Shinsho Temple — Local services in Fukuyama

An isolated temple away from the city. This temple takes you on a full course meditative journey which was quite peculiar for me. It's quiet, peaceful and zen inducing.

I took the bus and got off at the stop that supposedly leads to the entrance of a nearby amusement park. However, there is no way to walk from the bus stop to the temple. Google maps is incorrect and will take you in the direction of the sports field nearby. I did walk all the way there and in the end called reception, whom told me to go back to the bus stop. They kindly picked me up and dropped me off at the facility.

My initial reason to come was to see the KOHTEI, an experiential art pavilion similar to those on Naoshima Island. Luckily, with only a guest ahead of me on a weekday in the early hours, I felt I could really immerse myself.

Afterwards, I circled back to the entrance's koi fish pond! It was so nice to feed them for only 100yen for 2 sticks. The beautiful array of colours and variety were lovely to see. Next, I rested at the cafe across from it. The red bean paste anko balls were delicious.

To further my relaxation plan, I checked out the beautifully designed onsen! I was lucky to be the only one during the weekday and it was the special pine wood onsen for ladies that day. The water was not too hot so I was able to take my time and actually relax.

After that, I explored the rest of the facility at a slow and leisurely pace. Overall, everything gave me a calm and peaceful experience. The staff were kind, thoughtful, and very pleasant when explaining about the varying areas inside the temple.

After exploring, I went back to reception and someone from staff kindly dropped me off at the nearest bus stop heading towards JR fukuyama station.

Note: Accessibility is very difficult without a car but the facility was so beautiful and I was very glad I could...

Very spacious, beautiful, quiet and calming place. I wish I had a garden like this. There are many slopes and stairs, and I think it is inconvenient for wheelchair users. We can also ring the bell at the main shrine. Since there is an appropriate rest area, it is better to take out time to the main building. If it is fine day, we should have a hat and sunscreen. The parking lot is large, so please...

This temple left me with a strange but also interesting feeling... I cannot describe it. But I would definitely visit again if I had...