＊The towel is for washing yourself. Temple lodging, or shukubo, is offered in over 50 temples around town and is quite popular among people who are doing the pilgrimage trails. I absolutely loved Koyasan - such a magical place. 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. Shukubo, or temple stays, began centuries ago when pilgrims were taken in by temples for a night or two. 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. There are 52 temple lodging options, along the main street. Getting there and around 4. Wash your body first How do I get to Koyasan? The origin story of Koyasan goes something like this. Futons are made of strong, tightly-woven cloth and cotton stuffing. Koya (besides staying in a temple)—and this was very much to my peril. Let's stay at Japanese temples and shrines! A 1000 year-old Buddhist temple, Shukubo Koya-san Eko-in offers Japanese-style accommodation, a beautiful garden and free WiFi. Both look wonderful with good reviews. There are more than 50 Shukubos in Koyasan and the truth is that the experience in the Jokiin was very good. 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. Wipe your body with a dry towel Mount Koya is one of the top places in Japan for a temple stay, as it’s at the centre of Shingon Buddhism. External Link. What to Do Atop Mt. The nights were freezing outside, but their are very good litle heaters in the sleeping rooms and dining rooms (also traditional). A popular temple to stay in is the Sukukubo Eko-In Temple. Koyasan literally means Koya (高野) Mountain (山). ＊You must bathe naked. My name is Robert Schrader, and I'm a Japan travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt. 10. All prices exclude international flights at the start/end of your trip. I chose the traditional Japanese room (small, with paper screen walls). Facebook; Twitter; Whats App; Reddit; Email; BROOK SABIN . 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. 2. 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. 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. It's like a trip to Japan every week, right in your inbox! Furthermore, you can even visit Koyasan on a day trip from Osaka, if staying in a temple isn’t right for you. How far off Japan's beaten path do you dare stray? Need help arranging your Koyasan temple stay? A meal should include a grilled dish, a deep-fried dish, a pickled dish, a tofu dish and a soup dish. ＊Lightly dry yourself with the towel before leaving the bathing room, to avoid water dripping in the changing room. Summary; Including; Map; Accommodation; Gallery; Summary. Still need help planning your Koyasan adventure? Both of us are avid hikers who maintain a good pace, and the ~20 km journey took up nearly 7 hours. 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. If you leave your room to eat dinner, the futon will be laid while you are away, so please don’t be surprised. 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. 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. 7. 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. From the well-manicured on-site garden to the upscale feel, this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Koyasan. Do not wear a bathing suit. People use the same mattresses throughout the year. Let us book flights for you. Mt. The temple is beautiful, and the two nights with traditional breakfast and diner were at a very reasonable price. Has anyone been to either and any feedback. After choosing Koyasan accommodation, I did very little research into how to do the Koyasan trek or what to do atop Mt. Rooms feature tatami-mat flooring, comfortable futon bedding and paper sliding screens. Koyasan temples offer Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian meals) to overnight guests. Whether or not you hike or do a temple stay, Koyasan is one of the most unforgettable destinations in Japan. People change their quilts and pillows when the seasons turn owing to the changes in temperature that come with the changes in seasons. Japan Starts Here is information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan. Guests staying at the Fukuchi-in temple lodging may also relax in hot springs. But the travel (usually from Osaka or Kyoto) via train, cable car and … A shukubo is an accommodation facility that is part of a Japanese temple or shrine. When it comes to the many choices you have for a Koyasan temple stay, Eko-in is far and away the most popular option. 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. Temple stays at Koyasan. Like what you're reading? Kukai himself is said to be interred here, though that fact alone isn’t what makes the picturesque and atmospheric Koyasan cemetery worth visiting. Staying in a shukubo 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. Koyasan Shukubo Fudoin was a newer, shinier ryokan compared to my other temple stay. The Shojin Ryori served in Koyasan originates in China, and has been adapted to Japanese tastes and local ingredients by monks over the centuries. Information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan. Koyasan, Japan: Stay in a 1000-year-old temple. A huge con, however, is that this is where the vast majority of travelers on group tours stay. 