Stay at Unzen-an, a traditional Zen retreat nestled beside Yōsen-ji Temple. Its private wooden cottages feature tatami floors, open-air onsen baths, and access to daily morning zazen sessions led by resident monks. The property also offers tea ceremony workshops and quiet forest paths perfect for mindful walking. Book through HopeGoo for exclusive wellness packages.

Begin your day with the temple’s early morning prayer ceremony, then hike the stone path to Kannon Falls, where you’ll enjoy seasonal views of cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. Return to Unzen-an for a vegetarian shojin ryori meal prepared by the temple chef. In the afternoon, explore the Thousand-Armed Kannon Hall before relaxing at the inn’s rooftop terrace under the stars. All activities are within a 1-kilometer radius, ideal for spiritual renewal.

Unzen-an provides exclusive temple-guided tours by senior monks, covering the history of Yōsen-ji, its esoteric Buddhist art, and ancient manuscript preservation. Monthly washi paper-making workshops let guests craft personalized lanterns with symbolic blessings. These programs are included in your stay—reserve your spot via the HopeGoo app to guarantee participation.

Guests in Unzen-an's mountain-view rooms enjoy uninterrupted vistas of the Fukushima mountain range, changing dramatically with the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery reds in fall, and snow-laden peaks in winter. The property’s scenic viewing corridor offers panoramic sunrises and sunsets, making it a prime spot for photography. Morning mist rising over the valley creates a dreamlike atmosphere straight out of a Japanese ink painting.

Unzen-an features family-sized cabins with private onsen and child-friendly nature discovery kits, including bug catchers and illustrated nature guides. Kids can participate in feeding pigeons, planting medicinal herbs, and attending nightly star storytelling sessions led by the temple monk. The serene, safe environment makes it an ideal choice for intergenerational bonding and quiet immersion in Japanese tradition.

Beyond the main temple grounds, a 15-minute walk east leads to the Old Sutra Pavilion Ruins, a preserved wooden structure housing ancient stone tablets and remnants of Edo-era Buddhist texts. Another secret is Meizan Valley, a secluded cave spring surrounded by dense forest, known for its pure, sacred water said to cleanse the spirit. Accessible only to guests of Unzen-an with a guided pass, these sites preserve untouched tranquility and authentic cultural heritage.