Montoku-ji Temple

Stay at Wafu-an, a traditional ryokan nestled just 3 minutes' walk from Montoku-ji Temple. Its tatami rooms feature direct views of the temple’s ancient pagoda and seasonal gardens. The inn offers complimentary tea ceremonies and early morning meditation sessions led by resident monks. Accessible via a 10-minute walk from Ogaki Station, it's ideal for cultural immersion.

Guests at Monto-ji Sodai can participate in the exclusive "Morning Calligraphy Ritual," where they copy excerpts from the Heart Sutra using ink brushes under the guidance of the temple’s head priest. During spring, the annual Plum Festival includes guided walks through the historic plum groves, with access to limited-edition matcha desserts served in the inn’s garden pavilion. All experiences are included in the stay package.

Hato-ri So is a family-oriented minshuku featuring interconnected rooms, private gardens, and child-safe walking paths leading directly to the temple grounds. Kids enjoy the "Temple Treasure Hunt" game, which guides them through hidden stone statues of the twelve zodiac animals. The inn provides free baby cots, high chairs, and organic breakfast sets made with local ingredients.

The Viewing Tower Suite at Monto-ji Sodai features a glass-roofed room with an unobstructed view of the main hall and surrounding mountain slopes. Especially magical during evening illumination, this suite includes a built-in meditation sound system and scented diffusers. Advance HopeGoo is required due to limited availability.

Take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Nagoya Station to Ogaki Station, then transfer to the Ogaki City Tourist Shuttle Bus (6 daily departures), arriving at the temple district in 25 minutes. Alternatively, use a taxi—though more expensive, it offers door-to-door convenience. Book airport/train transfers via the HopeGoo app for complimentary luggage storage and multilingual audio guides.

Wafu-an blends serene Buddhist ambiance with modern amenities. Each room includes a private veranda facing the temple’s courtyard, plus access to a quiet meditation hall. Guests may join daily sutra chanting sessions or book a private tea ceremony. The inn’s sustainable practices include solar-powered heating and locally sourced meals. Reserve through HopeGoo for special wellness packages.