Koyasan Shukubo Jokiin

This was a special, once in a lifetime stay in a perfect location! The temple lodging is close to the main bus stop and walking distance from many of the major temples in town. Though we visited at the end of winter, the staff made sure we were warm and comfortable with an electric kotatsu and room heater. After several hours exploring Okunoin cemetery, we checked in, had a delicious dinner prepared in our room, then took a quick walk in the foggy garden grounds. We soaked in the cozy basement onsen and went to bed early to wake up for 6:30am morning service. The next morning we explored major temples in town before heading back down to Osaka. Staff were very helpful throughout our stay and willing to let us leave luggage before check in and after check out so we could easily explore Koyasan.

The temple was really beautiful and well maintained. We were happy with our room. It was very cold initially but the heating blanket, small portable heater and futons provided a nice gradual warming experience that contributed to the spiritual atmosphere of the place. The (vegan) food was exceptional. We enjoyed the public onsen and the morning ceremony. Toilet and shower facilities were modern, accommodating the comfort needs of European guests. The staff was attentive and friendly. We were warned in advance that this is a temple, not a hotel. So we knew that rooms had no locks, bathrooms would be shared, walls would be paper-thin. I had reservations when booking the accommodation, but my concerns were quickly dispelled once we entered the temple and started experiencing the place. Our stay made for a strange, yet surprisingly pleasant (i.e. soothing) experience.

Beautiful Temple, very nice staff. Very clean public bathrooms. Our room was spacious and futons were very comfy and cozy. Of course we had to turn on the kerosene heater, but it warms up quickly. Im vegetarian and found meals tasty and plentiful even if I didnt know what I was eating, but my partner is not and found them ok. So, if youre not used to plantbased food you might find it bland. Temple provides umbrellas for guests to use in Koyasan. We attended the morning prayer and it was very special. The head priest was very kind and translated some parts in english at the begining and end of ceremony. Koyasan is absolutely beautiful, it was one of the highlights of our trip. I hope you enjoy it with respect.

We really enjoyed our trip to Koyasan and we think it will probably go down as one of the highlights of our time in Japan. Despite it being bitterly cold the room was heated and we were comfortable staying there for the night! The staff were helpful and friendly and the dinner/breakfast included was nice, albeit very traditional! The transport from Osaka was very easy as well, would recommend going to the ticket office at Namba Station (Central gate) and the staff know what you need to get there in one piece. I would definitely recommend only taking a small bag and leaving your suitcases at a hotel/in the city, it’s not impossible to travel to Koyasan with them, but we saw a few people with large bags and it seemed to make life a bit more challenging! We would definitely recommend staying here and would happily come again if we find ourselves in Japan in future!

Beautiful Buddhist temple. The dinner and breakfast were delicious and very filling, as someone who eats a lot and struggled to find larger portions in Japan. I’m not vegan but really enjoyed the high quality and excellent variety of Japanese dishes. Public bath was nice and hot.