- Nothing - Not a bad thing, but be prepared for communal bathrooms :)

- Beautiful building - Wonderful staff - Included dinner and breakfast are delicious - Tatami mat rooms are comfortable and quiet - Excellent location - easy 5-10min walk to start of Haguro-san - Accepted solo female traveler

Stayed in August 2025

A great experience of staying in a Shukubo Temple Lodging before walking the 2,400 plus steps up Mt Haguro. We went to the early morning service - which the priest kindly translated into English via some clever technology, it was very interesting and informative and helped us understand something about the syncretic mountain worship tradition with nature at its centre. We enjoyed the food very much as well. The temple family were very understanding when we left without paying, thinking we’d already paid via booking.com ( which we hadn’t) and we had to come back after our climb to settle up. We were very sorry about this but appreciated their understanding.

Stayed in June 2025

The shrine is so historical and beautiful. The meals (shojin ryorin) was so good. I appreciate the public bath. I joined the 7am prayer session. It's eye opening and the priest spent time explaining to us the history of Dewa Sanzan and the shrine. I left my bag after checkout to hike up to Mt. Haguro (walking distance to entrance). Then took a bus to Tsuruoka train station.

Stayed in May 2025

Daishinbo was truly a special experience, as vegetarians Japan has been difficult at times, but the beautifully presented meals at this wonderful pilgrim lodge were simply amazing. Our room was huge and it felt like a home away from home — would love to return one day!

Stayed in May 2025

You sleep on traditional futon beds and grain pillows. Don’t wann complain but was glad to have my travel pillow with me. ;)

A flawless experience of a traditional pilgrimage guesthouse. Comfy room, great bath and exceptional food prepared by the lovely owners. And it was great to have an Introduction into Yamabushi and the traditional prayer in the morning. The location is perfect to tackle the more than 2000 steps up Mt. Haguro.

Stayed in May 2025

The room was full of bedbugs. I guess it is to be expected in a wooden building with tatami floor in the middle of nature, but still.

Great location to visit Dewa Sanzan and Haguro-san. The room was huge and the staff very welcoming. Generous meals and unique opportunity to participate in the morning prayer.

Stayed in April 2025

Part of the experience just to be aware of is the place is very quiet, due to the historic nature of the building, with little soundproofing.

The meals were exceptional, and the mass was a unique experience. Good baths and everything was very clean.

Stayed in May 2025

What an amazing immersive experience 🙌🏻

Stayed in September 2024

The room is very spacious, and both breakfast and dinner are fresh and delicious. The showers and baths are large and comfortable. Even though I stayed over a busy weekend, I always had the bath to myself. The baths aren’t available during the day, but you can still use the showers. The staff and family who run the lodge are kind and welcoming. I managed with my limited Japanese, but I’m confident they speak English well if needed. Morning prayers start at 7 a.m. and last about 20 minutes, with your name included in the prayer, which was a thoughtful touch. Participation isn’t mandatory, but it’s a meaningful experience. If most guests are non-Japanese speakers, a translator will be provided during the prayer sessions.

Stayed in September 2024

The room felt a felt a bit dusty and old. The lighting through was way to bright white fluorescent lights, which really impacted the overall atmosphere. The bathing times were confusing for an English speaker. And I want to be able to shower in the morning (not available)

The vibes of the temple are amazing and it is very traditional and beautiful

Stayed in September 2024

Staying at Shukubo Daishinbo in Tsuruoka, Japan, was one of the most enriching experiences of my trip. This 350-year-old temple inn, run by a Yamabushi family, offered me a unique opportunity to connect with Japan's spiritual and cultural heritage in a deeply meaningful way. The location of Shukubo Daishinbo couldn't have been more perfect. Nestled at the base of Mount Haguro, it served as an ideal starting point for exploring the sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains. Each morning, I had the chance to participate in the rituals led by the resident Yamabushi, which was both a serene and enlightening experience. The blend of Shinto and Buddhist practices, known as Shugendo, is something I’d never encountered before, and it gave me a new perspective on spirituality and nature. But what truly made my stay unforgettable was the food. The meals at Shukubo Daishinbo were incredible, reflecting the best of Shojin Ryori, the traditional Buddhist cuisine. Each dish was crafted with care, using local, seasonal ingredients, including wild mountain vegetables. The flavors were delicate yet profound, and every bite felt like a celebration of the region's natural bounty. The connection between the food and the surrounding landscape was palpable, making each meal a deeply meditative experience. The peaceful atmosphere of Shukubo Daishinbo, combined with the warmth and hospitality of the hosts, made me feel like I was part of something truly special. Whether it was joining the morning prayers, hiking up Mount Haguro, or simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings, every moment spent here was nourishing for both my body and soul. If you're looking to immerse yourself in Japan's spiritual traditions or just want to unwind in a serene and beautiful setting, I can't recommend Shukubo Daishinbo highly enough. It’s more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

