Food was amazing and beautifully presented

Stayed in April 2025

We had a great time at Sojiin. The people running the place were very attentive, welcoming and making everything possible to accommodate us. They did have a curfew but it wasn’t a problem for us, as we knew what we signed up for! Plus, the whole experience is centered around living like the monks for a day, so it makes sense! It was a little bit far from the cemetery (around 20mins walk) but it was in a really nice part of the town (the centre) and well connected. All in all, we loved it so much, we wished we would have stayed a couple of days longer.

Stayed in April 2025

The food was a work of art, the premises beautiful, it was a privilege to attend morning prayers and the location was excellent.

Stayed in April 2025

Showers are on 2nd floor of the main building and my room was in the 2nd floor in the annex and the building only connect on the 1st floor.

The staff was exceedingly friendly, the accommodation beautiful and comfortable, the food delicious. I wish I had stayed longer.

Stayed in March 2025

We had an amazing stay at Sojiin. The location is perfect, just a short walk from the bus stop and right opposite Danjo Garan. The room is spotlessly clean and very spacious, and we had a wonderful sleep on the futons.Both dinner and breakfast were delicious and very varied. The morning ceremony was a memorable experience as was the hospitality of the monks. Koyasan, especially in winter, is out of this world, and staying at Sojiin only intensified this impression.

Stayed in February 2025

Dinner was very early, but it is a temple with its own schedule.

Vegetarian dinner was excellent. Room was simple, futons on floor (authentic). They went out of their way to help with feather allergies. Loved the in-house hot-bath facility. Was expecting a bit of a 'monastery' presentation, but it was well heated and comfortable. Went to experience the Buddhist morning service.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing at all.

From the moment we arrived and were greeted with ginger tea, we knew this was a special place. The temple is centrally located in Koya-san town and a gentle 20 minute walk through town to the Okunoin cemetery. The room was spacious and toasty warm, with a separate toilet and sink area. The futons and duvets were fluffy and we slept ever so well. The food was delicious - almost too much to eat but beautiful flavours and colours. We also enjoyed attending the morning prayers and fire ceremony and came away with a lovely smell of incense and woodsmoke in our hair.

Stayed in January 2025

N/A

Excellent for experience, and probably even better in spring and summer with garden. We stayed one night in a busy time but had a wonderful dinner and experience here, early morning prey was something special to see and participate in it. Onsen is excellent and enjoyable

Stayed in December 2024

Two pillows per bed would be excellent. Maybe one bed could be softer. Husband would have liked a softer bed.

Throughly enjoyed our 2 night stay. Hearing was excellent and needed as the winters are cold.

Stayed in January 2025

The food wasn’t very good. It is very different from western cooking, just to be aware of that.

Stayed in January 2025

Quite cold in hallways where there is no heat, and the screens weren't closed until after dark. The most expensive hotel room I've ever purchased.

Carefully prepared and beautifully presented meals. All was supposed to be gluten-free at the inn, but as a person who is GF, I did receive a few items that were different from my non-GF friends. That confused me. Elegant tatami matted room with lovely view to garden. Opportunity to join morning prayers and dharma talk (in English!).

Stayed in November 2024

Amazing vegetarian food!

Stayed in December 2024

The heater in the bathroom was not working 😕 it was quite cold especially at night.

The kaiseki breakfasts and dinners were exceptional 👌 very tasty and well presented. Because of our four nights stay, they tried to vary our meals and that's very much appreciated.

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing.

The dinner and breakfast was superb Buddhist vegetarian meals prepared by specialist Chef as per Buddhist tradition and Kobo Daishi guidelines. Hence it was a divine and ecstatic experience at the Soujiin temple. The staff at the facilities were trained professionals and they possess very friendly and family like hospitality qualities. Their devotion and dedication in their job gives us a home away from home experience at the temple stay.

Stayed in December 2024

Price was fair what the Sojiin gave back. Service was amazing. Buddhist food, though not what I’d go for appeared to be done very well. Would recommend. To anyone staying in Koyasan. Also in middle of December wouldn’t have guessed it was cold outside due to heaters

Stayed in December 2024

Everything was in-keeping with a unique accommodation experience. We were ready to accept and respect the differences that come outside of hotel accommodation.

Staying in a working temple is a wonderful experience that we will always cherish. The room was comfortable, the surrounds were beautiful. The meals were prepared and presented in a way that reflects thoughtful and creative use of vegetarian principles - we were able to savour this wonderful experience also as truly special. From Sojiin, we were also able to take in the surrounds of Koyasan. We loved the quiet and serene pilgrim trail.

Stayed in December 2024

There wasn’t a place to relax outside the room.

It was a smaller temple lodging in a good location. The room was clean and bedding very comfortable. The meals were beautifully presented and varied. The staff were helpful and friendly. The onsen was just perfect.

Stayed in December 2024

It was expensive at the time we booked. Was the most I’ve ever spent for one night.

Great location. Spacious room. Excellent and interesting dinner and breakfast. Didn’t end up using communal bathing rooms but they looked cosy. Good warm covers on futons. 13yo slept like a baby, my hips hurt on sides a bit. Staff lovely.

Stayed in November 2024

Not enough towels especially after hot tub. Confusing, if comical, sign at entrance gate said No Guests, Keep Out.

Especially liked joining meditation and incense service at 6 am. Dinner and breakfast were an interesting change.

Stayed in November 2024

We were hoping to get an introduction to the buddhist life, but that's not really how they do things. The futons are very used and therefore flat, which is not super comfortable if you like soft beds.

The place is very nice, albeit a bit cold, because they keep the main door open until 9 pm. The onsen and the rooms are very nice! The staff is very friendly and the place is beautiful and conveniently located to many of the main temples in Koyasan.

Stayed in November 2024

Transportation options to and from, using train, then cable car, then bus are a little confusing.

Excellent experience. The setting and room are beautiful. The staff kind and helpful. The food is excellent (I am not a vegan, but enjoyed it anyway). It seemed like we were in such an authentic Japanese place. It was a great change from standard city based hotels. And Koyasan town is a fascinating place. Trip to cemetery is a must.

Stayed in November 2024

The setting, the atmosphere and the food.

Stayed in November 2024

Food issues my wife

Stayed in November 2024

Lack of fruit at breakfast but minor point.

Cleanliness, onsen, location,garden

Stayed in November 2024