Nothing to dislike. It's definfitely worth stying here.

What an amazing experience to stay in an ancient monastery. We attended the fire ceremony, which was interesting. The chanting at the end was fun. The room was comfortable and clean. The onsen was refreshing. The food was absolutely incredible. It’s right next to the cemetery, perfect for a spooky night time walk. It’s a bit expensive to stay here for budget-minded travellers but it’s worth splashing out once in a while.

Stayed in December 2024

No complaints.

I'm so grateful for this stay, my first in a Buddhist temple. As a vegetarian, the meals were perfect for me. The early morning rituals were beautiful, and no one is required to participate. The bath is amazing. It's so close to the incredible Okuno-in, and the other sights are easily accessible by walking or by taking the bus. Hope I can stay there again in my next visit to the incredible Koyasan.

Stayed in January 2025

So long as you have the right mindset there is nothing not to like. Yes, it was freezing, and very basic and the food was extremely difficult for someone used to Kelloggs for breakie but that is the deal.

An incredible experience, staying in a monastery and eating like monks for one day. The whole experience of going up the mountain on the train and cable car in Dec in the snow was magical. The monastery is stunning, monks welcoming and the room and food are completely authentic. We got up at 6am to listen to morning prayers which was quite mind blowing. We spent 3 hours in the cemetary at night, walking up to the shrine which was a highlight of our visit to Japan. It's really important to remember that this is not a hotel it is a real, operating monastery. In Dec it is freezing (minus 2 on the inside) but the bedrooms have heaters and we were very cosy at night. The dinner and breakfast are 100% Buddhist monk fodder. Buckle up and eat pickled seaweed for breakfast. You will have a great time if you go with it. Our family of four have told everyone about our time in the mountains, a once in a lifetime experience.

Stayed in December 2024

Food was unfortunately cold, perhaps staff had to bring in early and room outside the dining area was freezing. Umebosh looked great but was too salty - it’s Wakayama’s specialty and too bad.

Next to Okunoin. Historical temple. Large facility with long corridors. Great Gomagyo and morning prayer experiences. Bath was descent size and clean. Much better than expected for the value.

Stayed in December 2024

Glimpse into life as a monk.

Stayed in November 2024

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Location right next to the cemetery. The buildings were beautiful, you are walking on history. The meditation was an interesting experience although a bit long. The food was outanding

Stayed in November 2024

It was an interesting experience and I got to try some different vegan meals

Stayed in December 2024

It was too cold indoor. Especially breakfast.

I can feel 1200 history throughout property. It was very good experience

Stayed in December 2024

The serene atmosphere of the temple and clean and comfortable accommodation. The staff was attentive and thoughtful. The food was a good experience.

Stayed in October 2024

It looks traditional but in reality it is also to attract a tourist. (In our opinion). It is not a retrait in Reality. It is good, nice and worth full to experience the ceremony but to be honest we could have done in Tokyo as well if well researched. I think we wouldn’t have booked a trip to Koyasan if we know this upfront. The village in not worth it to schedule everything around it during a holiday. But if you have time and the money you can do. It is always an experience

Traditional

Stayed in July 2024

Everything was perfect

Amazing experience at all levels, the lodging was perfect, I was expecting something basic but it was rather similar to a ryokan, big rooms with confortable futons, traditional Japanese furnitures, yukata, complimentary tea in the room, good and very diversified meals, commun and private sento with a big bath tub. Highly spiritual moments on the fire ceremony and the morning prayer, moreover we had a free tour of more than an hour to learn a lot on oesoteric buddhism and the ancient history of the place.

Stayed in July 2024

The temple is close to the entrance of the okunoin cemetery so great position to start exploring koja. The room are very nice and you really feel the temple vibe. You can partecipate to the fire cerimony and also to different prayers and honestly, I suggest you to do both because it is a very nice experience.

Stayed in July 2024

Strict timing with shower/bath access around 4pm-9pm (coincides with dinner and other nighttime tours). No A/C but there’s a fan.

Staying at a temple is very zen. You’re living in a big part of Japan history! Food made with heart; breakfast and dinner! Temple vibes are amazing and you can wander around and explore or get a tour! You can also take part in the religious practices~ Basics are good: solid wifi, water jug.

Stayed in July 2024

Fun and interesting, welcoming and easy going

Stayed in July 2024

The location is fantastic.

Stayed in July 2024

There was just one outlet in a room for three. It’s very hot in summer so an extra fan would have made it easier to sleep. It’s hard to get to the 1pm fire ceremony on time when it takes so long to get to Mt. Koya (but we did just manage it).

It was a unique experience to stay in a place with such a long history. The amazing Okunoin Cemetery is right next door. The tour of the temple is a must even though we had to read the English on an iPad; still, we got access to most of the complex which was amazing.

Stayed in July 2024

The only thing was that the pillows were not comfortable.

The ambiance was very quaint and zen, immersed us in the universe of the temple. We got to enjoy the Koyasan forest right next to the temple.

Stayed in July 2024

The futons aren’t very generous and not all that comfortable so if you are a light sleeper, you won’t sleep well! The rice pillow is also an experience which I found okay but my husband (who has stayed before) couldn’t get on with at all.

A special stay in Koyasan to experience something different in an atmospheric temple. It was interesting to join the morning prayer and we enjoyed the lovely traditional dinner. The food is very simple essentially vegan cuisine (lots of vegetables, tofu, pickles, rice) and it may not be to everyone’s taste, so if you are a fussy eater, I’d steer clear! I didn’t enjoy the breakfast as much but it was still good. Staff are very friendly and helpful with information.

Stayed in July 2024

The morning prayer and the fire ceremony were one of a kind! The temple was situated in a very convenient location, near the cemetery. The food was also really tasty.

Stayed in June 2024

The morning prayer and the goma ritual Rooms are quite comfortable

Stayed in June 2024

The pillows were very hard but I know that’s part of the experience

Awesome unique experience! Would love to stay again.

Stayed in March 2024

Amazing experience!!! There is a heater in the room, so even if you are traveling during the cold season, you can sleep in a heated room. Great typical dinner, and excellent location.

Stayed in March 2024

I had an amazing stay at Shojoshin-in. The room was comfortable, the food was tasty, and the staff were friendly. I joined the temple tour, fire ceremony, and morning prayer. The temple is also right next to Okunoin cemetery.

Stayed in March 2024

Ac turned off in the middle of the night, so I was freezing 🥶

The kaiseki dinner and breakfast were truly great, even as someone who doesn't really enjoy vegetables. The staff were very friendly.

Stayed in January 2024