Ryokoji Temple
Room Types
1
Established
1653
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
About
Ryokoji Temple is a rare and intimate shukubo (temple lodging) in the volcanic highlands of Minamiaso, Kumamoto Prefecture. Founded in 1653 and lovingly restored after the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the temple welcomes just one group per day into its three Japanese-style rooms. Guests experience authentic Buddhist temple life through sutra chanting, meditation, and exquisite shojin ryori (vegan Buddhist cuisine) prepared by the temple's head lady with locally grown seasonal vegetables.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience Ryokoji Temple?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
Japanese-Style Tatami Room
Traditional tatami room with futon bedding, shoji paper screens, and mountain views. Three rooms available, all reserved exclusively for one group per night.
- Tatami flooring with futon bedding
- Shoji paper screens
- Balcony with mountain views
- TV and air conditioning
- Refrigerator and electric kettle
- Free Wi-Fi
- Towels, bath towels, and toothbrushes provided
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Not applicable — Ryokoji is a temple stay, not an onsen property. Private bath and toilet facilities are available but use regular heated water.
Private Baths
- Private bath and toilet for exclusive guest use (not hot spring water)
Duration: Unlimited — facilities are for the sole group staying each night
Indoor Baths
- Private indoor bath for guest use
- Standard Japanese bathing etiquette applies — wash before entering the tub
- The bath is private for your group, so enjoy at your own pace
- Work clothes (samue) are provided for comfortable wear during your stay
Dining
Temple dining room (shojin ryori dinner and handmade bread breakfast served communally)
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
Communicate any specific needs at time of booking
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Wildflowers blanket the Aso highlands
- Mild temperatures perfect for temple walks and mountain exploration
- Fresh spring vegetables featured in the shojin ryori dinner
- Occasional rain — bring layers and rain gear
- Golden Week is busy in the Aso area generally
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Lush green Aso grasslands at their most vibrant
- Summer vegetables and herbs shine in the temple cuisine
- Highland location is cooler than lowland Kumamoto
- Rainy season (June-July) can bring heavy precipitation
- Humidity is moderate at this elevation
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Stunning autumn colors across the Aso caldera landscape
- Comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration
- Autumn mushrooms and root vegetables enrich the shojin ryori
- Popular season in Aso — book temple stay early
- Temperatures drop noticeably in the evenings
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Snow-dusted volcanic peaks create a dramatic winter landscape
- Deep tranquility and solitude enhance the spiritual experience
- Hearty winter shojin ryori with warming root vegetables
- Cold highland temperatures — bring warm clothing
- Some Aso-area roads may be affected by snow or ice
- Shorter daylight hours
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- Only one group stays per night, making this one of Japan's most exclusive and intimate lodging experiences
- The head lady's handmade bread breakfast is a beloved surprise that blends temple tradition with personal warmth
The temple's restoration after the 2016 earthquake is a story of community resilience and devotion
Mount Aso's volcanic landscape provides a dramatic, otherworldly backdrop rarely found at temple stays
Must-Try Experiences
- Evening shojin ryori dinner — creative vegan Buddhist cuisine made with locally grown seasonal produce
- Morning sutra chanting session in the 360-year-old temple hall
Shakyo (sutra copying) meditation to create a personal calligraphic keepsake
Experience Tips
- Participate fully in the sutra chanting even if you don't understand the words — the rhythm itself is meditative
- Try shakyo (sutra copying) for a unique calligraphic souvenir
Wake early to catch the mountain sunrise from the temple balcony
Chat with the temple family — their warmth and stories are a highlight of the experience
Visit Mount Aso's crater or the Aso grasslands during the day before returning for dinner
Cultural Notes
- Shojin ryori originated in Zen Buddhist monasteries and follows strict rules against harming living beings
- Sutra chanting (otsutome) is a daily Buddhist practice that guests are warmly invited to join regardless of faith
The one-group-per-night policy reflects the temple's commitment to genuine hospitality over commercial volume
The 2016 earthquake restoration symbolizes the Buddhist principle of impermanence and renewal
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1 night
Getting There
- Pickup service available from Aso Shirakawa Station (advance request)
- Minamiaso Railway from Tateno Station to Aso Shirakawa Station
- Car access via Kyushu Expressway, Mashiki Kumamoto Airport IC exit (45-50 minute drive)
- Kumamoto Airport is approximately 26 km away
- Taxi from Aso Shirakawa Station
Before You Go
Dietary Options
Communicate any specific needs at time of booking
Booking Tips
- Book through the official English website at en.ryokoji.or.jp for the smoothest experience
- Only one group is accepted per night — book well in advance
- Specify any dietary needs or activity preferences at the time of booking
- The temple is best suited for 2-6 guests per group
- Consider combining with visits to Mount Aso and Kurokawa Onsen nearby
Preparation Tips
- Pack comfortable clothing — work clothes (samue) are also provided
- Bring warm layers as highland temperatures can be cool, especially mornings and evenings
- Download offline maps as the area has limited connectivity in spots
- Prepare to disconnect — this is a contemplative retreat, not a resort
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
Aso Shirakawa Station (Minamiaso Railway)
History
Ryokoji Temple was founded in 1653 during the early Edo period and relocated to its present site in 1666. For over 360 years, it has served as a place of Buddhist worship and community gathering in the shadow of Mount Aso, one of the world's largest active calderas. The temple suffered significant damage in the devastating 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake but was painstakingly restored over two years, reopening as a temple lodge that preserves centuries of spiritual tradition while welcoming modern travelers.
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