Interview with Kakurinbo: Experience Japan’s Sacred Heart Through a Temple Stay in Minobusan

When travelers think of temple stays in Japan, famous destinations like Koyasan often come to mind. Yet tucked away in the mountains of Yamanashi Prefecture lies Minobusan, a place steeped in deep spiritual history and beauty. For more than 550 years, Kakurinbo has welcomed pilgrims and travelers alike, offering not just accommodation but a chance to experience Japan’s spiritual heart in a more intimate and reflective way.

Today, Kakurinbo attracts travelers from around the world who are seeking meaningful experiences beyond crowded tourist routes. With its long history, refined shukubo cuisine, and serene surroundings, it remains a hidden gem that leaves a lasting impression on those who visit. We spoke with the team at Kakurinbo to learn more about their history, their appeal to international guests, and their hopes for the future.

Hello, and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with us! First of all, can you please introduce yourself?

I am Junko Higuchi, the wife of the 42nd head priest of Kakurinbo, and I serve as the proprietress of the temple lodging.
Originally from Tokyo, I married into Minobu 35 years ago. I am the mother of three children.

Together with my second son, the 43rd head priest of Kakurinbo, I am dedicated not only to enhancing and preserving Kakurinbo itself, but also to revitalizing the entire Minobusan area.

Kakurinbo has a history spanning more than 550 years. Could you share the story of how this temple lodging began and how it has evolved over the centuries?

Temple lodgings (shukubo) are said to have existed since the Heian period. In earlier times, they were primarily used by members of the aristocracy and high-ranking Buddhist priests.

During the Kamakura period, samurai and religious practitioners began staying at these lodgings, and gradually they became accessible to anyone with sincere faith. By the late Muromachi period, shukubo had become familiar religious accommodations where common people could also stay.

Because temple lodgings have continually evolved in response to the needs of each era, Kakurinbo has embraced that same spirit of adaptability. Today, more than 80% of our guests are inbound travelers from Europe and North America. Recognizing this shift, we believe it is important to adapt to the times while staying true to our roots. With that in mind, we focus on creating a temple stay experience centered on an authentic and meaningful Japanese cultural experience.

Since many of your guests come from overseas, what do you think attracts international travelers to Kakurinbo and Minobusan?

Compared to some other destinations in Japan, Minobusan may be considered less developed in terms of tourism. However, that is precisely why it remains a place where authentic Japanese culture still truly exists.

Centered around Kuon-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple with more than 750 years of history, the area continues to preserve traditional Japanese culture deeply rooted in Buddhism. Because of this, I believe our temple stay is especially appreciated by guests who are seeking an opportunity to experience genuine, living traditions rather than something commercialized.

Minobusan is often described as a hidden gem, especially when compared to more well-known temple destinations such as Koyasan. What do you feel makes Minobusan, and Kakurinbo in particular, so special?

One of our greatest strengths is the opportunity to experience something truly authentic, along with our warm and approachable staff.

We also serve as a kind of “antenna shop” for the town, introducing guests to the very best that Minobu and Yamanashi have to offer. Another highlight is the chance to enjoy local gastronomy, featuring regional ingredients and culinary traditions that reflect the area’s culture and heritage.

How would you describe the experience of staying at a temple, especially at Kakurinbo? Why would you recommend it to someone visiting Japan for the first time?

In recent years, destinations such as Kyoto and Koyasan have faced issues with overtourism, and we have heard growing dissatisfaction from Western travelers seeking a more meaningful and less crowded experience.

For such guests, the quiet and unhurried cultural atmosphere of Minobusan offers a compelling alternative. Here, they can slow down, reflect, and experience a more peaceful and intimate side of Japan that feels genuine and undisturbed.

Are there any unique cultural, spiritual, or culinary experiences that guests particularly remember after their stay?

Experiences such as Buddhist statue appreciation, kintsugi (traditional gold joinery), tea ceremony, washi paper-making, and kimono dressing are especially popular among our guests.

You mentioned an interest in attracting more guests during the off-season. Are there any ideas, experiences, or seasonal appeals you currently recommend, are exploring, or would like to develop in the future?

We would also like to further promote experiences that are unique to this area, particularly those rooted in Buddhist culture. In addition, we aim to connect guests with one-day trips to the Mount Fuji area. Since overnight stays around Mount Fuji are increasingly affected by overtourism, Minobusan can serve as a peaceful base, allowing visitors to experience Fuji on a day trip while enjoying a quieter and more meaningful stay here.

What kind of guests do you hope will discover Kakurinbo in the future?

Currently, we are welcoming Western affluent travelers and younger luxury-minded guests who have a strong interest in Japanese culture.

Moving forward, we would like to continue focusing our promotional efforts on attracting this audience, offering refined, culturally rich experiences that resonate with their interests and expectations.

Finally, is there a message you would like to share with travelers who are seeking a deeper and more meaningful journey in Japan?

The authentic cultural experiences of Minobusan offer a different kind of appeal from the glamorous and polished experiences found in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo. Here, guests can discover a quieter, more spiritual side of Japan that feels deeply rooted and genuine.

Our entire team is committed to ensuring that each guest can fully immerse themselves in Minobusan’s rich Buddhist heritage. With a sincere spirit of omotenashi, heartfelt Japanese hospitality, we always place our guests first and look forward to welcoming them.

Thank you very much for your time and insight! Kakurinbo offers more than just a place to stay. It provides a rare opportunity to slow down, reflect, and connect with Japan’s spiritual traditions in an authentic setting. For travelers who are willing to step off the beaten path, Minobusan rewards them with tranquility, history, and heartfelt hospitality that lingers long after the journey ends.

If you are searching for a journey that nourishes both the mind and spirit, a temple stay at Kakurinbo may be exactly what you are looking for.

Follow Kakurinbo on:

Website: https://kakurinbo.jp/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kakurinbotemplestay

Featured Photo Credit: Kakurinbo

To immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of Minobusan, let our Travel Specialists create a custom itinerary for you, including your own meaningful stay at Kakurinbo Temple.