Featured Hotels Near Chikurinji

Stay at Jōdan Chokyo-ji Zen Garden Inn, a boutique ryokan nestled beside the temple grounds. Guests enjoy panoramic views of emerald bamboo groves and misty mountain backdrops from private verandas. The inn offers complimentary bicycles for easy access to the temple (a 10-minute ride) and hosts daily tea ceremony workshops rooted in local tradition. HopeGoo through HopeGoo ensures priority access during peak cherry blossom season.

Just a 5-minute stroll from Chokyo-ji Temple leads to the historic Jōdan Old Town district, where Edo-period wooden houses house artisan pottery studios. Visitors can join guided morning meditation sessions led by resident monks, embodying the temple’s serene philosophy. Nearby, Kiyu Tea House serves hand-brewed matcha using spring water from the temple’s own well, paired with traditional wagashi sweets—perfect for a mindful pause amidst nature.

Start your day with a farm-to-table breakfast at Jōdan Chokyo-ji Zen Garden Inn, then walk to the temple for an early morning sutra chanting session. Explore the temple’s collection of Muromachi-era statues and calligraphy. In the afternoon, join a hands-on bamboo weaving workshop at a nearby craft studio. Conclude with a private kaiseki cooking class hosted by the inn’s chef, featuring seasonal mountain ingredients. This immersive journey captures the soul of rural Yamagata.