Please enjoy your staying in Koyasan. 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. 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). The location of the temple is perfect, very close to a bus stop. This makes sense, of course, when you consider that Kukai founded this place over 1,000 years ago! Information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan. Go back to your room One of these temples is Jofuku-in Temple which offers a comfortable experience for both solo and group travelers. Wash your body first In many temples, guests can spend the night during Koyasan Temple Stays and try one of the yummy vegetarian dishes prepared by the monks. Koya inspires you to write your own! 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. Relax in the bath Stay in Koyasan, Shukubo Jokiin I absolutely loved Koyasan - such a magical place. While both offered the same broad features, this temple was aimed more at upscale visitors. Temple lodging, or shukubo, is offered in over 50 temples around town and is quite popular among people who are doing the pilgrimage trails. 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. 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. The room seemed a little larger than others we had peeked into. A meal should include a grilled dish, a deep-fried dish, a pickled dish, a tofu dish and a soup dish. Temple guests can enjoy one of Koyasan’s unique foods, Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine (Shojin Ryori). Koyasan, Japan: Stay in a 1000-year-old temple. Due to destruction by fires and the combining of small temples into larger ones, there are now 117 temples, of which 52 provide lodging. Miidera Temple (Shiga) Located on Mt. Do not wear a bathing suit. ＊Lightly dry yourself with the towel before leaving the bathing room, to avoid water dripping in the changing room. Rather, you can board any Koyasan-bound train from Nankai-Namba station to Gokurakubashi, where you’ll transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car. Likewise, at some point during your Koyasan temple stay, you’ll want to visit Okuno-in, which you can access by bus. 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. 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. It is one of the holy sites afforded to Kobo Daishi Kukai by the emperor as a place for eternal meditation in 816. It also happens to be one of the best places to arrange a temple stay. Let us book flights for you. 4. 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. 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. Mitake in Tokyo, Zenkoji in Nagano and Koyasan in Wakayama. Which brings me to the best Shukubo Koyasan has to offer, at least for individual travelers seeking an authentic, tranquil experience: Hongaku-in. Originally meals for monks, today this cuisine has developed into something more elaborate to be served to guests at temples. 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. The Japanese have traditionally spread sets of futons (mattresses and quilts) directly upon tatami mats when they sleep. This Website is for basic tourism info. This is an important Buddhist sect introduced to Japan by the monk Kobo Daishi in 805. Koyasan Shukubo Fudoin was a newer, shinier ryokan compared to my other temple stay. Commission a custom Japan itinerary! Saizen-in is also arguably even more luxurious than Saizen-in—and you will definitely pay for it. Temples that provide lodging to guests are known as Shukubo. It took me many years after my first trip to Japan to do a Koyasan temple stay. Facebook; Twitter; Whats App; Reddit; Email; BROOK SABIN . Like what you're reading? Comfort levels, amenities and prices vary. The origin story of Koyasan goes something like this. 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. We stayed in Eko-in Temple in Koyasan and it was fantastic. ＊The towel is for washing yourself. Welcome to Koyasan Jokiin. Conventionally used cotton stuffing is also being replaced by wool and feather stuffing. The only place to sit was in the (cold) veranda area, otherwise it was on floor cushions at a low table. On paper, the journey to reach Mount Koya – respectfully known as Koyasan in Japan – seems a bit convoluted. Most of these lodgings are around popular pilgrimage areas like Kyoto, Mt. Japan Starts Here is information—and inspiration—for all your trips to Japan. Get out of the bath Japanese people first spread out shikibutons when they get ready to sleep at night. It's like a trip to Japan every week, right in your inbox! Koya is located in Wakayama prefecture, in the southern part of Japan’s Kansai region, which is also home to Osaka and Kyoto. In the daytime, when the futons are not in use, people fold the futons and store them in closets. 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. Words, images and design ©2018-2021 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. People use the same mattresses throughout the year. After that, sheets are put on the shikibutons and kakebutons are put on top of the sheets. This means that one room can be used as a bedroom, study, living room and so on at different times. Book an overnight stay at a temple. A shukubo is an accommodation facility that is part of a Japanese temple or shrine. Please call ahead to the Koyasan Shukubo Association between 8:30-11:00am to reserve a meal. DAY 2 Mt Koya – Osaka 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. If you leave your room to eat dinner, the futon will be laid while you are away, so please don’t be surprised. 