Relaxing Temple Stay
Guesthouse Ko-Rai-Gen
Experience traditions in a non-touristy, rural temple in Nagahama, Shiga.
Explore the charm of historic town and natural beauty.
Tradition and Nature in Nagahama City
Enjoy a peaceful stay and brewery town
just one hour away from Kyoto.
Guesthouse Ko-Rai-Gen Promotion Video
A unique trip to escape from crowded city sightseeing!
In the northern part of Lake Biwa, Buddhist temples have always been close to us. Temples have served as community places where people gather, talk, and children play.
We invite you to casually relax and recharge yourself at our temples. You can experience local traditions such as offering rice to the Buddha.
There are also tourist attractions around the inn.
Unique Points of the Guesthouse
01.
Hosts are the Buddhist monk and his wife, a local tourist guide.
-We are happy to help you have a wonderful experience from your temple stay to sightseeing.
02.
Private temple stay with over 600 years of history.
-Enjoy an exclusive, one-group-per-day experience and retreating yourself in a peaceful main hall.
03.
Explore hidden gems with a tailor-made OMAKASE tour!
-Visit a small town of fermentation and admire the view of the largest lake in Japan, from the top of the mountain!
Vacation Rental
Separated lodge from temple
-A panoramic view of the temple from the balcony
-Traditional Japanese-style rooms (1 group per day)
Price- Please check the prices on each booking site.
*Capacity: 3 adults (plus 2 children)
-2 Beds (*3rd guest will use a futon)
-Private shower room
＊Hot spring spa resort 4 minutes away by bicycle
-2 bicycles for free rental
-Rental indoor clothes Kimono (Yukata)
・Free Wifi
・Bath&face Towels
・Pajamas
・Toothbrushes
・Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Soap
・Hair Dryer
・TV
・Refrigerator
・Electric Kettle
・Instant brew coffee
・Bottled Water (Per person)
For more details, please check the reservation page.
Temple Experience for Guests
All guests are welcomed freely to join the morning service (chanting) held in the temple's main hall at 7:00 AM. We have English service book for guests.
【Temple Morning Activities 】
The morning ritual experience is available as an option.
Limited to one group per day for a private experience. Enjoy a peaceful morning in the quiet main hall.
-Option fee (tax included):
2,000 JPYyen / adult
(500 JPYyen /child under 11 years old)
The morning ritual experience includes the following activities (①～⑤):
2,000 JPYyen / adult
(500 JPYyen /child under 11 years old)
*payment on location (cash or card)
1.Morning Bell Ringing
Ring the large temple bell in the morning. In the northen lake area, the sound of bells can be heard in the morning, serving as a time signal. The clear, resonant sound of the bell is a deeply moving experience.
2.Buddhist Meal Preparation
Prepare a meal offering for Amida. In our sect, The true Pure Land, special tools called “Mossou” are used to create rice offerings shaped like lotus seeds.
3.Morning Service
Join the morning service with the monk. In the quiet main hall, let the sounds of the chanting fill the air as you sit with your eyes closed, enjoying a serene morning. English translations are available.
4.Making Rice ball for breakfast
Use the rice offered to Amida Buddha to make onigiri (rice balls) together, then enjoy breakfast. Learn the Japanese custom of saying “Itadakimasu,” which means “I humbly receive,” expressing gratitude for the food and life it provides.
*If not experiencing #4, breakfast will not be provided, please note in advance.
5.Temple Interior Tour
Accompany the monk or his wife for a tour inside the temple. Learn about the region’s temples, Buddhist statues, and hanging scrolls. Get a close view of Amida Buddha, usually seen from afar.
"OMAKASE" Tour
Even first-time visitors to Nagahama City can enjoy its traditions and natural beauty with our optional personalized tours. If you are interested in this tour, please let us know when you make your reservation.
・Tour Fee:
-4,500 JPY per person per hour (tax included)
*payment on location (cash or card)
*If there are any admission fees, they will be at your own expense.
・Description:
A tour by local certified guide tailored to your requests. You can visit local recommended spots by walking, cycling, or an EV tuk-tuk.
Guests can book a overnight stay (including temple morning activities) along with Omakase tour through Viator .
We loved it here thanks to Asami , Jun and the kids (if you can find them;)) We felt a real connection to their place and this bit of Japan. It really felt like we had a home for a little while.
You can choose to participate in the temple ritual each morning with Jun and afterwards prepare breakfast, which we really enjoyed.
Asami can offer different tours. We had a great time exploring the old town of Kinomoto with its soy and sake breweries and a couple of amazing restaurants. The trip in the tuktuk round lake Yogo on a sunny day was great. As was the cablecar ride up mount Shizugatake with an amazing history (ask Asami!) and panoramic view!
The guesthouse stands apart from the house so you feel you have your own little place within this wonderful small village with balcony and bikes you can use freely.
All in all these days made our Japan trip! Thank you!
From a guest who stayed through Airbnb
Access
The nearest station is JR Kinomoto Station on the Hokuriku Line, approximately one hour from Kyoto Station via Bullet train. We also offer a pick-up service for free from JR Kinomoto Station.
About Stay
Check-in & Check-out Times
- Check-in: From 3:00 PM
- Check-out: By 10:00 AM
Regarding Children’s Accommodation
We would like children to experience temple culture as well:
- Children 11 years old and under: No additional charge (no bedding provided). Up to 2 children.
- Children 12 years old and over/3rd child: Charged at the same rate as adults.
- If bedding is required: Additional charges apply.
- For preschoolers: Safety gates are installed on the stairs for their protection.
Shuttle Service from the Station
- Shuttle service from JR Kinomoto Station: Please request when making a reservation.
Meals
- Dinner: Not provided, but we can recommend local restaurants.
Bicycle Rental
- Rental bicycles: Two bicycles are available for use from check-in to check-out.
OMAKASE Tour and Optional Temple Morning Activities
- If you wish to participate in tours and experiences, please inform us at the time of booking.
- payment on location (cash or card)
- You can make reservations on the day of check-in; however, due to ceremonies and other obligations, tours and experiences may not be available. We kindly ask that you contact us in advance if possible.
Bathing Facilities
- Shower rooms are available exclusively for guests.
- Kitakomi-no-Yu: A natural hot spring facility located 12 minutes on foot (4 minutes by bicycle).
About us
-Nagahama City is a place rich in tradition and natural beauty.
We opened our guesthouse to share the unique charm of Nagahama with guests from around the world.
-Our accommodation is exclusive, hosting only one group per day, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing stay.
-Escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto and Osaka, and experience the traditional and natural beauty of Japan in Nagahama City, just an hour's trip from Kyoto.
-If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to message us. We look forward to welcoming you.
