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Honkan main lodging building at Senjuin (Edo-period architecture)Edo-period interiors of Senjuin shukuboPainted fusuma sliding doors in Senjuin guest roomsTatami guest room (kyakushitsu) at SenjuinShinkan modern wing of Senjuin shukuboO-hiroma large hall at Senjuin (capacity 150)Pond garden attributed to Kobori Enshu — the only one of its kind on Mt. ShigiSeasonal kaiseki dinner served at SenjuinTeppachi shojin ryori (vegetarian) plates at SenjuinZazen seated meditation in the Daihikaku training hallShakyo sutra-copying experience at SenjuinBishamonten worship at the Senjuin goma hall
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Mid-Range| Nara

Shigisan Senju-in

信貴山大本山 千手院

The oldest sub-temple on Mt. Shigi, founded in 902, with 1,100 years of unbroken Bishamonten goma fire and 13 traditional guest rooms.

Staff speaks日本語
SectShingon (真言宗)
Zazen meditation
Goma fire ceremony
Cultural property
from$90 /per night
Check Availability

Features

Vegetarian Meals

Highlights

The Oldest Sub-Temple on Mt. Shigi

Opened in 902 by the priest Myoren Shonin after he prayed for Emperor Daigo's recovery and was granted the imperial name "Chogosonshi-ji". Senjuin was the residence of successive Shigisan abbots and is described in old records as "the head household of Mt. Shigi".

1,100 Years of Unbroken Bishamonten Goma Fire

Since Myoren Shonin lit the original goma fire over a thousand years ago, the Bishamonten goma at Senjuin has burned every single day without break. Overnight guests can attend the morning ceremony and have personal prayer plaques offered into the flames.

Edo-Era Honkan, Modern Shinkan & 13 Tatami Rooms

The 13 guest rooms (6–12 tatami) span the Edo-period Honkan — Shigisan's second-oldest building, with painted fusuma and undulating Taisho glass — and the modern Shinkan with a 150-person hall and the Daihikaku training room. Senjuin holds the only pond garden on Mt. Shigi, traditionally attributed to the daimyo and tea master Kobori Enshu.

About

Shigisan Senju-in is the oldest tatchu (sub-temple) on Mt. Shigi and historically the residence of successive abbots of Chogosonshi-ji, Japan's oldest place of worship to the deity Bishamonten. The temple was opened in 902 by Myoren Shonin, the priest who prayed for Emperor Daigo's recovery and received from the Emperor the imperial designation "Chogosonshi-ji" for the entire Mt. Shigi complex. Old records describe Senjuin as "the head household of Mt. Shigi"; abbots of Gyokuzo-in and Jofuku-in were originally dispatched from Senjuin's own line of disciples. The temple's most extraordinary inheritance is its Bishamonten goma fire, which has burned without interruption for over 1,100 years and continues to be performed daily by the resident priests. Lodging is divided into the Honkan — Shigisan's second-oldest building (the oldest is the Tahoto pagoda), built in the Edo period and famous for its painted fusuma sliding doors and undulating Taisho-period glass — and the modern Shinkan, which adds a 150-person large hall and the 60-seat Daihikaku training room used for zazen and group retreats. Across both wings there are 13 tatami guest rooms (6–12 tatami) suitable for solo travellers, couples and groups. Senjuin also holds the only pond-strolling garden on Mt. Shigi, attributed to the warrior, tea master and architect Kobori Enshu, who is said to have designed it during the Sengoku-era reconstruction of the mountain temples by Katagiri Katsumoto. Shukubo rates are 13,200–35,000 yen per person with two meals depending on occupancy. Practice menu includes zazen, shakyo (sutra copying), shabutsu (Buddha tracing) at 5,000 yen each, with optional waterfall ablution (taki-gyo) for advanced participants. Day language is Japanese.

Details

13 rooms
Shigisanshita Station (Kintetsu Ikoma Line) / JR Oji Station (12 min walk)
From $90 - $235/night

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions about Shigisan Senju-in

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.

Shigisan Senju-in 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.

Yes, Shigisan Senju-in 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 Shigisan Senju-in 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.

Shigisan Senju-in 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 Shigisanshita Station (Kintetsu Ikoma Line) / JR Oji Station, approximately 12 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 Shigisan Senju-in 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).

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