Zuio Temple, or Zuio-ji (瑞応寺), is a Soto Zen monastery in Niihama City. There are many monks training and studying at the temple. The buildings are cleverly connected through raised walkways and ground level paths so that one can walk between all of them from inside without shoes or outside with shoes. The gravel in the courtyard has lined designs in the Zen rock garden style. They also host free meditation for lay people and have easy-to-read scripts for the chanting and sutra reading portions of the meditation. It is also possible to stay at the temple for the modest fee of ¥3000 a night.
- 1 min read
Zuio-ji
A large, mountain monastery of the Soto Zen sect

By Anonymous
Community writer

The entrance gate to the main halls of the monastery (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

The forest around the grounds is quiet and serene (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

A large graveyard is situated along the hillside to the east of the monastery (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

The stones of the entrance were slick with rain (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

Artisticly stunning door ornamention surrounding the ring pulls (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

A dragon spout for ablutions (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

Looking outside from within one of the buildings (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

The courtyard is filled with the scent of incense and the sound of the ringing bells (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

One of the meditation rooms (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

Roof tiles (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

The quiet temple grounds are surrounded by trees (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

A small shrine beside the main hall (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

A small pond in front of a small shrine (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

There are many smaller temple buildings around the grounds (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

Another shrine lay up the mountain path (Photo: Bret de Colebi)

A headstone pyramid (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
Jihad Mahmoud
8 years ago
That is really interesting. Did you try staying there?

Anonymous
Photographer
8 years ago
No, I just drive up on Sunday mornings from time to time
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
One Full Day in Kamogawa From Kamenoi Hotel Kamogawa
Chiba - Sponsored -
2
Tokyo Named As World's Top Breakup Vacation Spot
Tokyo -
3
Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway
Nagano - Sponsored -
4
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
5
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
6
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
7
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
8
Explore Kujukuri, Chiba and Beyond
Chiba - Sponsored -
9
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
10
Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2025 Guide)
Culture
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Tokyo -
3
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
4
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
5
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
6
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
7
Tenjin Matsuri
Osaka -
8
September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
9
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
10
Nara Tokae Lantern Festival
Nara