Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The great thing about shukubou stays is that they themselves can offer a wide variety of engaging and enriching cultural experiences.

A round of zazen meditation amidst the bamboo grove will let you get in touch with nature's essence, while the quirkier nezen or lying meditation under the tree provides a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Guests can also involve themselves with important daily tasks in the temple, such as morning prayers and sutra readings, fire-cleansing rituals called goma, and sutra copying and calligraphy. There's also a special stamp-making activity for making goshuin stamps, which the guests can take home as a memento.

Of course, guests can also take advantage of the plentiful outdoor opportunities while in Ayabe. The temple can arrange for rafting adventures on the Yura River, or guided hikes and trips to Northern Kyoto's best nature spots. The temple also has rental bikes available for exploring what's nearby.

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Bowing (ojigi): It's advisable to bow to show respect when greeting someone. It can also be done to show gratitude or convey an apology.
Shoe etiquette: You must remove your outside footwear before stepping on the elevated area of the genkan (entrance) and entering a house. You should also ensure not to step on the lower area of the genkan without your shoes on. Shoes must be kept facing the entrance. If you wear socks, they should be clean and without any holes.
Slipper etiquette: It's usually better to wear fresh socks or slippers inside the house, especially for formal situations. Make sure to remove your slippers before stepping into a room with tatami mats on the floor. There should also be a separate set of slippers for the washroom.
Dining etiquette: How you hold and place your chopsticks while dining is crucial. For example, they shouldn't be held upright when eating rice. You must also place them on a holder when you're not using them. It's good to say "Itadakimasu" before starting a meal and "Gochisousama deshita" after completing it.
Tipping etiquette: Tipping isn't a common practice in Japan and may be considered rude.
Luggage etiquette: Luggage, especially those with wheels, should be carried instead of being dragged across the floor as it might damage the tatami mats or wooden flooring.
Photography etiquette: Photography rules can change from place to place, so make sure to check for signs or ask the staff before taking pictures anywhere.
Queueing etiquette: Make sure to maintain queues and never cut in line.
Onsen etiquette: Some onsens don't allow tattoos, so check with the staff before getting into one. You must also shower and be clean before entering a shared onsen bath.
Bathing etiquette: Japanese baths include separate areas for washing while the tub itself is meant only for soaking. This means bathers must first wash, scrub, and rinse themselves before entering the bath tub.