(N5-N3) Spiritual Stay in Koyasan: Essential Phrases for Temple Lodging (Shukubo) - NIHONGO CANDY (Ep. 138)

🧘 SPIRITUAL STAY IN KOYASAN: ESSENTIAL PHRASES FOR TEMPLE LODGING (SHUKUBO)

Transform your visit to Japan's sacred Buddhist site into a profound cultural immersion. Here is your quick guide from NIHONGO CANDY Episode #138.

1️⃣ THE SHUKUBO EXPERIENCE

Koyasan is more than a tourist destination; it is a 1,200-year-old living tradition. Staying at a Shukubo (temple lodging) allows you to step back from the corporate world and find mental clarity. • Authenticity: Expect simple, elegant surroundings where silence is respected. • Logistics: Pay close attention to meal and ritual times to respect the temple's daily discipline.

2️⃣ SHOJIN RYORI: MINDFUL DINING

Experience the art of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. It is designed to sustain the body and soul without using animal products or strong aromatics. • Use Itadakimasu and Gochisousama-deshita to frame your meal with gratitude. • If you are offered a second helping but are full, a polite refusal is always appreciated.

3️⃣ THE ART OF MORNING SERVICE (OTSUTOME) Participating in the 6:00 AM ritual is the highlight of a temple stay. To travel like a sophisticated local:

🔹 Comfort First: If sitting on your knees (Seiza) becomes painful, it is perfectly acceptable to sit cross-legged (Agura).

🔹 Observance: During O-shoko (incense offering), observe those before you and follow with a quiet bow.

4️⃣ GRAMMAR MASTERCLASS

A. Using 「〜ている」 for Current Status Phrase: 予約している〇〇です (Yoyaku shite-iru...) Instead of just saying "I have a reservation," using the -te iru form indicates a continuous state. For a business person, this shows a higher level of nuance in explaining your current situation.

B. Asking "Until" with 「〜まで」 Phrase: お風呂は何時までですか (Ofuro wa nan-ji made desu ka?) Mastering "until" (made) is vital for time management in a temple. It allows you to confirm deadlines without sounding demanding.

5️⃣ ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY

• 宿坊 (Shukubo) - Temple lodging

• 聖地 (Seichi) - Sacred site

• 精進料理 (Shojin Ryoori) - Buddhist vegetarian cuisine

• お勤め (Otsutome) - Morning service/ritual

• 読経 (Dokyo) - Sutra chanting

• お焼香 (Oshoko) - Incense offering

6️⃣ QUICK PHRASE SHEET (Save this! 👇)

🗣️ To announce your arrival: "Konnichiwa. Yoyaku shite-iru [Name] desu." (Hello. I am [Name], and I have a reservation.)

🗣️ To confirm the bath hours: "Ofuro wa nan-ji made desu ka?" (Until what time is the bath available?)

🗣️ To politely decline more food: "Onaka ippai desu. Arigatou gozaimasu." (I am full. Thank you very much.)

🗣️ To express gratitude after a meal: "Gochisousama-deshita." (Thank you for the meal.)

🎧 Master the pronunciation and context here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0I48HbSp5e5eWowXse6LXt

#JapanTravel #BusinessJapanese #WELC #Koyasan #ZenExperience