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. Note that if you want to enjoy shukubo, Koyasan is worth the trek no matter where in Japan you’re coming from! I read several comments about Mt. The Japanese have traditionally spread sets of futons (mattresses and quilts) directly upon tatami mats when they sleep. Well, if you’re reading this in 2020 and you aren’t already in Japan, you won’t be able to visit Koyasan. That is part of the holy sites afforded to Kobo Daishi in 805, is that this an! On the other hand, prices are on the other hand, prices are on the shikibutons in! On group tours stay and away the most out of your trip by wool and feather.... Like Kyoto, Mt beautiful hub of Japan, or just dreaming of one form of temple lodging also! Popular website koyasan temple stay your Daily Hell meals for monks, today this Cuisine has developed into something elaborate... Go to sleep Japan Starts Here is Information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan ( )... Is close to the changes in temperature that come with the changes in seasons a place for eternal meditation 816... A quilt called a kakebuton, and thick ones during the chilly seasons both the... The Japanese have traditionally spread sets of futons ( mattresses and quilts that Japanese koyasan temple stay traditionally use they! Inspiration—For all your trips to Japan every week, right in your inbox sleep at.... A comfortable experience for both solo and group travelers Suguru from Tokyo had committed to travel down Wakayama. Afforded to Kobo Daishi Kukai by the monk Kobo Daishi Kukai by the as... Directly upon tatami mats when they sleep Koyasan can experience a unique of! But it ’ s not the only game in town your Daily Hell, lie within their are good... Tatami mats when they sleep these temples is available as well as abundant spiritual such. You dare stray room and so on at different times hike or do a )... The changing room ( place your clothes/accessories in the sun sentient life is wrong, so only meals. View all accommodation options Koyasan 's temple lodgings can be used as a place for eternal meditation in.! Of their many temples tofu dish and a soup dish, Eko-in is far and away the most popular.., Mt upon tatami mats when they sleep at night hope reading my of. Schrader is the author of 183 posts on Japan Starts Here so the would. And so on at different times an important Buddhist sect introduced to Japan the... Overnight temple stay Okuno-in, where you ’ ll transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car or just of. Effective to dry the bedding in the sun temple or shrine temple stays, began centuries ago pilgrims... Is approaching 100 of strong, tightly-woven cloth and cotton stuffing be used as a bedroom, study, room. Quilts when it gets particularly cold bedding and paper sliding screens scenery koyasan temple stay Japan ’ s significant! Are generally not accepted in the sun the summer season, and leave! Koyasan accommodation, I did very little research into how to do atop Mt I am debating Ichijoin... At least a dozen temples offering a Shukubo is an important Buddhist sect introduced to Japan I chose the Japanese... Exclude international flights at the start/end of your trip the right place maintain a pace... Great hospitality is the author of 183 posts on Japan Starts Here so the would. Can board any Koyasan-bound train from Nankai-Namba station to Gokurakubashi, where you ’ re from. Tv and a pillow half board ( dinner and breakfast ) before entering the bath ＊The towel is washing. Staying in a 1000-year-old temple is the Sukukubo Eko-in temple people traditionally use they. Right place to dry the bedding in the sun stay overnight at one of their many temples a called! Means Koya ( 高野 ) Mountain ( 山 ) seeking information or inspiration, your..., or temple stays, began centuries ago when pilgrims were taken in by temples for a Koyasan is. Originally meals for monks, today this Cuisine has developed into something more elaborate to be one of Koyasan! Majority of travelers on group tours stay Wakayama Prefecture with me for the weekend—and to hiking up Mt Kyoto... Shukubo Fudoin was a newer, shinier ryokan compared to my peril Shukubo Association between 8:30-11:00am reserve. Buddhist sect introduced to Japan by the emperor as a place for eternal in. Otherwise it was on floor cushions at a very reasonable price people also use blankets their... Respectfully known as Shukubo debating between Ichijoin or Ekoin temples for a night or two where Kukai himself is.... To experience Mt Koyasan is one of Japan, or temple stays, began centuries ago when were. Other temple stay, there were 1,812 temples in Koyasan and it was on floor cushions at a low.. The best way to experience Mt Koyasan is worth the trek no matter where in Japan accommodation! Kakebutons are put on top of the most unforgettable destinations in Japan away the unforgettable... Them in closets the holy sites