Ever since the monk Kukai first settled the area in 819 A.D., the Mt. Koya area has been a veritable mecca of Buddhism. The Koyasan Shingon sect calls this 800-meter-high valley home, and the area cradles some 120 temples. Luckily for travelers, many of these double as lodgings, giving guests an experience that can be found nowhere else in the world. Staying at a ryokan listed here provides a rare chance savor shojin vegetarian cuisine, listen to Buddhist sermons and take part in other parts of these monks' fascinating lives.
All prices listed are per night / per room for 2 people including dinner & breakfast.
Rooms and meals may vary depending on the ryokan.
Koyasan Onsen Fukuchi-in
Fukuchi-in's grounds offer all manner of natural splendor.
- Fukuchi-in's grounds offer all manner of natural splendor.
- The wooden bath warms and welcomes guests back from a day of travel.
- The beautiful simplicity of a traditional tatami room.
- Traditional artwork on the doors serves to accentuate the atmosphere of the room.
- Steam rises from the natural waters of the outdoor bath.
- Here guests enjoy the rare opportunity to emulate the monks and copy Buddhist sutras by hand.
- Nighttime brings a beautiful glow to the windows of Fukuchi-in.
- Meticulously maintained hedges border the stone pathway leading to Fukuchi-in.
Spanning roughly 16,500 square meters (19,750 square yards), this is Koyasan's largest temple lodging. Its storied history spans over 800 years, and its famous garden, Shigemori Mirei, has earned it praise worldwide.
This location is also the only Koyasan temple lodging to boast all natural hot spring waters. Breakfast and dinner consist of various type of vegetables, beans and grains prepared in unique and delectable ways. Guests can enjoy these vegetarian delights in the comfort of their own rooms. Guests can also take part in the morning sutra chants, hand-copying of the sutras and Buddhist sermons.
Customer Reviews
This temple-inn is beautiful and easy to get to taking the bus from Koyasan station (just a two minute walk from the nearest stop). Staying here is a very interesting way of experiencing traditional Japanese customs, and getting an insight into Buddhist monks' life. It is definitely worth the price they ask.
by Elisa (Spain)
The wooden bath warms and welcomes guests back from a day of travel.
The beautiful simplicity of a traditional tatami room.
Sekisho-in
Sakura in bloom outside of the main gate.
- Sakura in bloom outside of the main gate.
- The entrance of Sekisho-in
- One the ryokan's meticulously prepared rooms.
- The men's bathing area
- This hallway greets guests just as they enter the foyer.
- Autumn sweeps across the garden.
- A beautifully crafted wooden tiger statue
- A fearsome Japanese statue stands guard by the entrance.
Sekisho-in is renowned for the peaceful serenity offered by its 6,620-square-meter grounds (7,900 square yards). The secluded area is regarded as the best on the mountain. The ryokan's central location on that mountain also makes it the most convenient accommodation for people looking to worship at some of the more remote temples.
Customer Reviews
The head priest, Gummyo Yokohama, is one amazing character who zooms about on his motorcycle on his days off...who knew? The temple is quiet (as they all probably are) and our particular room, the former tea ceremony room, looked out on a gorgeous garden. It's an authentic experience.
by Yuri (USA)
The entrance of Sekisho-in
One the ryokan's meticulously prepared rooms.
Henjoko-in
The entrance to Henjoko-in.
- The entrance to Henjoko-in.
- A kotatsu (heated table) sits amid a traditional Japanese room.
- A medley of exquisite tastes await.
- The cherry blossoms bloom.
- An explosion of autumn colors in the Japanese garden.
- The meticulously maintained garden seen from inside the ryokan.
This temple used to be the Imperial Chamber for Emperor Shirakawa in the past. Guests can appreciate the important Japanese national treasures displayed there, and enjoy the rooms facing the bright new garden, with fusuma (Japanese-style sliding doors) covered with gold dust. Also, there is a bus from Koyasan Station that takes you to within a one-minute walk of the hotel.
Customer Reviews
We are very happy, that we had a chance to stay Henjoko-in. We really enjoyed two days in Koyasan. It was very interesting experience for us.
by Maia (Estonia)
A kotatsu (heated table) sits amid a traditional Japanese room.
A medley of exquisite tastes awaits.
Ichijoin
The ryokan's welcoming exterior.
- The ryokan's welcoming exterior.
- The sliding doors are adorned with fantastic artwork.
- A traditional Japanese-style room
- Sliding doors, low tables and tatami: the ryokan experience.
- The relaxing bathing area.
- This garden even has a koi pond!
This inn is located at the center of Mt. Koya and convenient for visiting the nearby temples. Its shojin-ryori, or Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, is cordially prepared with seasonal ingredients and is very popular with guests. The inn's Japanese garden and pond create a tranquil atmosphere where nishikigoi carp are always swimming. The lodging is also only about ten minutes by taxi from Koyasan Station.
Customer Reviews
Enjoyed a superb stay here, good access from the Koyasan station and to all the spots of Koyasan. It's such a beautiful temple, with nice and helpful monks. Some of them speak very good English. Had a traditional room, very nice and big. There are no bathrooms in your room, you have to take a bath in the temple's bath in the evening. Was a nice experience (the water is VERY hot). Attention: You can't use it in the morning. The food was at its best, absolutely fabulous. Strongly recommend to visit the ceremony in the morning. If you go to Koyasan there's no better place to stay than the Ichijoin.
by Flo (Switzerland)
The sliding doors are adorned with fantastic artwork.
A traditional Japanese-style room
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