Vacant House Revitalization Project 'Shukubo Minami Alps Hogenji' Reopens Fully Directly Managed from July, Offering a Unique Stay from Reservations to Local Guidance Leveraging the Chief Priest's Network

Shukubo Minami Alps Hogenji, a lodging facility operated by Hogenji temple (Chief Priest: Mizunori Yokoyama) in Minami Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and limited to one group per day, has been renewed as a fully directly managed temple lodging from July 2026, with a complete overhaul of its operational structure.

This renewal sees the temple taking over all reservation management and customer service previously outsourced to external parties. In addition to providing a seamless service from before check-in to after check-out, the temple will begin introducing local businesses and special experiences, leveraging the chief priest's unique local network, to deliver a "one-of-a-kind stay experience" tailored to each guest.

The exterior of the lodging facility, a 3-minute walk from the temple grounds.

Background of the Renewal: Why Has the Temple Decided on Full Direct Management Now?

Shukubo Minami Alps Hogenji was born as a practical initiative for modern community development by a temple, renovating a vacant house, which is a local issue.

While part of the operations were previously outsourced, the decision was made to "fully internalize operations," including the introduction of an in-house reservation system, driven by the desire to engage more deeply with guests and provide the warm hospitality unique to a temple, limited to one group per day.

By having the temple communicate directly with guests from start to finish and directly connect them with the local community, we aim to realize a stay that goes beyond mere accommodation, fostering deep connections between people and between people and the region.

Three Features of the Renewed 'Shukubo Minami Alps Hogenji'

1. From Reservations to Stay: A "Seamless" Customer Experience Directly Handled by the Temple

From communication during reservations to support during the stay, all will be handled by the chief priest and other temple staff. Instead of standardized service, we offer flexible and heartfelt service unique to a one-group-per-day facility.

2. Introduction to Local Areas Not Found in Guidebooks, Leveraging the Chief Priest's Local Network

As a temple rooted in the community, we know the deep local spots and experiences in Minami Alps City, which we will introduce using the chief priest's personal network. The temple will serve as a hub, connecting the region and its lodgers, allowing guests to deeply experience the charm of the local food, people, and climate.

3. Fusion of "Temple-likeness" and "Free Stay" (Morning Prayers & BBQ at the Lodging)

On the morning after your stay, you can participate in the "morning prayers" at the main hall of Hogenji temple, and optional temple experiences such as "sutra copying" are also available. On the other hand, you can enjoy a "BBQ" in the courtyard of the lodging facility, allowing you to fully enjoy both the quiet time of the temple and the time spent freely with family and friends. (It can also be used for corporate training, such as meetings in the temple space).

Sutra copying experience In the lodging courtyard Meeting in the temple's main hall

Hogenji Temple: Chief Priest Mizunori Yokoyama's Comment

This renewal of our operational structure is a new challenge for us as well.

By interacting directly with guests from the reservation stage through their stay, we can understand their travel objectives and desires, and make proposals that leverage the network we have cultivated in the region. We believe that introducing local businesses that cannot be found by simply searching the internet, and handling this entire process ourselves, is what gives this lodging its unique character and the character of a temple in the community.

At this lodging facility, which utilizes a vacant house in the area, we offer a quiet time unique to a temple, as well as free and enjoyable times such as local experiences and BBQs. We will continue to provide experiences that can only be had here.

Facility Overview

Facility Name: Shukubo Minami Alps Hogenji

Location: 218-1 Jūgoisho, Minami Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Type: One-building rental lodging facility, limited to one group per day

Layout: Single-story wooden structure (3 Japanese-style rooms, 1 Western-style room, kitchen, bath, toilet)

Capacity: 10 people

Price: From 24,000 yen for 2 people (tax included)

Direct Reservation Page: https://www.chillnn.com/19d8ad47e5d267

Hogenji Temple Page: https://www.hougenji.or.jp/

Veranda Japanese-style room Western-style room