4-Star Hotels Near Honjo-in

While Honsen-in Temple itself is nestled in a quiet urban enclave without nearby hotels, the Tokyo Midtown Yoyogi Hotel is an excellent choice just a 10-minute drive away. This modern boutique hotel offers seamless access to the temple via short transit or a scenic walk through Yoyogi Park, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and tranquil forest paths year-round. Guests can book a private tea ceremony experience in the hotel’s serene garden, immersing themselves in traditional Japanese aesthetics. Complimentary shuttle buses connect to nearby subway stations, making it easy to visit the temple while enjoying comfort and convenience.

The most convenient route from central Tokyo to Honsen-in Temple is taking the Chiyoda Line to Meiji-jingumae Station, then transferring to a local bus or walking about 15 minutes. A taxi ride takes roughly 20 minutes and costs around ¥1,800. Use a Suica or Pasmo card for seamless transit across trains and buses. Upon arrival, stroll along the Meiji Shrine Outer Garden path, a peaceful green corridor blending urban life with nature. Note that the temple has no parking facilities, so driving is discouraged. To avoid crowds, especially on weekends, plan your visit early in the morning or during weekdays.

Near Honsen-in Temple, visitors can join the annual spring blessing craft fair held every March, where guests create paper lanterns and hang wishes on sacred trees. The temple also hosts weekly Saturday morning Zen meditation sessions (9:00 AM), led by experienced monks, including zazen, calligraphy practice, and mindfulness exercises—just ¥1,500 per session. For artisans, a one-day Washi paper workshop is offered, teaching traditional handmade paper-making using local kozo bark. All activities take place within the temple grounds or adjacent cultural spaces, offering an authentic immersion into Japanese heritage and tranquility.