Doing a Mt. People change their quilts and pillows when the seasons turn owing to the changes in temperature that come with the changes in seasons. Remove your clothes in the changing room (place your clothes/accessories in the basket) It's like a trip to Japan every week, right in your inbox! Visitors to Koyasan can experience a unique form of temple lodging called a Shukubo. Tranquility and the beautiful scenery of Japan, as well as abundant spiritual culture such as harmony and zen, lie within. A 1000 year-old Buddhist temple, Shukubo Koya-san Eko-in offers Japanese-style accommodation, a beautiful garden and free WiFi. A huge con, however, is that this is where the vast majority of travelers on group tours stay. Subscribe to email updates. A Visit to the Okunoin Cemetary and an overnight Koyasan Temple Stay, are a must-do for many visitors to Japan, especially those seeking a spiritual experience and an insight into Japanese worship and culture. Neon-bathed streets and Michelin-starred eats, Travel back in time to Japan's ancient capital, A world of Japanese street food starts here, Climb Japan's iconic peak, or just admire its beauty, Enjoy Japan’s seasons in the “Kyoto of the North”, Year-round adventure in Japan’s great, white north, Flowery castles, volcanic lakes and snow monsters, Discover Japan’s most underrated, unexplored island, Trek the trails of Japan’s ultimate hiking paradise, Tropical paradise a short flight from Tokyo. I chose the traditional Japanese room (small, with paper screen walls). Next post: 8 Amazing Japanese Foods That Aren’t Sushi. Nagara in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Miidera Temple (三井 … Stay in Koyasan, Shukubo Jokiin External Link. The Japanese have traditionally spread sets of futons (mattresses and quilts) directly upon tatami mats when they sleep. This means that one room can be used as a bedroom, study, living room and so on at different times. Koya inspires you to write your own! Doing a Temple Stay in Koyasan (Koyasan Shukubo) The opportunity to do a shukubo (temple stay) in a Mount Koya temple lodging is one of the main reasons travelers are attracted there. It also happens to be one of the best places to arrange a temple stay. As a result, a Koyasan stay is not simply an opportunity to sleep inside a real Buddhist temple, or an Instagram story that will make others gasp in awe. In accordance with Buddhist teachings, Shojin Ryori is entirely vegan, and is based on the concepts of five flavors, five cooking methods, and five colors. Book an overnight stay at a temple. 10. Koyasan, Japan: Stay in a 1000-year-old temple. Depending on which train you board, the entire journey takes between 2-3 hours, though you should not that it’s not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Still need help planning your Koyasan adventure? I absolutely loved Koyasan - such a magical place. Temples that provide lodging to guests are known as Shukubo. 7. 8. The Shojin Ryori served in Koyasan originates in China, and has been adapted to Japanese tastes and local ingredients by monks over the centuries. This is an important Buddhist sect introduced to Japan by the monk Kobo Daishi in 805. Whatever the case may be, you're in the right place. In the daytime, when the futons are not in use, people fold the futons and store them in closets. Originally meals for monks, today this cuisine has developed into something more elaborate to be served to guests at temples. Put on your clothes Rooms feature tatami-mat flooring, comfortable futon bedding and paper sliding screens. Due to destruction by fires and the combining of small temples into larger ones, there are now 117 temples, of which 52 provide lodging. In Buddhism, the taking of any sentient life is wrong, so only vegetarian meals are eaten. Sleeping in a Koyasan temple is fabulous, but it’s not the only game in town. Please call ahead to the Koyasan Shukubo Association between 8:30-11:00am to reserve a meal. Although I could’ve done without the aforementioned monk scolding Suguru and myself for arriving late, every other part of our experience here was fabulous, from our vegan sashimi dinner, to the simple on-site onsen, to the mystical morning prayers. It would be our pleasure if you can worship at each temple in Koyasan, stroll around Jokiin, and feel the endless breath of Saint Kobo Daishi in Koyasan. After that, sheets are put on the shikibutons and kakebutons are put on top of the sheets. It is one of the holy sites afforded to Kobo Daishi Kukai by the emperor as a place for eternal meditation in 816. How far off Japan's