Visiting Kyoto's temples conveys a sense of the city's spiritual side, but staying in one is a more intimate way of experiencing an aspect of monastic life. Shunko-in, part of Myoshin-ji, a large temple complex in western Kyoto, allows visitors to spend the night and commune in a more subdued way than during the day with the architecture, stone pathways, and Zen gardens. The American-educated vice abbot Kawakami-san conducts introductory Zen meditation sessions that all can attend. Visitors of all ages enjoy this insider's glimpse into the monks' world. Rooms are comfortable but appropriately ascetic—all but two share bathrooms.