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. Koyasan temples offer Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian meals) to overnight guests. Rooms feature tatami-mat flooring, comfortable futon bedding and paper sliding screens. The good news, if you’re already in Japan, is that most Koyasan shukubo are open, albeit with certain infection control protocols in place. The shikibutons serve in the same manner as mattresses do for Western-style beds. Doing a Mt. Nor is Koyasan Town, charming as it may be, the only part of the mountaintop worth exploring. Furthermore, you can even visit Koyasan on a day trip from Osaka, if staying in a temple isn’t right for you. How do I get to Koyasan? Koya (besides staying in a temple)—and this was very much to my peril. 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. Need help arranging your Koyasan temple stay? 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. As far as temples in Koyasan overall, the numbers is approaching 100. But the travel (usually from Osaka or Kyoto) via train, cable car and … 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. ＊After bathing, relax and ensure you are hydrated. Wipe your body with a dry towel Sleeping in a Koyasan temple is fabulous, but it’s not the only game in town. Need help planning your trip to Japan? 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. We were lucky to have a room with our own bathroom facilities and toilet for our 2-nights stay. Please ask the facility. Planning a trip to Japan, or just dreaming of one? Subscribe to email updates. Zenkoji (Nagano) PIXTA. Robert created Japan Starts Here so the web would have a beautiful hub of Japan travel information and inspiration. Koyasan literally means Koya (高野) Mountain (山). 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. Pour warm water on yourself to rinse away soap A huge con, however, is that this is where the vast majority of travelers on group tours stay. 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. Morning Ceremony; Sutra Copying; Shojin Cuisine; 15:00 to 17:30 Arrival at Jokiin. ＊Take care not to sit in the bath for too long as it could cause fainting. Mount Koya is one of the top places in Japan for a temple stay, as it’s at the centre of Shingon Buddhism. He’s one of Japan’s most significant religious figures and his mausoleum is close to the Henjosonin Temple. 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. It is a fragrant and nourishing dish with a silky texture. Both look wonderful with good reviews. I have visited Koyasan (Mount Koya) in the past but this was my first time to stay at one of Mt Koya’s temples. 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. 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. ＊Drinking alcohol and bathing is dangerous. 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. Many people suggested that we stay in a ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, while in Japan. Our stay in Koyasan was at the Shukubo Jokiin on half board (dinner and breakfast). Enter the bathing room 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. 2 days / 1 night Koyasan Prices from: £498 per person - Simple accommodation; View all accommodation options. Rivaling Mount Koya in high popularity with tourists from overseas are the … People only put the futons out when they sleep at night. Summary; Including; Map; Accommodation; Gallery; Summary. All prices exclude international flights at the start/end of your trip. Lunch at shukubo temples is available as well, though reservations are required. The Shojin Ryori served in Koyasan originates in China, and has been adapted to Japanese tastes and local ingredients by monks over the centuries. They use thin quilts during the summer season, and thick ones during the chilly seasons. ＊You must bathe naked. 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. In addition, it is located near the bus stop and the temples. Then people get in between the sheet and the kakebuton and go to sleep. Whatever the case may be, you're in the right place. 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. 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. 6. Overnight Temple Stay in Koyasan with Guided Walk. Where to Stay Visitors to Koyasan can experience a unique form of temple lodging called a Shukubo. 9. and tips while you stay in Koyasan. In Buddhism, the taking of any sentient life is wrong, so only vegetarian meals are eaten. Stay at temple. 5. 8. 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. I hope reading my stories of traveling to Mt. Brook Sabin 05:00, Oct 06 2019. We would like to show you around the temple and your room. Around fifty temples offer this service to both pilgrims and visitors. 10. Whether or not you hike or do a temple stay, Koyasan is one of the most unforgettable destinations in Japan. Both of us are avid hikers who maintain a good pace, and the ~20 km journey took up nearly 7 hours. Do not let it enter the bath. Saizen-in is also arguably even more luxurious than Saizen-in—and you will definitely pay for it. 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