Jul 01 (Nikkei) - A millennium-old temple in Kyoto is offering travelers an exclusive overnight experience for a cool 1 million yen ($9,100), hoping to shore up its dwindling income by capitalizing on the city's booming tourism trade.
Ninna-ji Temple, which dates back to 888, is listed among UNESCO's World Heritage sites. To attract wealthy guests, it has renovated a traditional Japanese-style wooden residence on the grounds, a short walk from the main hall and five-story pagoda -- designated a national treasure and an important cultural property, respectively.
The roughly 160-sq.-meter residence, called Shorinan, had been in disuse for years. Tokyo contractor Sumitomo Forestry took on the 157 million yen renovation project, which included earthquake-proofing, interior redesign and garden landscaping.
The residence opened in May. Only one group can stay per night, and no meals are included. But guests are entitled to exclusive use of the Goten Palace -- historically used by the chief priest as an office -- and can request optional services like a performance of gagaku ancient court music and hands-on ikebana flower arranging.
Ninna-ji holds an important position in Japanese history and religion. Built by Emperor Uda, it saw a number of Imperial family members serve as chief priests, including retired monarchs. Buddhist priest Yoshida Kenko mentioned the temple in "Tsurezuregusa," a collection of essays believed to have been penned between 1330 and 1332, published in English as "Essays on Idleness."
Yet, despite its cultural significance and status as the head of a group of about 800 temples nationwide, Ninna-ji is struggling to make ends meet.
The temple depends on entrance fees collected from visitors, but these revenues have been steadily falling in recent years, even as international tourists visit Japan in droves. Ninna-ji received about 250,000 visitors in 2017, down from 340,000 five years earlier, partly due to major repair work on its Kannon-do hall -- a key attraction.
