Daikeiji Temple's Private Villa "Kanshozo," a Whole-House Rental Overlooking "Kuon-no-Matsu," a Japan Heritage Cultural Property in Tokaido Fujieda-shuku, is Born

Daikeiji Temple has established "Kanshozo," a whole-house rental accommodation facility within its precincts. A pre-opening is scheduled for May 2026, with a grand opening in June.

Kanshozo is a "stay space for returning to one's roots," built in a location overlooking "Kuon-no-Matsu," a pine tree planted by Nichiren Shonin and a component cultural property of Japan Heritage.

https://www.daikeiji.jp/post/kanshozo

■ Background of Establishment

〇 Regional Challenge: Lack of Accommodation in a Post Town

The Fujieda-shuku area, where Daikeiji Temple is located, has a history as a post town on the old Tokaido. In recent years, new shops and bases have emerged, mainly around Rengejiike Park. However, most visitors have been day-trippers, and the accommodation facilities were insufficient for them to fully enjoy the charm of the town at a leisurely pace.

Despite being a post town, there was a shortage of bases for "enjoying while staying" – this was one of the regional challenges.

〇 Current Situation of the Temple: Increasing Number of Parishioners Residing Outside the Prefecture

At Daikeiji Temple, the proportion of parishioners residing outside Shizuoka Prefecture is increasing. Among those living far away, many say, "I have a grave here, but no family home."

Temples are places for memorial services, but also places to return to at various stages of life. However, there were insufficient environments for those visiting from afar to stay comfortably.

〇 The Choice of "Private Villa Rental"

Accommodation facilities come in various forms, such as hotels, ryokans, and guesthouses. Among these, Daikeiji Temple chose the "private villa rental" style.

Being a whole-house rental allows families and close friends to spend time together without worrying about others. For the region, it becomes a stay-type tourist base, and for the temple, it becomes a place where parishioners and associated individuals can gather as if returning to their hometowns.

To achieve both of these, the "private villa rental" style was chosen.

■ Concept: "A Place Where the Heart Returns"

Kanshozo was designed as a space that modernly reinterprets "kura," a traditional Japanese architectural style.

Originally, kura are buildings that quietly protect important things and accumulate over time. They can also be said to be places to distance oneself slightly from the outside world and to organize one's inner self.

Against this backdrop of the nature of kura, Kanshozo was created as "a place where the heart returns." It is a place where the heart goes back, and at the same time, a place where the heart changes.

Our origins and memories, often lost in the busyness of daily life. And the sense of where we come from.

For parishioners and associated individuals living outside the prefecture, this place, where their family home and grave are located, and where they reconnect with loved ones, becomes a place they can revisit at various stages of life, becoming "one of their roots."

Kanshozo aims to be a place that quietly passes on such feelings to the next generation.

■ Architectural and Space Features

- Large opening window overlooking Kuon-no-Matsu

The second floor features a window extending from the floor to the beam, allowing guests to enjoy the changing scenery over time.
- Bathtub reused from a water purification tub

An approximately 50-year-old water purification tub has been repurposed to offer a bathing experience steeped in history.
- Interior finished with full plaster

Space design that evokes tranquility and soft light.
- Whole-house rental for up to 10 people

2 bedrooms + 1 Japanese-style room. Ideal for families and groups.
- Connection to Sankodo via terrace

Connected to the adjacent Sankodo via a terrace. Optional experiences such as morning services, meditation, and various workshops are available at Sankodo.
- Fully equipped kitchen and choice of dining styles

Equipped with a kitchen, allowing guests to enjoy self-catering at a leisurely pace or explore Fujieda's cuisine at local restaurants. Catering arrangements can also be made upon request, offering flexible dining options to suit the stay style.

■ Experience Programs (Planned)

In conjunction with accommodation, the following experiences are also planned:

Morning Experiences
- Morning service (meditation or ema prayer)
- Water purification ritual

Daytime Experiences
- On-Ho-Work (Gratitude Work) [90 min]
- Reflection Work [90 min]
- Mindfulness Meditation [90 min]

Evening Experiences
- Death Experience Journey [90 min]
- Death Cafe [90 min]

■ Facility Overview

Name: Daikeiji Private Villa "Kanshozo"
Location: 4-2-7 Fujieda, Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Type: Whole-house rental
Capacity: Up to 10 people
Pre-opening: May 2026
Grand opening: June 2026

■ Message

Kanshozo is not just "a place to stay"; it is also "a place to return to."

Fujieda is not what you would call a tourist destination. That is why we aim to be "a place where 100 people come 10 times," rather than "a place where 1000 people come once."

Kanshozo is not merely an accommodation facility; it is a "point of contact" for people to gently connect, and for past and present, region and individual, to repeatedly engage. Taking time...