Things to do in Japan

Waqoo Shitaderamachi: the Osaka temple-style lodging with cosy beds

Our guests often comment that being able to spend time in an authentic Buddhist environment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience….

By Mr Hirai

Front-desk staff at Waqoo Shitaderamachi

Waqoo Shitaderamachi, Osaka

Waqoo Shitaderamachi is the only shukubo-style hotel in Osaka. From the lingering fragrance of incense in the air to the Japanese aesthetic which can be felt with all your senses, the building houses a depth of Japanese culture which can be tasted and enjoyed.

Every day guests can enjoy a ‘morning temple experience’ where they visit the nearby temple to feel the unique atmosphere and breathe in the crisp early morning air. In doing so, they are able to partake in ancient customs and prayers and get a blessing for their journey. There’s also a chance for guests to talk on a personal level, one-to-one, with the monk in a private setting, which people really appreciate. Some are even overjoyed to be able to take a picture of themselves with the monk.

Our guests often comment that being able to spend time in an authentic Buddhist environment and eat real – and delicious – shojin ryori vegan food is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But they also appreciate having a tatami-style room with a proper bed, and they often mention how relaxed the beautiful aroma of the incense made them feel.

I feel the worth of this job most when I see the smiles of satisfied guests. As the number of repeat customers slowly increases over time, our hotel is starting to become a destination in its own right. I feel great satisfaction when guests arrive with an exclamation of “It’s good to be back!”

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Enchanting Japan
by Claire Ross

Length13 Days

Price range£6,350 - £7,170pp

Alfred & Mr Hirai

Thanks to being the first and last person that guests meet when they stay at Waqoo Shitaderamachi, Mr Hirai has many stories to share. Working as a layman in the modern lodgings of a traditional temple, he has a unique insight into both the business and the religious aspects of a shukubo, as well as the new and the old.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Richard, who's travelled extensively in Japan. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the tea devotee who'll introduce you to the ceremony surrounding Japan's national drink, the noodle guru who'll teach you how to make the perfect bowl of soba and the ryokan owner who'll tutor you in the relaxing art of the onsen.

Richard Pearson

Travel Expert for Alfred&

The term ‘well-travelled’ is an understatement when describing Richard. They've been swept up in the cultural portals of Japan and China and fallen in love with Vietnam’s historical melting pot and romantic karsts of Halong Bay. Their mantra is ‘expect the unexpected,’ which is why they find India so attractive; its manic city streets, stunning yet seldom-visited temples and off-road safaris in the wildest tiger reserves.
Takeaki Shibuya

Experience coordinator for Destination Asia, Alfred&'s partners in Japan

After 14 years of experience travelling in more than 70 countries as a tour conductor and planner, Takeaki has come home to Japan, which he truly believes is the most unique place in the world to explore. His unusual experiences are a source of creation which draws out the esoteric and the hidden of Japan.
Ms Makishima

Nakai-san at Gion Yoshi-Ima

A long-time employee at Gion Yoshi-Ima and resident of Kyoto, Ms Makishima embodies the Japanese spirit of hospitality: a welcoming character, dedication to her work, and joy in the everyday. Care and devotion is given to her guests and she is always on hand to attend to needs or offer advice to adventurous travellers.
Fabien Fleury

Wine educator, oenophile and guide

Tokyo-based Fabien was born in Saintes, near Cognac, in the south-west of France. As a boy, he used to help his grandfather take care of his vineyard, which instilled in him a love of the whole process of wine-making. Fabien has been giving tasting seminars to wine lovers between Europe and Japan for 10 years and enjoys sharing his expertise on tours of Japan’s wine-making Yamanashi area outside Tokyo.
Ms Akira

Member of the hospitality team at Oyado Koto no Yume

Ms Akira is part of the hospitality team at Koto no Yume, a ryokan in the traditional town of Takayama. Living in a city steeped in culture, she enjoys helping guests to get to know a little more of the traditional arts and crafts, as well as the beautiful sites of Takayama.
Satoshi Inuki

Japanese literature enthusiast & one of Alfred&’s guides in Japan

Satoshi is originally from a small town in Hyogo prefecture. In his early 20s he lived in Edinburgh where he met many people from all over the world who asked him questions about Japan. This prompted him to study more about his own country’s culture, history and traditions. He moved to Kyoto around 10 years ago and became a licensed guide in 2011, since when he has come to know every inch of both his new home town and destinations such as Hiroshima, Okayama and Naoshima to the west.