Jarman International collaborated with writer Emma Launder to publish an article on TEMPLESTAY ZENSŌ, which is part of the Kanto District Transport Bureau’s Edo Shogun Roads tourism promotion initiative and which was selected as “Excellent Experience Content” by the program.
Emma — who has previous experience writing for publications such as Tokyo Cheapo and Tokyo Weekender — stayed at ZENSŌ in June 2026 and described her experience in an article for Jarman-owned media Deep Japan.
Located in Chiyoda Town, Gunma Prefecture, on the grounds of Horin-ji temple, ZENSŌ offers temple stays for visitors looking for a chance to slow down and reflect while also experiencing Zen Buddhism practices firsthand. The only accommodation in the town of 11,000, it carries on the long tradition of temples providing lodging for travelers and bringing communities together.
In her article, Emma introduces the philosophy behind ZENSŌ’s one-night-two-day temple stay course, highlighting the intentionality of the way the space is arranged and time is spent. She also notes that the facility is pet-friendly, partially a nod to the temple’s historical ties with “dog shogun” Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (1646 – 1709). Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding town, as well as pair modern activities — Netflix, rental bicycles, pizza-making — with the traditional, such as zazen meditation.
“For me, staying at ZENSŌ was an opportunity to ground myself in the spaces and conversations around me, to align my body and breath, and to allow my mind to flow freely,” Emma reflects in her article.
Jarman International CEO Ruth Marie Jarman is an architect of and Advisory Council Member for Edo Shogun Roads, and helping coordinate Emma’s stay at ZENSŌ and the publication of her article is part of our ongoing efforts to support the initiative.