Shonenji Temple

Shonenji is a 440-year-old Pure Land Buddhist temple in Takachiho-cho in the mountains of Kyushu, Japan. It is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty including spectacular gorges, terraced rice fields, and wonderful night skies.

Throughout the temple’s history, beginning with its founding in 1578, the priests of Shonenji have been members of the Yoshimura family. The present head priest, Junsho Yoshimura, is the seventeenth generation of his family to serve.

The Lodge

The Lodge offers guests the chance to experience the mystery and beauty of a 440-year old working Buddhist temple while staying in the luxurious but relaxing surroundings of this Japanese-Scandinavian fusion-style inn. For 17 generations, the Yoshimura family have welcomed visitors to their Pure Land temple. In 2018, they realized their dream of combining artwork, design inspiration, traditional craftsperson skills to make a high-spec, luxury Lodge with self-catering accommodation for 11 guests.

Guests can learn about the temple way of life, visit the Takachiho gorge and Amanoiwato shrine and cave.They can also explore the stunning surroundings of Mt.Aso. Kurokawa Onsen, Beppu, Yufuin and the famous surfing beaches of Miyazaki are all within scenic 2-hour drive distance.`

The Concept

The priests of Shonenji Temple want to share the beauty of the temple and UNESCO heritage area of Takachiho. They incorporate local artisans work, (pottery, wood-work, straw-weaving), with their eclectic collection of art, kimono and photographs. The brand-new Lodge is fully insulated, double-glazed and has a Canadian log stove to keep it cosy and warm during the winter. Its open, vaulted living area is cool and tranquil in the summer. There is also a traditional irori pit hearth, a custom-made pottery hot tub bath and order-made stain glass windows. 100-year old, lovingly-polished floor boards and ancient ranmas are incorporated into the build.

The building itself is finished outside with the traditional shousugi-ban, charred black wood panels, which have been used for centuries in traditional Japanese builds. This black facade is contrasted with the hand-crafted red front door and the quirky mosaic of artisan pottery from the local potters kiln, which runs along the outside of the Lodge.

All the bedding and towels are 100% organic cotton.