


Everything you need to know about Shoenji
Shoenji Onsen Ryokan stands out with its panoramic views of the Iyo Mountains and Uwajima Sea, offering private outdoor baths in each room. Just a 5-minute walk from the main temple grounds, it features traditional kaiseki dining and tea ceremony workshops. For an authentic experience, book their morning Zen meditation tour.
Another gem is Iyo Koya Minshuku, nestled along the historic Shoenji trail. This wooden ryokan blends Edo-era architecture with modern comfort, featuring tatami rooms with garden views of bamboo groves and shrine lanterns. Guests often praise the tranquil nights filled with cicadas and distant temple bells—perfect for spiritual retreats. Both properties are independently operated, emphasizing local culture and nature immersion.
Begin your day at Shoenji Onsen Ryokan with their exclusive morning Zen walking tour through ancient cedar forests, immersing yourself in sacred silence and natural beauty. Enjoy a seasonal kaiseki lunch crafted with fresh Ehime ingredients—think local seafood and mountain vegetables—served in a serene dining room overlooking the garden.
In the afternoon, stroll to the main Shoenji Temple Hall, passing centuries-old stone steps and towering camphor trees. If time allows, explore the nearby Kawaramachi Old Town, where you’ll find century-old timber shops and artisan pottery studios. Return to the ryokan in the evening for a private onsen soak, followed by a guided night lantern procession led by staff and monks, lighting paper lanterns across the courtyard—a deeply meditative ritual unique to this region.
Yes, Shoenji Onsen Ryokan offers family-oriented rooms with children’s yukata robes and low tatami sleeping zones, plus complimentary breakfast for young guests. The property features a "Nature Discovery Corner" where kids can explore moss samples and insect specimens, learning about local ecosystems through interactive displays.
Weekly on Saturdays, they host a "Parent-Child Paper Lantern Craft" workshop—families create personalized prayer lanterns together, which are then lit during a special evening lantern festival. Additional services include stroller rentals and multilingual illustrated guides for easy navigation. With its calm atmosphere and thoughtful touches, this ryokan provides a rare blend of spiritual serenity and child-friendly warmth—ideal for intergenerational travel.
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