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
![Anonymous Anonymous](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/178/240x240!/profile.jpg)
By Anonymous
Community writer
![The entrance gate to the main halls of the monastery](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163421/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163421.jpg)
The entrance gate to the main halls of the monastery (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
![The forest around the grounds is quiet and serene](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163422/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163422.jpg)
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](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163423/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163423.jpg)
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](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163424/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163424.jpg)
The stones of the entrance were slick with rain (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
![Artisticly stunning door ornamention surrounding the ring pulls](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163425/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163425.jpg)
Artisticly stunning door ornamention surrounding the ring pulls (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
![A dragon spout for ablutions](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163426/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163426.jpg)
A dragon spout for ablutions (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
![Looking outside from within one of the buildings](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163427/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163427.jpg)
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](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163428/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163428.jpg)
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](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163429/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163429.jpg)
One of the meditation rooms (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
![Roof tiles](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163430/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163430.jpg)
Roof tiles (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
![The quiet temple grounds are surrounded by trees](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163431/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163431.jpg)
The quiet temple grounds are surrounded by trees (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
![A small shrine beside the main hall](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163432/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163432.jpg)
A small shrine beside the main hall (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
![A small pond in front of a small shrine](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163433/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163433.jpg)
A small pond in front of a small shrine (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
![There are many smaller temple buildings around the grounds](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163434/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163434.jpg)
There are many smaller temple buildings around the grounds (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
![Another shrine lay up the mountain path](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163435/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163435.jpg)
Another shrine lay up the mountain path (Photo: Bret de Colebi)
![A headstone pyramid](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/33725-163436/1000/ehime-zuio-ji-163436.jpg)
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 Anonymous](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/178/100x100!/profile.jpg)
Anonymous
Photographer
7 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
KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
2
Hangyodon Pop-Up Cafe to Hit Four Cities
Food -
3
Spend the Day in Sapporo: Japan’s Northern Metropolis
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
4
Miyakejima: An Island Adventure From Land to Sea
Tokyo - Sponsored -
5
Japan's Top Sakura Spot According to Lonely Planet
Activities -
6
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s New Executive Lounge and “The Pagoda in the Clouds”
Tokyo - Sponsored -
7
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
8
2000th Starbucks Store to Open in Japan
Tokyo -
9
Tohoku Shinkansen a Top 2025 Train Journey
Transportation -
10
Starbucks Announces Sakura-inspired Frappuccino
News
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
7
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka -
8
Wonder Festival
Chiba -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Hokkaido