The Times Australia
News From Asia

.

Discovering Japan’s Rich History and Culture with Castle and Temple-Stays

JNTO KL is delighted to share information about castle-stays and temple-stays which have risen in popularity that allow international visitors to experience being lords, ladies, or even monks for a night.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach - 20 April 2023 - Ozu Castle, located in Ehime Prefecture, was the first castle in Japan that allowed guests to stay in the castle tower. This majestic castle was reconstructed in 2004 using UNESCO-registered traditional techniques which were revived for the project, and its doors were opened to guests from around the world in 2020. Discerning guests will be able to experience the grandeur and atmosphere the way that Sadayasu Kato, the first lord of the domain, did so in the 1600s, and even experience dinner in the style of the 17th century lords. Both the castle and Garyu Sanso, a historic tea house complex, have been declared as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Just off the coast of Kyushu Island, in Nagasaki Prefecture lies Hirado Castle, where the historic castle turret Kaiju Yagura is available as a private retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in the culture of Hirado. Kaiju Yagura was renovated in 2020 and its interiors feature a modern take on Japanese aesthetics with an emphasis on locally sourced natural materials. Hirado Castle can also arrange various unique cultural experiences, such as iaijutsu, a combative quick-draw sword technique practiced by samurai, private meals with a personal chef, and renting an elegant kimono for a tea ceremony at the local Zen temple.

For those looking to experience the spiritual side of Japan, temple-stays might be preferred. At one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, Zenkoji, Nagano Prefecture, guests can participate in activities including a ‘goma’ prayer (fire ceremony), ‘shakyo’ (brush meditation) or ‘zazen’ (seated meditation) along with attendance at the temple’s daily ‘O-Asaji’ (morning ceremony). It’s also well-known for shojin ryori (traditional Buddhist cuisine) which is seasonal and based on local fruits and vegetables. Nagano City is accessed from Tokyo Station in under 2 hours by the shinkansen.

Those who prefer private experiences may opt for the temple-stay at Miidera Temple, Shiga Prefecture. The temple has been welcoming everyone from emperors to worshippers for thousands of years, and its 400-year-old quarters are available as a private retreat which offers an immersive experience to connect visitors with Miidera and local culture.

In 2023, visitors can look forward to the opening of several unique accommodations, including Fukuyama Castle, Hiroshima Prefecture and Nakatsu Castle, Oita Prefecture.
Hashtag: #JNTO



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Japan National Tourism Organization Kuala Lumpur Office

JNTO is a non-profit governmental organization of Japan and JNTO Kuala Lumpur's office is involved in a variety of activities in Malaysia to promote and encourage tourists from Malaysia to consider Japan as a top destination in their travel plans. For more information, visit

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Is our mental health determined by where we live – or is it the other way round? New research sheds more light

Ever felt like where you live is having an impact on your mental health? Turns out, you’re not imagining things. Our new analysis[1] of eight years of data from the New Zeal...

Going Off the Beaten Path? Here's How to Power Up Without the Grid

There’s something incredibly freeing about heading off the beaten path. No traffic, no crowded campsites, no glowing screens in every direction — just you, the landscape, and the...

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banque...

What Endo Took and What It Gave Me

From pain to purpose: how one woman turned endometriosis into a movement After years of misdiagnosis, hormone chaos, and major surgery, Jo Barry was done being dismissed. What beg...

Why Parents Must Break the Silence on Money and Start Teaching Financial Skills at Home

Australia’s financial literacy rates are in decline, and our kids are paying the price. Certified Money Coach and Financial Educator Sandra McGuire, who has over 20 years’ exp...

Australia’s Grill’d Transforms Operations with Qlik

Boosting Burgers and Business Clean, connected data powers real-time insights, smarter staffing, and standout customer experiences Sydney, Australia, 14 July 2025 – Qlik®, a g...