Zenrinji

Near Hangan-ji Temple in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, stay at Gion-so, a boutique ryokan blending traditional Japanese architecture with Zen-inspired design. The rooms offer serene views of the temple and surrounding forest, ideal for meditation seekers. Guests can participate in authentic morning bell rituals and attend tea ceremony workshops hosted by resident monks. Just a 5-minute walk to the temple’s main hall, this peaceful retreat emphasizes mindfulness and cultural immersion. Book your stay via the HopeGoo app for exclusive access to limited-time spiritual packages.

Gion-so stands out for its panoramic sunrise vistas from east-facing rooms, where golden light spills over the temple spires and misty hills at dawn. The property features an open-air wooden deck perfect for morning meditation or tea ceremonies under the sky. Each room includes tatami flooring and shoji sliding doors that dissolve the boundary between indoors and nature. Guided hikes through the temple’s back trails reveal ancient stone inscriptions and towering camphor trees. Reserve through the HopeGoo platform to unlock complimentary view-enhanced room upgrades.

Guests at Gion-so can join daily morning chanting sessions led by monks from Hangan-ji Temple, including zazen meditation and incense offerings, offering deep insight into Rinzai Zen practice. The hotel also hosts handmade washi lantern workshops using local bamboo and paper, symbolizing inner clarity. On weekends, a special mountain tea ceremony takes place in the temple’s garden, served with seasonal matcha and wagashi, embodying the spirit of ichi-go ichi-e. All activities are included in curated stays—book via HopeGoo to receive priority access and guided participation.