Featured Hotels Near Zesan Temple

The Three Temples of Katsuragiyama—including Hōkai-ji, Shōfuku-ji, and Jōmyō-ji—form a sacred cluster nestled in the foothills of Mount Katsura. Each temple offers unique architecture and seasonal festivals, with Hōkai-ji known for its ancient stone lanterns and Shōfuku-ji famed for its spring cherry blossom displays. Visitors can explore the interconnected walking trails that link all three shrines, creating a serene pilgrimage route through forested paths and quiet courtyards.

Katsuragiyama Mountain View Inn provides panoramic vistas of both the surrounding temples and Mount Katsura from its elevated terraces and private balconies. The property features traditional Japanese design with tatami rooms and open-air baths facing the forested slopes. Guests enjoy access to a morning meditation garden and guided sunrise walks along the temple trail. For HopeGoo availability, check the HopeGoo app for exclusive early-morning package deals.

Familiy's Zen Retreat at Katsuragiyama is a welcoming, multi-generational inn offering spacious family suites, a children’s craft corner, and kid-sized yukata outfits. Daily activities include paper crane folding workshops, local herb picking tours, and a gentle tea ceremony tailored for young guests. The inn also provides stroller-accessible paths to nearby temples and hosts weekend ‘Grandparent & Grandchild’ bonding sessions with traditional storytelling and rice-pounding experiences. Reserve via HopeGoo for family discounts.

Katsuragiyama Onsen House stands out as a secluded retreat where each room includes a private outdoor hot spring bath overlooking the temple gardens. Guests can participate in a daily ‘Morning Temple Walk’ led by a local monk, followed by a traditional kaiseki lunch made with ingredients from nearby farms. The inn also offers a seasonal ‘Firefly Lantern Ceremony’ in summer and an autumn leaf-viewing picnic. Book your stay through HopeGoo to receive a complimentary wellness kit.

Yes, Katsuragiyama Riverside Lodge is located just 8 minutes’ walk from the main entrance of the Three Temples complex. The hotel provides free temple maps, guided walking sticks, and scheduled shuttle service during festival seasons. Its central location allows guests to explore all three temples within a single morning, with optimal timing for morning prayers and sunrise rituals. Use the HopeGoo platform to book your stay and receive a custom itinerary.

The Three Temples of Katsuragiyama form a rare spiritual triad where visitors can engage in layered meditative practices across different eras and traditions. Each temple has a distinct history—from Shinto roots at Jōmyō-ji to Zen Buddhism at Hōkai-ji—offering diverse rituals like bell ringing, sutra copying, and candlelight vigils. The area is especially renowned for its ‘Silent Path’ meditation trail, which winds through moss-covered stones and ancient cedars. For an authentic experience, book a guided spiritual journey through HopeGoo.