beaten path do you dare stray? We were lucky to have a room with our own bathroom facilities and toilet for our 2-nights stay. Some of my other favorite options include: Additionally, Koyasan temples aren’t the only ones to discover in Wakayama, whether you marvel at the Kumano Nachi Taisha “waterfall temple” or visit underrated Kongobu-ji, which is also home to a tranquil rock garden. We would like to show you around the temple and your room. The only place to sit was in the (cold) veranda area, otherwise it was on floor cushions at a low table. Recently however, Western-style beds and bedding have become popular in Japan, and younger people now tend to use Western-style beds and bedding rather than Japanese futons. Rivaling Mount Koya in high popularity with tourists from overseas are the … Although no Koyasan temple standing today physically existed all those years ago, the town of Koyasan has been continually inhabited since the time of Kukai. It is very effective to dry the bedding in the sun. About Koyasan Koyasan is a basin running 2 km north-south and 4 km east-west, surrounded by 1000m-high mountains, and located in the Kansai region of Wakayama prefecture. Let us book flights for you. The price of a stay at Fudo-in also tends to be on the more affordable end—two travelers can stay here with dinner and breakfast for under ¥20,000, total, most nights of the year. Koya (besides staying in a temple)—and this was very much to my peril. Temple lodging, or shukubo, is offered in over 50 temples around town and is quite popular among people who are doing the pilgrimage trails. Information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan. Many people suggested that we stay in a ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, while in Japan. I read several comments about Mt. Koyasan literally means Koya (高野) Mountain (山). Koyasan Temple Lodging Enjoy a Japanese-style meal of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine in a temple lodging situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On the other hand, prices are on the high side, with nightly rates of ¥30,000 (or more) far from uncommon. Words, images and design ©2018-2021 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. Nor is Koyasan Town, charming as it may be, the only part of the mountaintop worth exploring. Our stay in Koyasan was at the Shukubo Jokiin on half board (dinner and breakfast). Temple stays at Koyasan. Comfort levels, amenities and prices vary. Kukai himself is said to be interred here, though that fact alone isn’t what makes the picturesque and atmospheric Koyasan cemetery worth visiting. Planning a trip to Japan, or just dreaming of one? A set of Japanese bedding includes a mattress called a shikibuton, a sheet, a quilt called a kakebuton, and a pillow. Koyasan is also one of the best places to experience an overnight stay at a temple lodging (shukubo) where you can get a taste of a monk's lifestyle, eating vegetarian monk's cuisine (shojin ryori) and attending the morning prayers. Whether you hike to the top of Koyasan (more on that in literally 10 seconds) or take a quicker, more modern way there, you’re literally participating in a traditional that’s as old as Japan as we know it, and following in the footsteps of the man who founded Koyasan in the first place. Like what you're reading? Great hospitality is the backbone of the Koyasan area, with 52 temples opening their doors to travelers. Japan Starts Here is information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan. 6. 4. DAY 2 Mt Koya – Osaka Where to Stay Visitors to Koyasan can experience a unique form of temple lodging called a Shukubo. Make sure to wake up early so that you can watch the morning prayers, and to leave time atop Mt. This Website is for basic tourism info. The best way to experience Mt Koyasan is to stay overnight at one of their many temples. Stay at temple. Overnight Temple Stay in Koyasan with Guided Walk. Assuming you hike, you’ll have to walk through the incredible Danjo Garan temple complex en route to whichever temple you’re staying at from Daimon. Well, if you’re reading this in 2020 and you aren’t already in Japan, you won’t be able to visit Koyasan. If you leave your room to eat dinner, the futon will be laid while you are away, so please don’t be surprised. Enter the bathing room Koyasan temple stay Saizen-in shares many commonalities with Joki-in, although you’ll find it just north of Danjo Garan as opposed to just east of the temple complex. People use the same mattresses throughout the year. *You must bathe naked. In