while it was still daylight. Additionally, two staff members from Wakuan attentively guided us, ensuring we had ample explanations and conversations during the tour, and we were able to collect all the temple stamps. The accommodation was a spacious house that was a remodeled former monk's quarters called "Myogen-in." The garden was also very well maintained, providing a delightful view from the room. However, it was too spacious for a couple, and since it was a time when the mornings and evenings were getting quite cold, there was a significant temperature gap inside the house. Special care was needed, especially when using the washroom and bathroom. It would be reassuring if additional heating appliances were provided in the long corridors and dressing rooms. The meals were catered by "Seigen." If it were summer and the sun set later, we could have enjoyed the meal while appreciating the garden's ambiance, but since it was completely dark outside due to the season, the coldness was somewhat emphasized. One of the greatest advantages of staying within the temple grounds is the ability to almost have the early morning grounds to oneself. After quickly finishing breakfast at the teahouse, we were able to stroll around the temple grounds and take photos in the clear morning air before any other visitors arrived, which was a wonderful memory (we were also blessed with a cloudless sunny day). Afterward, we were given a personal tour of the national treasures by the head priest and had the precious experience of practicing zazen under the dappled sunlight. The head priest has a deep knowledge of art and actively travels abroad, so we had many unforgettable conversations about the differences between Japanese and Western art and culture. Thank you very much to "Wakuan Miidera" for creating a unique experience at the historically rich Enjoji (Miidera), a famous temple with many national treasures.