Temple Hotel Daitai-ji

Daitai-ji was established over 1200 years ago, during the Heian Period, by the monk Saichou. Saichou was also the founder of the Tendai school of Buddhism. Part of the temple's origins involves a legend wherein, during Saichou's visit to the region, he carved a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, from a willow tree to pacify a giant snake that had long terrorized the locals.

Though Daitai-ji originally belonged to the Tendai Sect, it was converted into a Rinzai Sect temple during the Edo Period. Due to this, Daitai-ji boasts collections of paintings and statues, as well as meticulously tended gardens.

In modern times, the Chief Priest of Daitai-ji Temple is Nishiyama Tokai. His reason for establishing Temple Hotel Daitai-ji was to once again foster the openness and community atmosphere of temples with the rest of the people.

Temple Hotel Daitai-ji’s architecture brings together Tendai Buddhism's esoteric traditions and Zen Buddhism's focus on simplicity and practicality. During its time as a Tendai Sect temple, Daitai-ji was adorned with numerous Buddhist statues and other imagery, an aspect that greatly contrasts the aesthetics of Zen temples. After its conversion to the Rinzai Zen sect during the Edo period, the temple incorporated design elements such as ink paintings, minimalist decor, and the iconic meditative gardens.

Although over 1200 years old, the wooden halls have maintained their natural tones and architectural style. Open corridors provide wondrous views of the surrounding forest, and spaces are carefully arranged for zazen (seated meditation). Of particular note is the well-preserved Yakushi Nyorai statue personally carved by Saichou, as well as other Buddhist figures. The temple grounds also include traditional features like an ancient bell tower, a yakushi-dou (main hall) for services, and outdoor spaces that are one with nature.

Although Temple Hotel Daitai-ji is a shukubo, guests have the option to self-cater as they have access to a shared kitchen. However, you should still observe Buddhist practices during your stay, and perhaps avoid meat or alcohol if you will be preparing your own food.

The temple also prepares a humble breakfast porridge, the staple morning meal of the monks, served every 8:30 am. If you wish to partake, you must make a reservation beforehand and pay a fee of 1,500 JPY (9.83 USD).

One of the reasons Head Priest Nishiyama Tokai had for opening Temple Hotel Daitai-ji was to encourage a sense of community and openness with the temple and the people living around it. To nurture that atmosphere, he welcomes guests to try a wide array of experiences and activities at the temple, as well as around Wakayama.

Zazen meditation isn't just about prayers; it also helps develop focus and improve posture and breathing. Those who would like to learn some calligraphy can join sutra copying or stamp making. The activities aren't just about writing a character; they also encourage a sense of stern calmness. For something with a more leisurely pace, you can take a guided Buddha statue tour to learn about the sculptures and icons that adorn the temple. Even at night, the temple is alive with activity, brought about by night prayers, meditations, and yoga. The shukubo can also prepare a riverside Zen sauna experience, a bamboo lantern crafting class, and a mehari sushi making class.

Temple Hotel Daitai-ji is also situated along the Kumano Kodo, also known as the UNESCO World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The route involves three main regions: Yoshino and Omine, Kumano Sanzan, and Koyasan, which are all connected via the natural locations, Shinto shrines, and Buddhist temples that dot the mountains and coastlines of the Kii Peninsula.

The three Great Shrines along the route are Kumano Honguu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. Buddhist temples like Seiganto-ji, and magnificent natural landmarks like Nachi Waterfall, are also part of the pilgrimage.

The region also offers family-oriented or outdoor-oriented activities. The seaside town of Taiji has a long history of fishing and whaling, and features a marine park next to the Taiji-cho Whale Museum. Beach lovers shouldn't miss Nachikatsuura Seaside Park, a long shoreline of clean sand along Nachi Bay.

Aside from the shukubo itself, Temple Hotel Daitai-ji can also arrange campsites and camper spaces for those traveling with RVs.