ZEN&BED 望月庵 — Attraction in Koshu

Just my honest opinion………The official website was only in Japanese so I asked a friend to book 2 nights for me. Check-in was 3pm but because I was constrained by bus and train schedules, I arrived at 1pm. I ate lunch (tempura and cold soba noodles) at the restaurant next door to the temple. They only had Japanese menu but with photos so it was not difficult to order. The ladies who worked there were all very nice. They don’t speak English but communicated with me via Google Translate. The monk, Soyasan spoke perfect English and was very accommodating allowing me to check in right after lunch and started the tea ceremony right after. It was a very humbling experience. He explained the process every step of the way and was patient with answering my questions. We ended up chatting for 2 hours. It was immensely fulfilling. I skipped the meditation session so I cannot comment on that. The grounds of the temple was wonderfully quiet with koi ponds, and rock gardens. The temple had rescued many cats over the years and they are a welcoming sight around the temple grounds. I will definitely return to this temple again. It was a very...

I stayed at this beautiful, tucked-away hotel for 2 days, and it was the perfect escape for anyone looking for a spiritual retreat. The location is off the beaten path, surrounded by nature, with peaceful koi ponds that create an atmosphere of total calm. The moment I arrived, I felt like I had left the chaos of the city behind and stepped into a sanctuary.

One of the highlights was the traditional tea ceremony, which felt incredibly grounding. It wasn’t just about the tea—it was about slowing down, being present, and appreciating the simplicity of the moment. They also offered guided meditation sessions, which really helped me reconnect with myself and find a sense of inner peace.

The attention to detail in everything, from the calming ambiance to the thoughtful service, made this stay a truly restorative experience. If you’re looking for a quiet, spiritual getaway where you can recharge and reflect, this...

Had a great one night stay at Bogetsu-an in September 2023. Drove here so transport wasn't too difficult - just park to the right hand-side once your reach the entrance of Erin-ji.

All the staff were extremely friendly, and the monk spoke excellent English and had great humour. We arrived a little late (took a bit of time to get attention of staff), but were still guided through the tea ceremony and Zazen, with a wonderful dinner following.

Spent some time walking through Erin-ji after a traditional Japanese breakfast. The saying at Erin-ji at the gate was "Why do you need scenery for zazen?", but the scenery here is truly serene and can only be experienced.

Overall a highly rated stay and unique experience that I would recommend...