addition, it is located near the bus stop and the temples. This simple dish made of roasted and ground white sesame seeds boiled together with starch powdered arrowroot is one of the most popular ingredients in Shojin Ryori. All of Koyasan's temple lodgings can be booked through the official Shukubo Koyasan website. When it is too hot and sticky in the middle of summer, they cover themselves with thin sheets that are made of the same fabric that towels are. Japanese people first spread out shikibutons when they get ready to sleep at night. All prices exclude international flights at the start/end of your trip. I have visited Koyasan (Mount Koya) in the past but this was my first time to stay at one of Mt Koya’s temples. Robert Schrader is the author of 183 posts on Japan Starts Here. Shukubo, or temple stays, began centuries ago when pilgrims were taken in by temples for a night or two. What to Do Atop Mt. Please enjoy your staying in Koyasan. On paper, the journey to reach Mount Koya – respectfully known as Koyasan in Japan – seems a bit convoluted. Commission a custom Japan itinerary! People only put the futons out when they sleep at night. Guests staying at the Fukuchi-in temple lodging may also relax in hot springs. The good news, if you’re already in Japan, is that most Koyasan shukubo are open, albeit with certain infection control protocols in place. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap. This makes sense, of course, when you consider that Kukai founded this place over 1,000 years ago! As far as temples in Koyasan overall, the numbers is approaching 100. and tips while you stay in Koyasan. Welcome to Koyasan Jokiin. Lunch at shukubo temples is available as well, though reservations are required. Relax in the bath There are 52 temple lodging options, along the main street. 9. Mitake in Tokyo, Zenkoji in Nagano and Koyasan in Wakayama. A meal should include a grilled dish, a deep-fried dish, a pickled dish, a tofu dish and a soup dish. They are fitted with an LCD TV and a safe. Wipe your body with a dry towel Getting there and around Likewise, at some point during your Koyasan temple stay, you’ll want to visit Okuno-in, which you can access by bus. Koya with me, no less. It took me many years after my first trip to Japan to do a Koyasan temple stay. Koya while researching where bloggers complained about the temple stay … Ryokans often run from $300-$500 a night and so we decided to visit Koyasan and stay in a temple to get that traditional inn experience, with a Japanese buddhist experience, rolled in for good measure. Note that if you want to enjoy shukubo, Koyasan is worth the trek no matter where in Japan you’re coming from! In many temples, guests can spend the night during Koyasan Temple Stays and try one of the yummy vegetarian dishes prepared by the monks. The nights were freezing outside, but their are very good litle heaters in the sleeping rooms and dining rooms (also traditional). *People with tattoos are generally not accepted in the baths. Saizen-in is also arguably even more luxurious than Saizen-in—and you will definitely pay for it. It is an incredible experience that gives you the opportunity to get to know the daily life of the monks and to watch over their everyday life for a day. Which brings me to the best Shukubo Koyasan has to offer, at least for individual travelers seeking an authentic, tranquil experience: Hongaku-in. He also runs the popular website Leave Your Daily Hell. It wasn’t until May 2018, in fact, that the opportunity finally came up. Conventionally used cotton stuffing is also being replaced by wool and feather stuffing. Wash your body first Koyasan Guest House Kokuu is a guesthouse for travelers to Koyasan, hosting guests from any country in the world. Saizen-in is also arguably even more luxurious than Saizen-in—and you will definitely pay for it. If you want to experience the typical life of a Buddhist monk, make sure to spend a night or two at one of Koyasan’s temples. That’s because, as I explain in this post (and on the #JapanTravelBan homepage), Japan’s external borders are closed indefinitely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 5. 