Shorekiji Temple — Attraction in Ayabe

We were travelling as family of 4 with two adults children (18, 20).||Overall - an amazing experience.||The reservation gave us:|-) a big private area where to stay (probably 60-70 sqm) |-) dinner and breakfast|-) a menu of experiences from which we choose 4||Our ‘room’ consisted of an entrance (to remove shoes), a storage space for luggage, a hall (with a fridge and water boiler) giving access to the tatami living area where futon beds where placed. Two beds on one side and two beds in a private space on the opposite side. A table in the middle with 4 reclining chairs. |On a the side of the living area, separated by sliding doors, the bathroom area consiting of 2 toilets and 1 big shower/bathtub area. |The hotel provides amenities and water for free.|In a nutshell - a very big space, very comfortable in a 100years old traditional Japanese style building. |To note that there are no darkening blinds for night - the room will light up the moment that the sun rises. |The room is very close to the local train line - you will hear quite strong trains noise. ||Dinner and breakfast were genuine culinary experiences - traditional Japanese food.|For dinner we choose the kitchen meal - very rich and it takes approx 2 hours to serve the full menu (many courses).||Our hosts (Masako and Koshi) were exceptional in taking care of us and we enjoyed multiple experiences (tradtional japanese dressing, meditation, water bucket purification, bells ringing and drawing). ||Overall I would strongly recommend for one night experience. A life...

We were travelling as family of 4 with two adults children (18, 20).||Overall - an amazing experience.||The reservation gave us:|-) a big private area where to stay (probably 60-70 sqm) |-) dinner and breakfast|-) a menu of experiences from which we choose 4||Our ‘room’ consisted of an entrance (to remove shoes), a storage space for luggage, a hall (with a fridge and water boiler) giving access to the tatami living area where futon beds where placed. Two beds on one side and two beds in a private space on the opposite side. A table in the middle with 4 reclining chairs. |On a the side of the living area, separated by sliding doors, the bathroom area consiting of 2 toilets and 1 big shower/bathtub area. |The hotel provides amenities and water for free.|In a nutshell - a very big space, very comfortable in a 100years old traditional Japanese style building. |To note that there are no darkening blinds for night - the room will light up the moment that the sun rises. |The room is very close to the local train line - you will hear quite strong trains noise. ||Dinner and breakfast were genuine culinary experiences - traditional Japanese food.|For dinner we choose the kitchen meal - very rich and it takes approx 2 hours to serve the full menu (many courses).||Our hosts (Masako and Koshi) were exceptional in taking care of us and we enjoyed multiple experiences (tradtional japanese dressing, meditation, water bucket purification, bells ringing and drawing). ||Overall I would strongly recommend for one night experience. A life...

Shorekiji will forever hold a special place in my heart. Staying here was the highlight of not just my trip but also of my year. Koshin san (the chief monk) and his wife Masako san simply radiate kindness; they are the sweetest hosts I have ever met through all my travels. From booking taxis and restaurant reservations for me to anticipating my needs and accommodating every request and more, I was truly amazed by their thoughtfulness and attentiveness. I spent three nights here and wish I could stay for more. Also the meals are absolutely incredible. I feel like I’ve been spoiled by the good food in NYC, but Koshin san’s cooking is above and beyond (come hungry because the portions are also substantial haha). I will dream about many of those dishes as well as their homemade umeshu (plum wine). I almost didn’t want to write this to keep the secret, but they deserve all the positive feedback and if you’re on the fence about booking I couldn’t recommend them more. Only thing I’m sad about is that I forgot to take a photo with them. :( But I hope to return soon anyways!

(P.S. Though if you’re a light sleeper or otherwise super sensitive to noise, bring earplugs or reconsider. As someone else mentioned you can hear the train often as the temple is near the tracks. This did not bother me personally but I would hate to see someone docking them for a bad experience because they’re not...