Embracing Slow and Quiet Travel in Japan: Kakurinbo Temple Stay with Katherine Leamy

“Slow travel transformed my journey in Japan from a checklist of places into a meaningful exploration of presence, connection, and simplicity”

Katherine Leamy The 5 Kilo Traveller

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Is your body quietly asking for stillness, softness, and space to breathe again?

At Kakurinbo Temple, Katherine Leamy — The 5 Kilo Traveller — found that travelling light and embracing a slower pace revealed a far more meaningful Japan.

In this article, Katherine explores how immersing herself in temple rituals, nature, local food, and traditional spa baths offered a sanctuary for peace, reflection, rejuvenation, and invitation to embrace the beauty of solitude.

Kakurinbo Temple Stay

written by

Katherine Leamy (the 5 Kilo Traveller)

The 5 Kilo Traveller on her first evening at Kakurinbo Temple wearing a yakuta — My first evening at Kakurinbo, in my yukata & enjoying a sip of the locally made plum wine.

In Japan, I consciously embraced a slower, quieter way of journeying. Instead of rushing from one destination to the next or chasing busy tourist hotspots, I focused on being present, moving gently, and allowing space for reflection. This shift wasn’t just about pacing; it changed how I experienced the world around me.

A very special place, just two hours west of Tokyo, was Kakurinbo Temple Stay. As I checked in, a note on the desk read, “You are exactly where you need to be.” That gave me goosebumps.

Kakurinbo Temple Stay, Japan, entrance — Kakurinbo Temple Stay

Slow Travel and Mindfulness

Slow travel encourages me to notice the subtle details often missed in the rush: the quiet rustle of leaves, the warmth of a morning sunbeam, or the calm smiles exchanged with locals. By tuning into these moments, I found a deeper connection to the places I visited and to myself.

Quiet Travel and Tranquility

Quiet travel, too, meant intentionally avoiding noisy, crowded environments, choosing instead tranquil paths and peaceful retreats. Kakurinbo Temple Stay created space for calm and clarity, allowing me to listen more deeply to my own intuition and my body’s needs. It helped me regulate my nervous system and stay grounded even in unfamiliar surroundings.

Kakurinbo is near the base of the sacred Buddhist mountain, Minobusan, and downhill from the renowned Kuonji Temple, the headquarters of the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism, founded around 550 years ago.

Waking at 4:30 am and walking about 20 minutes uphill to the Kuonji Temple for morning prayers was a highlight of my stay. The architecture of the temple buildings was stunning. Inside, the designs and ornaments were breathtaking. The smell of incense, the humming of the monks, and the recital of prayers were very easy to sink into. The largest drum woke you out of any meditation or daydreaming.

Outside, the manicured gardens and trees were delightful, and high above the temple was Mt. Minobusan.

Kuonji Temples with Mt Minobu in the background

The pagoda at Kuonji Temple at Kakurinbo — The pagoda at Kuonji Temple

Dining at Kakurinbo

After prayers each day, I’d be back for breakfast at my allocated time and enjoy the many treats of local Buddhist cooking. Tiny plates of vegetarian delicacies would be presented one after the other.

I would lunch in the local town at my favourite café, Café Zencho – Farm café, but like breakfast, dinner at Kakurinbo was a ceremony. I loved that as I tried each mouthful I could watch over the inner garden and pond outside, watching dragonflies dart over the water, and admire the garden designed by the great Zen Buddhist monk, Muso Kokushi.

I also used this time to attempt to converse in Japanese with my hosts. They would help me with my pronunciation as I added a new word to my vocabulary each day. The hospitality here was exceptional.

traditional Japanese food selection at Kakurinbo Temple — Breakfast delights

Accommodation at Kakurinbo

There are a variety of room sizes at Kakurinbo. Mine was probably the smallest but still spacious. All the rooms were of traditional style with tatami mat flooring, futon beds with European pillows – although after six weeks in Japan I was beginning to prefer the local buckwheat pillows for their support and comfort.

Shared bathrooms were spacious and plentiful. The hallways were decorated with wedding kimono, art and artifacts, creating a very traditional feel.

Different groups were here: solo travellers, groups of friends, and families. Most stayed one or two nights, but I wanted to really sink into the place, so I opted to stay for seven nights. I was the envy of everyone I met, who vowed to come back and stay longer.

➡️ You can book rooms here

Accomodation at Temple Lodging Shukubo Kakurinbo — Couples accomodation at Kakurinbo

Kakurinbo activities

During the day, I would do some journaling, walk into the small main street for a coffee and cake or lunch, wander through gardens in the town, walk along the river, bike further down the valley, or take the cable car up to the top of the mountain – unfortunately for me, Mt. Fuji was always hidden by clouds.

