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Saikyo-ji main hall (Important Cultural Property) exteriorSaikyo-ji precinct buildings on the eastern foot of Mt. HieiSaikyo-ji garden and approach in SakamotoSaikyo-ji historic precinctsInside Saikyo-ji main hall, the seat of constant nenbutsuSaikyo-ji shoin / training-hall building used for lodging
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Budget| Hieizan

Saikyoji Youth Hostel

ユースホステル西教寺

A budget-friendly shukubo inside the Tendai Shinsei head temple at the foot of Mt. Hiei, with 6:30 morning service and Akechi Mitsuhide heritage.

Staff speaks日本語
SectTendai (天台宗)
Zazen meditation
Cultural property
from$28 /per night
Check Availability

Features

Vegetarian MealsFree WiFi

Highlights

Inside the Tendai Shinsei Head Temple

The hostel uses Saikyo-ji's former training-hall building, set within the head-temple precincts of the Tendai Shinsei school. Guests stay just steps from the Important Cultural Property main hall and the bell-rope ceremony of constant nenbutsu.

Akechi Mitsuhide's Memorial Temple

After the 1571 burning of Mt. Hiei, the warlord Akechi Mitsuhide rebuilt Sakamoto Castle nearby and helped restore Saikyo-ji. His grave and family memorial tablets remain at the temple, making this one of Japan's most important Sengoku-era pilgrimage sites.

Affordable Zazen and Shakyo

Guests can join the 6:30 morning service in the main hall free of charge, and add zazen (1,000 JPY) or sutra copying (2,000 JPY) sessions. Shojin ryori dinners feature locally grown Sakamoto vegetables.

About

Saikyoji Youth Hostel is a temple-run lodging set inside the precincts of Saikyo-ji, the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei school of Buddhism, located in the historic Sakamoto district at the eastern foot of Mt. Hiei. The temple's legendary founding traces back to Prince Shotoku, but its documented history begins with the restoration in 1325 and the revival by the monk Shinsei in 1486, who made it the head of his Tendai Shinsei reform school. After Oda Nobunaga's burning of Mt. Hiei in 1571, Akechi Mitsuhide — given control of Sakamoto — helped rebuild Saikyo-ji, and his grave and family memorial tablets remain on the grounds today. The hostel itself uses the temple's former training-hall building, renovated for the 2020 NHK historical drama on Mitsuhide. Capacity is small (around 15 guests), with rooms in traditional Japanese style. Stays start from roughly 4,100 JPY (room only) up to 6,800 JPY with three meals of seasonal shojin ryori made from locally grown Sakamoto vegetables. Guests are welcome at the 6:30 morning service in the main hall (an Important Cultural Property), and can add zazen meditation (1,000 JPY) or sutra copying (2,000 JPY) sessions. English language support is limited, so this temple suits budget travelers who don't mind a more traditional, Japanese-language experience close to Hieizan.

Details

Check-in: 16:00
Check-out: 10:00
Sakamoto-Hieizan-guchi Station (Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line) (25 min walk)
From $28 - $50/night

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions about Saikyoji Youth Hostel

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn featuring tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, communal or private baths, and multi-course kaiseki meals. Guests typically wear yukata (cotton robes) provided by the inn. A ryokan stay is one of the most authentic cultural experiences Japan has to offer.

Upon arrival, you'll be provided with a yukata (light cotton robe) and a pair of slippers. You can wear the yukata throughout the ryokan — to dinner, to the onsen, and even for a stroll in the neighborhood. Indoor slippers should be removed before stepping on tatami mats.

Saikyoji Youth Hostel has limited English support. We recommend using a translation app or asking your hotel concierge to help with any pre-arrival communication. The staff is very welcoming and will do their best to assist.

Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you arrive early, most ryokans can store your luggage while you explore the area. Late check-in may be possible — contact the ryokan in advance to arrange.

Yes, Saikyoji Youth Hostel can prepare vegetarian meals. Japanese Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori) is naturally plant-based and beautifully presented. Please inform the ryokan of your dietary requirements at least 2 days before arrival so the chef can prepare accordingly.

Yes, most ryokans including Saikyoji Youth Hostel offer luggage storage for guests arriving before check-in time. You can also use coin lockers at the nearest station or luggage delivery services (takkyubin) to send bags directly from the airport or previous hotel.

Yes, Saikyoji Youth Hostel provides complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Connection is available in guest rooms and common areas.

Saikyoji Youth Hostel may have limited credit card acceptance. We recommend having Japanese yen (cash) available. ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) accept international cards.

The nearest station is Sakamoto-Hieizan-guchi Station (Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line), approximately 25 minutes on foot. You can reach it by local train, subway, or taxi. The ryokan can provide detailed walking directions upon request.

You can book Saikyoji Youth Hostel through trusted platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. Click the "Check Prices" button on this page to check availability and rates. We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom in March-April and autumn leaves in November).

temples.from$28 /temples.perNight