Shigisan Gyokuzo-in

Shigisan Gyokuzo-in is a tatchu (sub-temple) of Chogosonshi-ji, the head temple of Shigisan Shingon-shu and Japan's oldest place of worship to the deity Bishamonten — founded in 587 by Prince Shotoku after he had a vision of Bishamonten on the eve of his battle with Mononobe no Moriya. Gyokuzo-in itself was established in the late Heian period and has functioned as both a prayer temple and a shukubo for centuries. The principal image in the temple's Yokuyu-do (oil-anointing hall) is an unusual Two-Bodied Bishamonten that is enshrined back-to-back. Guests stay in 40 Japanese-style rooms across the mountain compound (capacity ~150 overnight, with rooms ranging from intimate 12-tatami private rooms to a 64-tatami banquet hall used for retreats and weddings), and bathe in cypress communal baths (a 20-person large bath plus a 10-person mid-sized bath). The kitchen serves both shojin ryori (from 3,000 yen per person) and seasonal kaiseki (from 4,000 yen per person). Each morning the resident priests perform the goma fire ceremony in the Yokuyu-do at 05:00 in summer or 05:30 in winter, followed by the Great Prajnaparamita prayers in the main hall — guests are warmly invited to attend in the crisp mountain air. Optional practices include shakyo (sutra copying), shabutsu (Buddha tracing), Hyaku-hachi-rai (108 prostrations) and Asokukan breath meditation, all bookable by email after reservation. The temple maintains an English information page and is rated as one of the more accessible Nara shukubo for international visitors. Access is via Nara Kotsu bus from JR/Kintetsu Oji or Kintetsu Shigisanshita Station to "Shigisan-mon" stop; taxis from Oji are also welcome (ask for "Shigisan Gyokuzo-in Fukikaku").