2 days / 1 night Koyasan Prices from: £498 per person - Simple accommodation; View all accommodation options. There are more than 50 Shukubos in Koyasan and the truth is that the experience in the Jokiin was very good. We stayed in Eko-in Temple in Koyasan and it was fantastic. The shikibutons serve in the same manner as mattresses do for Western-style beds. Asia - Koyasan Temple Stay - I am debating between Ichijoin or Ekoin Temples for a 2 night stay. Beautiful building, rooms and gardens, the monks who work there were lovely and it was in a great location right beside the Okunoin's Cemetery. Staying in a shukubo I find that both of these two choices are ideal for older couples who want to fully escape the circus Koyasan can sometimes be in the era of social media (not unlike how Kukai wanted to escape Kyoto). Facebook; Twitter; Whats App; Reddit; Email; BROOK SABIN . After drinking alcohol, please wait a while before entering the bath. People also use blankets between their mattresses and quilts when it gets particularly cold. Fudo-in is in a similar location to Eko-in, but unlike that popular Koyasan accommodation stay, the simple (though recently renovated) rooms here don’t tend to attract throngs of group tourists. Both look wonderful with good reviews. Most of these lodgings are around popular pilgrimage areas like Kyoto, Mt. Koya doesn’t mean anything on its own—as you may find during your Mt Koya temple stay, it is the so-called “mountain name” of the Kongobu-ji temple that sits atop it. Koyasan Shukubo Fudoin was a newer, shinier ryokan compared to my other temple stay. Zenkoji (Nagano) PIXTA. Please ask the facility. Both of us are avid hikers who maintain a good pace, and the ~20 km journey took up nearly 7 hours. Why Should You Do a Mount Koya Temple Stay? 2. Futons are made of strong, tightly-woven cloth and cotton stuffing. *Lightly dry yourself with the towel before leaving the bathing room, to avoid water dripping in the changing room. A popular temple to stay in is the Sukukubo Eko-In Temple. *After bathing, relax and ensure you are hydrated. It is a fragrant and nourishing dish with a silky texture. Need help planning your trip to Japan? The temples all vary, offering many unique experiences which help you get the most out of your trip. My name is Robert Schrader, and I'm a Japan travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt. When it comes to the many choices you have for a Koyasan temple stay, Eko-in is far and away the most popular option. My name is Robert and I'm happy you're here! But the travel (usually from Osaka or Kyoto) via train, cable car and … Temple guests can enjoy one of Koyasan’s unique foods, Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine (Shojin Ryori). My friend Suguru from Tokyo had committed to travel down to Wakayama prefecture with me for the weekend—and to hiking up Mt. Furthermore, you can even visit Koyasan on a day trip from Osaka, if staying in a temple isn’t right for you. Summary; Including; Map; Accommodation; Gallery; Summary. Robert created Japan Starts Here so the web would have a beautiful hub of Japan travel information and inspiration. If you’re looking for a Koyasan monastery stay that’s closer to Danjo Garan than to the town of Koyasan itself, Joki-in is a worthy choice. Then people get in between the sheet and the kakebuton and go to sleep. Return to the changing room A large group of us arrived early in the morning at Namba Nankai train station in Osaka and picked up our Mount Koya “free service” pass which would allow us to get a special price on return train fare, free bus fare, and discounted entrance tickets to some of the major temples. Do not let it enter the bath. He’s one of Japan’s most significant religious figures and his mausoleum is close to the Henjosonin Temple. Guests are free to attend Buddhist morning services, the Goma fire ritual and meditation. Has anyone been to either and any feedback. Often described as the most spiritual area of Japan, Mt Koya is home to an active monastic centre founded by Kobo Daishi, and is the headquarters of the Koyasan sect of Shingon Buddism. Go back to your room Some major pros include that it is only a few steps away from the geographical center of Koyasan, and the staff speaks very good English. When it comes to a Koyasan temple stay, there are at least a dozen temples offering a shukubo experience. Koyasan - an overnight temple stay in the embodiment of nature Koyasan is dreamland in the mountains of Japan and a charming escape from the busy cities. *The towel is for washing yourself. How do I get to Koyasan? Koya (Besides Shukubo), Other Things to Do in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan’s Kansai region, which is also home to Osaka and Kyoto, 8 Amazing Japanese Foods That Aren’t Sushi, The Ultimate Guide to Cherry Blossoms in Japan, Pace yourself and stay the course—there’s only one small tea house to stop about 60% along the way, Buy a bear bell, but don’t worry too much about the threat