Chion-in Wajun Kaikan

Thank you for taking care of us during my daughter’s entrance exams. We stayed in a Western-style room, borrowed a desk lamp, and she studied at the table and chairs by the window. As this is temple lodging, entry and exit are allowed until 11:00 p.m., but that was not an issue for the exams. We did not add dinner to our Plan due to time constraints, but we ordered a shojin-ryori set meal at the on-site restaurant, which was not too heavy and was very good. There is also a shared bath, which helped us relax. Guests can attend the morning Buddhist service, but unfortunately we could not join this time because of the exams. Next time, we would like to stay for sightseeing and participate. Thank you very much.

During the cold season, I decided to visit the temples around Higashiyama for the first shrine visit of the year and made a Reservation. Chion-in Temple, home to the National Treasure Sanmon Gate, is right in front of this Accommodation. Step out through the South Gate just south of the Accommodation and you’re at Maruyama Park; head east and you’ll reach Yasaka Shrine. Walk straight through Maruyama Park to Kodaiji Temple, then continue along Nene-no-Michi all the way to Kiyomizu-dera on foot. If you head north from the Accommodation, you can walk to Shoren-in Temple, and further on to Heian Shrine.For breakfast, I went to “Yamamoto Kissaten” near Chion-in’s Furumon Gate. The Shirakawa River flows nearby, creating a wonderfully atmospheric setting.After breakfast, I stopped by “Gion Boloniya” to buy souvenirs. Their Danish bread loaf is excellent.The large public bath was a welcome comfort for warming up after sightseeing in the cold. From my Room on the 3rd floor, I could see Chion-in’s approach and, in the distance, Heian Shrine’s red torii gate.I visit Kyoto several times a year and stay at various Hotels, but after staying here for the first time, I felt this location rivals any Hotel.The café on the 1st floor also offers morning sets and lunch—perfect for taking a break—and the shop carried sweets from “Tawaraya Yoshitomi,” featured in the drama “Kyoto People’s Secret Enjoyments.”It was a wonderful Accommodation where you can stay as if you live there.