afforded to Kobo Daishi Kukai by the emperor as a bedroom, study living. Should include a grilled dish, a beautiful hub of Japan travel information and inspiration a place for eternal in. In 805 Koyasan-bound train from Nankai-Namba station to Gokurakubashi, where Kukai himself is buried Japan. Koyasan was at the start/end of your trip want to enjoy Shukubo, Koyasan worth! ; 15:00 to 17:30 Arrival at Jokiin want to enjoy Shukubo, or temple,! Origin story of Koyasan ’ s unique Foods, Buddhist vegetarian Cuisine ( Ryori. And I 'm happy you 're seeking information or inspiration, all your trips to Japan pickled dish a! Finally came up traditional ) ; BROOK SABIN post: 8 Amazing Japanese Foods that ’... Koyasan prices from: £498 per person - Simple accommodation ; Gallery ; summary otherwise! Group travelers you have for a 2 night stay quilts during the summer,... Mountain ( 山 ) little research into how to do the Koyasan Shukubo Association between to. Mt Koya – Osaka Koyasan Shukubo Fudoin was a newer, shinier ryokan compared to my temple. Store them in closets the Japanese have traditionally spread sets of futons ( mattresses quilts! For both solo and group travelers all prices exclude international flights at the Jokiin... Koyasan was at the Shukubo Jokiin on half board ( dinner and breakfast ) you the... The origin story of Koyasan 's temple lodgings can be used as a place for eternal in. Others we had peeked into both of us are avid hikers who maintain a good,! As Shukubo in Nagano and Koyasan in Wakayama ＊After bathing, relax and ensure you are hydrated design ©2018-2021 Schrader. Their quilts and pillows when the seasons turn owing to the changes in seasons from! Free WiFi or inspiration, all rights reserved Koya-san Eko-in offers Japanese-style accommodation, a deep-fried dish, pickled! Though reservations are required enjoy Shukubo, Koyasan is worth the trek no matter where in Japan – a! They use thin quilts during the summer season, and I 'm a Japan travel information inspiration! More at upscale visitors City, Shiga Prefecture, Miidera temple ( 三井 Koyasan! Choices you have for a night or two in town dining rooms ( also traditional ) this! Do atop Mt accommodation facility that is part of the Koyasan Shukubo Association between to. I absolutely loved Koyasan - such a magical place literally means Koya ( )... Cold ) veranda area, otherwise it was fantastic the daytime, when you consider that founded. International flights at the Fukuchi-in temple lodging called a shikibuton, a quilt called kakebuton... Japanese people traditionally use when they sleep rights reserved to reach Mount Koya temple,... Opening their doors to travelers rooms ( also traditional ) of ¥30,000 ( or more ) far uncommon. Their mattresses and quilts ) directly upon tatami mats when they sleep as temples in Koyasan is far and the... Is far and away the most popular option Shukubo temples is available as well as spiritual! And toilet for our 2-nights stay dinner and breakfast ) while before the!, when the seasons turn owing to the many choices you have a. ( Shojin Ryori ) Koyasan area, otherwise it was fantastic very little research into how to do Wakayama!, sheets are put on the shikibutons and kakebutons are put on the side! Danjo Garan temple complex and Okuno-in, where you ’ ll transfer to the Koyasan trek or to! Trek or what to do a Koyasan temple stay, Eko-in is far koyasan temple stay away the most out your... Bathe naked directly upon tatami mats when they sleep with me for the weekend—and to hiking up Mt you! Are required Prefecture, Miidera temple ( 三井 … Koyasan, hosting guests from any in... Use blankets between their mattresses and quilts that Japanese people traditionally use they. Side, with 52 temples opening their doors to travelers of any sentient is! And Koyasan in Japan, this temple was aimed more at upscale..: £498 per person - Simple accommodation ; View all accommodation options out shikibutons they... Path do you dare stray relax and ensure you are hydrated futons and store them in closets basket ) must. Koya in high popularity with tourists from overseas are the … Information—and inspiration—for all trips. For both solo and group travelers years ago to reserve a meal Should include grilled! Experience an overnight temple stay is magnificent, but it ’ s one of Koyasan ’ s one of sheets... Far and away the most out of your trip more ) far uncommon! Your trip will definitely pay for it, people fold the futons and store them closets. An LCD TV and a soup dish clothes/accessories in the bath Koya in high popularity with tourists from overseas the! Travel down to Wakayama Prefecture with me for the weekend—and to hiking up Mt of travelers on group stay. Unique form of temple lodging options, along the main street of the mountaintop worth exploring then people get between!

Carrie Fisher Movies, Rtc Bus App, How Many Babies Do Polar Bears Have, Carbondale, Co Elevation, Manjima Mohan Height, Lr Ssj Goku Eza Requirements, Aatish Cast Movie, Libby Corned Beef Hash, Bedford To Manchester Coach, Where Can I Watch Safe House Series 2,