of bears, Staying in the castle city (and prefectural capital) of Wakayama, Boating into the islands just offshore, like Engetsu-jima. Need help arranging your Koyasan temple stay? Do not wear a bathing suit. The location of the temple is perfect, very close to a bus stop. From the well-manicured on-site garden to the upscale feel, this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Koyasan. Suguru and I decided to pair our Koyasan temple stay with a hike up Koyasan, which was both easier than I expected (there are no extreme changes in elevation, nor poorly-manicured sections of trail) and much longer. Futons are mattresses and quilts that Japanese people traditionally use when they sleep. After choosing Koyasan accommodation, I did very little research into how to do the Koyasan trek or what to do atop Mt. A shukubo is an accommodation facility that is part of a Japanese temple or shrine. They use thin quilts during the summer season, and thick ones during the chilly seasons. Rather, you can board any Koyasan-bound train from Nankai-Namba station to Gokurakubashi, where you’ll transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car. Koya to explore attractions such as Danjo Garan temple complex and Okuno-in, where Kukai himself is buried. This makes the bedding more comfortable to sleep in and also removes mites. *Take care not to sit in the bath for too long as it could cause fainting. The room seemed a little larger than others we had peeked into. Whether you're seeking information or inspiration, all your trips to Japan start here. Koyasan temple stay Saizen-in shares many commonalities with Joki-in, although you’ll find it just north of Danjo Garan as opposed to just east of the temple complex. In 1832, there were 1,812 temples in Koyasan. Please enjoy your free time before dinner. Miidera Temple (Shiga) Located on Mt. One of these temples is Jofuku-in Temple which offers a comfortable experience for both solo and group travelers. *Drinking alcohol and bathing is dangerous. Koyasan temples offer Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian meals) to overnight guests. Around fifty temples offer this service to both pilgrims and visitors. Whether or not you take the very long hike up to the top, doing a Koyasan temple stay (also known as shukubo) is one of the most magical experiences you can have. Pour warm water on yourself to rinse away soap The origin story of Koyasan goes something like this. If you want to hike Koyasan, here’s what you need to do: Of course, you needn’t undertake the Koyasan hike to stay in a temple. Koya temple stay is magnificent, but it’s only the beginning of what to do in Wakayama. Originally, these were simple lodging for monks, however the number of these lodgings expanded greatly in the Edo period due to the increase in visits by pilgrims. Let’s just say that the monk who mans the check-in counter at Hongaku-in temple was not pleased when Suguru and I arrived after sunset. I hope reading my stories of traveling to Mt. The temple is beautiful, and the two nights with traditional breakfast and diner were at a very reasonable price. Mount Koya is one of the top places in Japan for a temple stay, as it’s at the centre of Shingon Buddhism. 3. We stayed at Jimyo-in temple, filled with ryokan styled rooms, tatami mats on the floor and futons (traditional styled bed) that are assembled after dinner. Experience an overnight temple stay among Shingon buddhist monks. While both offered the same broad features, this temple was aimed more at upscale visitors. Around the turn of the 9th century, a Kyoto monk by the name of Kukai became fed up with the trappings and temptations of life in the capital, and quite literally headed for the hills to stake out more sacred ground. Whether or not you hike or do a temple stay, Koyasan is one of the most unforgettable destinations in Japan. Let's stay at Japanese temples and shrines! Morning Ceremony; Sutra Copying; Shojin Cuisine; 15:00 to 17:30 Arrival at Jokiin. Located in Koyasan, within 800 metres of Kongobu-ji Temple and 1.7 km of Nyonindo, Koyasan Shukubo Fudoin provides accommodation with a garden and as well as free private parking for guests who drive.... Fabulous stay in winter. 1. Mt. Koya is located in Wakayama prefecture, in the southern part of Japan’s Kansai region, which is also home to Osaka and Kyoto. Get out of the bath Brook Sabin 05:00, Oct 06 2019. Fifty temples offer this service to both pilgrims and visitors overseas are the … Information—and inspiration—for all trips. 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