Stayed in July 2024

Staying here was a great experience. It was possible to take part in the morning ceremony and immerse oneself in the local Shinto and Shugendo (mountain worship) culture. The food (breakfast and dinner) was great. Some of the best food I've eaten in Japan. The meals are prepared in the Japanese style with many small dishes and are similar to temple cuisine (Shojin Ryori) but include seafood as well. A different meal was prepared each day. The location is ideal to hike up one of the three local holy mountains, Mt. Haguro and visit the shrines along the way and on top of the mountain. The accomodation can be reached by bus. If you come by care it can also be a good base for visiting the other mountains in the region.

Stayed in August 2024

The hosts were so accommodating and it was an amazing experience staying in a Daishinbo. Very close to the start of the walking trail to Mount Haguro. The variety of beautiful food that was served was incredible. On the whole a fantastic experience and one I would highly recommend

Stayed in June 2024

Historical building with a lot of charm. Very close to the start of mount Haguro's ascent. The feeling of being far from the world and in a place of pilgrimage was clear and strong. We had vegetarian temple food and it was delicious: a truly culinary experience. The room was spacious and lovely. If you travel in the fall the house could get a bit chilly but nothing that can't be shaken off by the warm beds, and the very nice shared hot baths! Also very special and fascinating to participate to the morning prayer. They had an interpreter for us during it and it was much appreciated.

Stayed in October 2023

Dinners were served cold except for rice and miso soups.

The morning prayer ritual and clean accommodation.

Stayed in October 2023

I only wish there was a refrigerator in the room to keep drinks/water cold.

Great location close to Hagurosan and Gassan. Hosts were extremely friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was very cool too - traditional Shukubo lodging and the building was beautiful. The room was very large, traditional Japanese style like you would expect from a Ryokan stay. Overall great value too (note: I visited for two weekdays in early August).

Stayed in August 2023

I would give 11 to this place if I could, I could even give 100. The hospitality at Daishinbo is incredible. Also, if you stay more than one day, a different menu will be prepared for you every meal, even if that means preparing that menu just for you.

Stayed in August 2023

Great food, very caring and devoted hosts that go the extra mile in eg offering firefly viewing and surprising me with onigiri for my hike, adjusting breakfast and dinner time to my plans.

Stayed in July 2023

It was not easy to get to without a car, but the JR train did take us close enough to walk to the temple.

The vegetarian food was exceptional, creatively prepared, delicious and delightful. The staff was courteous, the room was spacious, the temple grounds was serene and natural, and the overall atmosphere refreshing and unexpectedly amiable, especially the monk. He added our names into his prayers !

Stayed in June 2023

Both dinner and breakfast were delicious and plentiful. We stayed three nights and the food was different for every meal! Our room was spacious, we even had a private toilet. Even though the Shukubo was fully booked, it was very quiet. The staff was friendly and helpful. Great location very close to the entrance of Mt. Haguro. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely come back again. Highly recommended!

Stayed in September 2022

The most disappointing experience of our stay in Japan. The old man at the check-in was not kind and we didn't feel welcome. The dinner and breakfast were not really good, with a lot of things having the same (poor) taste. The public bath was not nice and closed in the morning.

Large room.

Stayed in July 2024

Nothing.

This is an authentic temple with prayers every morning by the Buddhist monks. The room was large and spacious. The futons were comfortable and the food amazing

Stayed in July 2023

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Stayed in August 2025

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Stayed in July 2025