This ryokan/Buddhist temple offers a very authentic and unique cultural experience. Taking part in temple life and learning more about Buddhist traditions was memorable and something we will always appreciate. However, there were also several challenges. The traditional food was extremely difficult for us, and we were unable to adapt to it during our stay. Communication was also complicated, as the manager spoke very limited English, making it difficult to ask questions or receive information. We had booked two nights, but after the first night we felt the experience was not the right fit for us. The next morning, before the 10:00 check-out time, we asked whether it would be possible to receive a refund for the unused second night. Our request was declined, which was disappointing.

Beautiful temple, very clean and cozy rooms, excellent meals. Overall it is a memorable experience thanks to the very kind monks.

We very much enjoyed our stay at Hozen-In temple. It was a beautiful setting and so close to the amazing cemetery. The young monk who greeted us and looked after us, Dan-san was charming and attentive to our needs. A true delight he was and he enhanced our experience immensely. The food was attractive and tasty - it seemed a lot of effort and attention to detail was made. The morning chanting ceremony was interesting, but quite long - I would have preferred a short period of meditation and contemplation, but none was given. The biggest problem for us was the men’s bathroom - it smelled bad, and the urinals didn’t flush. It seemed it had not been attended to for days. So cleanliness needs to be improved. Overall it was great, and could be better still…

The food was great and the rooms were as expected (although we were shocked to find a TV in our room). However, the monks all but ignored the guests. There was a very brief/confusing introduction when we arrived and then we were completely ignored. I might have thought this was as expected given that the monk's primary goal/purpose isn't to serve guests, but when we went to another monetary for a meditation class, the monks there were all much warmer and welcoming (looked at and smiled at you, explained things). The experience is being sold as a way to gain an greater cultural understanding, but this doesn't seem to be provided at this location.

Overall, it was overpriced and expensive. The room was really basic, the futons much too hard, we did not sleep at all. The table in the middle of the room was not very inviting. We could not open the windows, and there was noise and lights from the street all night. The dinner was nice, and we liked the private room to enjoy. The view into the garden was very beautiful. The onsen was rather small and not inviting. The service was fine, but all in all we did not fell welcome and we did not feel comfortable. It did not feel like a quiet and spiritual place. The morning meditation was interesting, but again, the atmosphere did not feel peaceful or spiritual.