Beautiful peaceful gardens at Temple Lodging Shukubo Kakurinbo — Wandering and discovering the local gardens

The stay also had opportunities for massage, yoga classes, calligraphy lessons, and cooking classes. Some classes required more than two people, so I let them know ahead of time that I was keen to do these things and was willing to join others. Each of these classes had its own form of meditation as you melded the rice balls, carefully focused on the pen strokes, held a yoga form, or breathed into the muscles being kneaded.

One night, we all bundled into a van and went looking for the seasonal fireflies. The little lights floating in the complete darkness were a magical delight to me.

Most days, I walked up the 287 stone steps to the temple. The steps are part of the pilgrimage to the temple for followers and visitors and ascending them is considered a practice in devotion.

Temple Lodging Shukubo Kakurinbo steep steps to the temple — The steps which I walked most days. It was quite hypnotic walking up them.

Onsens are one of my favourite things to do in Japan. An onsen is a natural hot spring bath and they are very popular in Japan.

For this onsen, you pre-booked your private onsen time each day on a blackboard. This is not often the case in Japan, so it’s great for people who feel awkward about a public onsen, or those with tattoos, as many public onsen don’t allow people with tattoos. The Kakurinbo onsen has red wine added to it for healing properties, adding a pink hue to the water.

If you’ve never been in an onsen before there are strict rules to follow. You shower thoroughly beforehand in the shower part of the onsen. You don’t wear anything when you are soaking. You can take the small flannel with you for modesty but that must not go in the water. Place it on your head or set it aside. Long hair should be tied up and not dangle in the water.

I also got to try on a traditional wedding kimono. The woman who dressed me talked about the tradition. It was a slow and careful process. Kimono are surprisingly heavy, with the layers and ties. It was really special to stand in front of the mirror and admire the fabric, the design and the history the kimono held.

Kakurinbo is a sanctuary

Slow and quiet travel transformed my journey from a checklist of places to visit into a meaningful exploration of presence, connection, and simplicity. Kakurinbo fitted into this beautifully.

Through slow and quiet travel, I discovered that less really is more. Not just in what I carry as The 5 Kilo Traveller, but in how I move through the world.

As I settle into more solo travel, places like Kakurinbo offer me time alone and time for connection with the hosts and fellow travellers.

Since my first solo trip in 2017, after which I wrote my travel memoir, Dare to Travel Solo: Exploring Croatia and Italy with a light carry-on bag and a ton of determination, and my divorce eight years later, solo travel has become my mainstay.

Kakurinbo, with its serene environment and welcoming atmosphere, was a sanctuary for me and one I will be returning to. The peaceful gardens, traditional architecture, and the gentle rhythm of life here provide a perfect backdrop for reflection, rejuvenation and appreciation for the beauty of solitude.

Whether it’s sharing stories over a cup of tea or finding a quiet corner to read and write, Kakurinbo offers a balance that enriched my solo travel experiences. It’s a place where I could be alone without feeling lonely, and it felt like a step towards self-discovery and personal growth.

Is this place good for midlife solo women travellers?

Absolutely – this is a comfortable and welcoming environment for midlife solo women.

Accessibility

For information on accessibility options, contact Kakuribo Temple directly for guidance

How to get to Kakurinbo

2 hours by car from Tokyo.

Catch a train to Minobu and then catch a local bus outside the train station. You could also pre-order a taxi as an alternative as the final bus stop is a 15-20 minute walk uphill.

➡️ Clear transport options are stated on the Kakurinbo website

Discover more about Kakurinbo Temple Stay:

www.kakurinbo.jp

➡️ You can book rooms at Kakurinbo Temple here

Discover more about the 5 Kilo Traveller

Katherine Leamy is a midlife traveller, who loves solo travel and is passionate about travelling light. Her website ‘The 5 Kilo Traveller‘ is packed with helpful tips on how to travel light and it’s benefits, and solo travel adventures.

I previously interviewed Katherine on the joy of packing light – read here.

Katherine has also written a book – Dare to Travel Solo: Exploring Croatia and Italy with a light carry-on bag and a ton of determination and is the process of writing a new book, all about packing light.

Katherine was recently featured in the New York Times.

You can find more about Katherine here:

website: The 5 Kilo Traveller

Thanks Katherine!

🌍 Quick Travel Tips

Airport Transfer: book with Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer
Stay Connected: use Airolo eSIM
Currency: Japanese Yen. I recommend using Wise
Language: Japanese (some English)
Guided Tours: see great organised tours with Get Your Guide
Book Flights: I always use Skyscanner
Best UK Insurance for pre-existing conditions: See here

Blogs in the making

Coming soon: more wellbeing places for midlife travellers, interviews with solo travellers who have chronic health issues & much more…

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I’d Love to Hear From You!

Are you a midlife traveller who loves to travel solo? Or are you thinking about it? Do you have a favourite wellbeing place? Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comment section below.

If this post resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who might need this kind of encouragement.