Search hotels in Minobu

Our expectations from this stay were far exceeded in spite of our curiosity for our very first experience in a temple lodging. After a week in Tokyo, we quickly adapted to Japanese politeness, but here, in the Temple, we really felt as a part of a family. We felt kind of blessed in this magic place, not only with the Temple, but also in the surroundings: the magnificent garden and hundred-years-old cedar forests embracing this holy place. At the dawn, we were invited to a God's service to another Temple in proximity – Kuon-ji with Buddhist chants and prayers. The hosts of Kakurinbo prepared delicious dinners and breakfasts: they presented new and sometimes unusual meals for us. They were also very flexible with our changing plans and prepared yummy onigiri for our trip instead of breakfast. We were also offered some activities during our one week stay: copying sutra (calligraphy), morning prayers in Kuon-ji, morning yoga, excursion in a paper making manufactory, making Buddhist bead bracelet, tea ceremony, trying on wedding kimonos and kintsugi. There was a small festival of the Temple for guests which we enjoyed. The hosts also helped us a lot when picking us up at the train station in the evening when taxis were not available. The whole place of Minobu was calm and friendly with a few shops and Zencho café (run by the proprietors of the Temple lodging) offering delicious Japanese and European food. The Temple is a great starting point for short mountain hikes: you can take a cable car to the Minobu mountain and walk down through cedar forests full of ancient shrines. In a clear day, you can observe Mt.Fuji from the top of Mt.Minobu. The stay in the Kakurinbo Temple refreshed our body and soul. Even a month later, our experiences feel as if we were still there and we would be happy to return one day.

The entire experience was much more than expected. The head priest was exceptionally welcoming and inclusive. Extremely patient, generous, and gracious host. He spent a lot of time the following day with us. It is an experience my wife and I will never forget. There is a lot to see of the other temples and sights within walking distance,

Great experience of Japanese onsen, delicious dinner and breakasft buffet, great outdoor onsen, traditional rooms, not crowded. Ice cresm for free, mochi making and happy hour with footbath included. Lots to enjoy!

Definitely a place to stay if you want to see Mt Fuji and its reflection on Lake Tanuki. There is a direct bus from Tokyo station and/or Mishima Station to the hotel, but with only a taxi option from Mt. Fuji station on Lake Kawaguchiko. Food is excellent, service is impeccable, and the onsen is to 'die for.'

We loved this hotel. It’s located at one of the smallest lakes and very remote to the main lake area but that’s what we wanted.. barely anyone around it felt like we had the lake to ourselves. Staff were excellent and so helpful and the buffet breakfast and dinner was fantastic (basically all you can eat) so awesome value for money. And they picked us up and dropped us for free at train station which is a 30-40min drive away!

I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel – the atmosphere is warm, stylish, and relaxing. The staff were always friendly and attentive, making me feel very welcome. Excellent service and a great vibe make this place easy to recommend!

It is hard to find something we didn't like honestly. Great accommodation all around. The room was clean, comfortable, well equipped, even had Japanese pajamas ready on the bed. Water and glasses, incredible Mount Fuji view from the room or the balcony upstairs. The whole house was extremely clean. The common room had a giant TV with Netflix, YouTube and even Disney. All the people that we met inside the house were extremely friendly, starting from the staff to the guests. The bathrooms were extremely well equipped, especially for the ladies, with feminine hygiene products. The water pressure in the shower was unbelievable. They offered to take us from the station and back, even to visit the town free of charge. They even offered us some traditional Thai food as one of the owners is Thai. The room downstairs is traditional Japanese with tatami floors and everything. Electric bike rent service was available to explore the rural side of Japan and it was gorgeous. Everything was just amazing and if you choose to stay here, don't forget to write your name on the map and something nice in the memory notebook.

Host is amazing and took care of us well!!! Highly recommended

One of the friendliest and familiar service we ever had, It is a very cheap Price per night considering the dinner which is included. The free dinner was homemade and delicious!

A really lovely homestay, with delicious home cooked food and great company, I was made to feel really welcome.