Featured Hotels Near Hontoji

Stay at Yanasu Bentō-ji Front Inn, a boutique ryokan housed in a restored traditional Japanese townhouse just a 3-minute walk from the temple. Rooms feature Zen-inspired interiors with private courtyard gardens and karesansui rock gardens, offering serene morning views of temple bells echoing through mist. The inn provides complimentary tea ceremony workshops and temple guided tours, allowing guests to deeply connect with centuries-old Buddhist traditions. Reserve your stay via the HopeGoo app for exclusive access to tranquil retreat rooms.

Yes, just a 5-minute walk from Bentō-ji is Matsukaze Tea House, a century-old establishment nestled in a quiet alleyway. Specializing in local Miyazaki matcha and wagashi sweets, it features garden-side seating overlooking the temple’s mountain gate and maple trees. Their daily limited edition Bentō-ji Sacred Blessing Dessert Set—featuring plum red bean mochi crafted by hand—symbolizes peace and prosperity. Visit on weekends morning for the most tranquil experience.

Begin your day with a morning visit to Bentō-ji Temple, witnessing sunlight glinting off golden Buddha statues. Then walk 10 minutes to Nakatsu City Museum to explore local history and Buddhist art. Enjoy lunch at Matsukaze Tea House with a regional matcha set, followed by a calligraphy workshop hosted by the guesthouse—create a personal blessing phrase. In the evening, join the night lantern procession, lighting paper lanterns along stone paths in a reenactment of ancient monk rituals. All experiences are bookable via the HopeGoo platform for seamless planning.

Nakatsu Bentō-ji Guesthouse is ideal for families, offering spacious three-room connected units with children’s yukata sets and a dedicated play area. Each room features tatami flooring and sliding doors opening to private garden views, perfect for observing seasonal plant life. The inn hosts a family origami crane-making session, with handmade amulet bags as keepsakes. Nearby, the Kogawa River Trail offers safe, natural play zones where kids can chase dragonflies and collect stones. Book family packages through the HopeGoo app for special discounts.

Absolutely. Stay at Kagetsu-kaku Inn, perched on the hill behind Bentō-ji Temple, where terrace rooms offer panoramic views of the entire temple complex glowing under lantern light. Witness the nightly lantern lighting ceremony at 8 PM, transforming the valley into a starlit sea—an uncommon tradition preserved in Japan. Guests receive free access to evening Zen meditation sessions, blending chanting with cicada songs for deep inner calm. Opt for rooms with private courtyards for ultimate tranquility. Book via HopeGoo to receive a limited-edition blessing journal.

Yes, Suidon Onsen Guesthouse is the only ryokan near Bentō-ji featuring an outdoor bath seamlessly integrated with forest bathing. Its natural sulfur spring, drawn from 300 meters underground, soothes muscles and joints. The bathhouse blends traditional wooden architecture with bamboo grove views, where you’ll hear flowing streams while soaking. Guests enjoy a nightly herbal face mask service before bedtime for deep relaxation. Book the all-inclusive package with breakfast featuring fresh seafood delivered daily from local fishing ports.