How to Stay Overnight in Buddhist Temple | Shukubo?

Last Updated: March 14, 2026

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During the Heian Period (794 - 1185 BCE), Japanese monks used to stay at monasteries when they traveled long distances. But in current days, Buddhist temples have opened their gates even for normal people to stay for a night, not only in Japan but also in monasteries around the world.

The process of staying overnight at a Buddhist temple is called Shukubo. Shukubo is made up of two terms: “Shuku,” which means stay or lodging, and “Bo,” which means temple or monk.

Shukubo is one of the easiest ways to experience Buddhist culture through a traditional temple stay. During the stay, visitors can observe the peaceful life of monks, meditation, and other Buddhist practices.

How Much Does a Shukubo Stay Cost?

Many people think Shukubo is free of cost, but that is not actually true. The cost for staying is usually very minimal, similar to staying at a small lodge. A Shukubo stay for one night usually costs around $55 to $100 on average, depending on the facilities and the location of the temple.

What to Expect : The Shukubo Experience

When people hear that Shukubo is paid, many think of it like a lodge and expect facilities similar to hotels, but it is different. During your temple stay, you will not get a luxury bed. Instead, you get a traditional bed made from rush grass or rice straw on the floor, called a tatami floor.

Generally, the rooms are shared with other guests or monks there, but some monasteries also offer separate suite rooms that cost a little higher.

The best part is that you get served by real monks who are committed to their routine of practicing Buddhism. You can also participate in their daily routine to experience the real side of Buddhism.

Their routine varies by monastery and monks, but in general it includes morning prayers called gongyo, meditation, and similar activities. These are totally optional, but I would suggest following the monks’ routine to experience mental peace and get a more authentic experience.

Best Places to Experience Monastery Stay

The culture of staying at a Buddhist temple started in Japan, but now you can stay in monasteries in many parts of the world. Popular destinations for a monastery stay include Japan, Nepal (where Buddha was born), Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

1. Japan

Japan is the best and most accessible place to experience Shukubo. You will get warm, spiritual, and well-organized hospitality, which Japan is known for. As Shukubo started here, you also get the chance to experience an authentic stay, similar to how monks used to live.

Some of the best monasteries for Shukubo are Ekoin Temple (Mount Koya) and Shunko-in Temple (Kyoto), as they are located in prime locations. They also offer English-friendly stays, which means you will not face language barriers during your visit.

But if you want to escape crowded tourist places and experience a more peaceful location, Kakurinbo near Mount Fuji can be a great choice. There you will also get the opportunity to experience calligraphy (a meditative way of writing) and kimono-wearing.

2. Nepal

Nepal is one of the best places to get a raw and authentic experience, as stays there are less formal compared to Japan. Here you will often meet young monks who can teach you about the meaning of life and show that finding peace or discovering yourself does not depend on age.

Recommended monasteries include Namobuddha Monastery and Kopan Monastery, as both are located very close to the Kathmandu Valley. If you prefer a more hotel-type experience, then Shambaling Boutique Hotel can be a good option. Even though it is a hotel, you can still experience Buddhist culture, and the best part is that it is surrounded by more than 50 monasteries.

3. Thailand

Thailand is great for mindfulness meditation in natural surroundings. Places like Chiang Mai are full of cultural heritage, mountain scenery, and natural beauty, making them perfect for nature-based meditation.

Popular monasteries for overnight stays include Wat Umon, Wat Pha Lat, and Chom Tong Monastery. All of these are located in or near Chiang Mai.

4. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is another top destination, offering a chance to experience over 2,500 years of Buddhist history. The island itself is beautiful, with quiet spots where you can sit and meditate surrounded by nature and ancient rock formations.

If you are planning to visit, the recommended areas are Sigiriya (home to the famous Lion Rock), Kataragama, and Dambulla. These areas have beautiful natural spots for meditation, as well as monasteries where you can request a night stay.

How to Book a Stay at Buddhist Temple

Booking a stay at a Buddhist temple is not like booking a hotel or lodge. You usually need to contact the monastery, find out if they accept guests, and check if there is availability on your preferred date. It may seem like a bit of a hassle, and honestly it can be. But you do not need to worry about that, because VolunteerFDIP can help find and book a temple stay for you.

You just need to do the following:

1. Decide Your Destination

The first step is to decide where you want to stay, such as which country or city. You do not need to plan a special trip just for a temple stay. It can easily fit into your regular schedule. For example, during a business trip or while traveling, if there is a monastery nearby, you can choose to stay there for a night.

2. Share Your Details With Us

Next, share your details with VolunteerFDIP. These details include your destination, preferred date, expectations, and some basic personal information like your name, address, and phone number so we can confirm the booking.

3. Choose Your Preferred Monastery

After receiving your preferences, we will share a list of monasteries that offer overnight stays near your selected location, along with the facilities they provide. Your task is simply to choose the one that suits you best.

4. Visit and Stay at Monastery on Your Time

Once your Shukubo stay is booked, you just need to visit the monastery on your scheduled date and time. Our team can also help you reach the monastery and can arrange pick-up and drop-off if needed.

Temple Rules and Etiquette

Paying for your stay does not mean you do not need to follow the rules and regulations. There are certain etiquette guidelines that guests staying at a temple should follow.

1. Respect the Monk

The monks are there to help and take care of you, but that does not mean you can order them around as you want. Keep in mind that while they are serving you, they are also following their own routine. So always speak politely and respect the monks and other staff there.

2. Follow the Temple Dress Code

Next, dress modestly by covering your body properly. Avoid wearing leather or other animal products if possible. Instead, wear simple cotton clothes that cover your body. Try to dress in a way that exposes as little of your body as possible.

3. No Alcohol, Smoking or Drugs

Alcohol, smoking, and drugs are strictly prohibited inside the temple. You are not allowed to use any of these. You are also not allowed to bring non-vegetarian or egg-based food. Instead, guests are expected to eat the food provided by the temple.

4. No Physical Intimacy

Holding hands, hugging, or other intimate behavior is not appropriate inside the monastery. Most monasteries have separate sleeping areas for men and women, and visitors are usually not allowed to enter the rooms of the opposite sex. So make sure to follow this rule.

5. Maintain Silence and Peace

A Buddhist temple is a place for meditation, prayer, and finding peace. So always try to maintain silence. Walk slowly and speak politely. Avoid running, shouting, or engaging in loud conversations that could disturb other monks or guests.

6. Follow the Temple Schedule

Temples run on a strict schedule. Activities like waking up, meditation, prayer, and meal times follow a fixed timetable. So when you stay there, try to follow the temple routine.

7. Take Care of Your Space

You are staying in a communal and sacred place, and no one will come to clean up your bed. In monasteries, guests are usually expected to lay out and clean their own bedding. Treat the room with respect and keep your space tidy.

Published on March 14, 2026

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