Top 47 things to do and attractions in Koya-cho

This Temple Complex is the centre of Koyasan, which was opened by Kukai (aka Kobo Daishi) as a place for secret training in Shingon esoteric Buddhism. Several temples are located inside the Danjo Garan, and the 49-meter tall Great Stupa is of an especially splendid and impressive. Very popular place, lots of tourists and locals. Fair bit of walking around mostly shade. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Fee charged for entry. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Great place for photography.

An amazing precinct hidden deep in the mountains and wrapped in beautiful forest. This is a must see if you are into temples and shrines, one of the finest in all of japan in my opinion

A visit to Koysan is a must for any visitor to Japan. We stayed in a monastery and what a great experience. This included being able to attend morning prayers with the monks. A night tour of the largest cemetery in Japan was a highlight with a monk as a guide. Very i formative on the religious history of Japan. This was the highlight of our stays.

Probably my favorite day of 9 months travelling the world (This .complex of temples and the cemetery combined). It was windy, cold and raining hard - probably why we had the place to ourselves in mid February 2023. There was also a heavy mist but for me - this only added to the amazing and serene experience. So many temples in one place, if this had been Kyoto - it would be cram packed with people. If feel so lucky to have experienced the complex solo, with just my thoughts and my umbrella!

A truly beautiful and unforgettable place. The precinct is home to many temples and sacred structures, each with a unique charm and peaceful atmosphere. Walking through the grounds feels like stepping into a spiritual sanctuary – it’s a feast for the eyes and the soul. Historically, the Danjo Garan complex was founded by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) in the 9th century and is considered one of the most sacred areas of Koyasan. The striking Konpon Daitō Pagoda is especially impressive and symbolizes the cosmic mandala central to Shingon Buddhism. An absolute must-see when visiting Koyasan. The blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty makes it one of the highlights of the area.

After 10 years in Japan Koyasan still one of the best place I visited. Must see.

We visited the Kongobuji Temple in Wakayama on a pleasant 15°C temperature day. This head monastery of the Shingon sect, stands as a testament to Japan's rich cultural and spiritual history. Originally constructed in 1593 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it was later merged with a neighboring temple, becoming the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, a sect introduced by Kobo Daishi in 805. The Ohiroma Room, adorned with gilded sliding doors featuring cranes painted by Kano Tanyu, is a significant site within the temple, used for important rituals and ceremonies. Adjacent to this room are the Plum and Willow Rooms, each named for the paintings on their sliding doors, with the Willow Room being the site of Toyotomi Hidetsugu's ritual suicide. Visitors to Kongobuji can experience a moment of tranquility with tea and a cookie in a large tatami hall, surrounded by fusuma decorated with 20th-century paintings that narrate the story of Kobo Daishi. The Banryutei Rock Garden, Japan's largest, features large rocks from Shikoku, symbolizing dragons emerging from clouds, a nod to the birthplace of Kobo Daishi. The journey through Kongobuji culminates in the Jodannoma Audience Room, an opulent space once used to receive dignitaries, with gold-gilded walls and carved floral ceilings, before concluding in the temple's expansive kitchen, equipped to serve a multitude. This temple not only serves as a place of worship but also as a bridge connecting visitors to the profound legacy of Shingon Buddhism and the historical narrative of Koyasan. Remember to take the audio guide at the Information Centre, which is not where you buy the tickets. There quite a lot of walking required and you take off your shoes at the entrance and have wear slippers provided by the temple authorities. In Wakayama there is nothing else to do, only temples and temples. No convince stores anywhere near the temple, so stock your snacks and waters before you enter the temple precincts.

An exquisite visit. If you want to escape the crowded Osaka tourist vibe, Koya-san will realign you to nature and serenity.

It is the head temple of Kōyasan Shingon Buddhism, located on Mount Kōya, Wakayama Prefecture. Temple was first constructed as Seigan-ji Temple in 1593. The temple's modern rock garden is Japan's largest (2340 square meters), with 140 granite stones arranged to suggest a pair of dragons emerging from clouds to protect the temple. Popular place, need to go early. Fair bit of walking mostly under shade. Lots of locals, some tourists and pilgrims. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Fee charged for entry. Great place for photography.

Nestled in the serene Koyasan region of Japan, this remarkable location is surrounded by a collection of UNESCO World Heritage temples. The tranquility and peacefulness of the atmosphere are truly awe-inspiring, especially during the early morning when the streets are bathed in a gentle light. Describing its essence in words alone would be an understatement, as it evokes a profound sense of wonder and serenity.

Kongobuji (金剛峯寺, Kongōbuji) was originally constructed in 1593 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to commemorate the death of his mother. Later it was merged with a neighboring temple and reorganized into the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, the sect introduced to Japan by Kobo Daishi in 805 and headquartered on Koyasan.

Busy and vibrant market . If you can stand the crush of the crowds then this place is a unique experience for anyone that appreciates the vast array of Japanese food. I only wish I had more appetite.

Beautiful Rick garden and great place to walk thru a traditional temple

A very famous Japanese mountain, very famous for its temples. In any case, it's worth a visit. It's not easy to get there, but it's worth it. Beautiful nature with all those temples. More than 1000 m above the sea.

i was really moved by the large buddhist sculpture there, and could look at it closely. however the recreation of the large scroll paintings in the first room was strange, it seems to be digitally printed. anyway i still recommended it

I don't recommend this place it is expensive 1300 per person not to many exhibits most descriptions are not translated and you are not allowed to take picture. During cold day it is cold inside

Very special museum, a bit on the boring side but some of the historic statues were very cool. I just wish the signs with descriptions of each artifact had an English translation as you aren’t allowed to use your phone so I didn’t know what I was looking at most of the time in here but I understand that’s a very egotistical perspective.

Please note Nov 17 -22, 2025 temporarily closed

A lovely museum, although at a hefty price compared to similar establishments in more urban locations. Staff was very helpful and offered English pamphlets to assist us on our tour. Without the pamphlets, make sure you bring your smart phone with you and that it has the ability to translate text from Japanese to English or whatever language you prefer. Otherwise, you will see a paragraph or two of text written in Japanese, followed by a 1-liner in English just giving the name of the historical piece and/or the materials used to make it. Do bare in mind, however, that photography is not allowed, so you may be viewed with suspicion for whipping out your phone and taking pictures (although we both know you were just trying to translate whatever the sign said.) It is a wonderful break from the area it is located in. Both interior and exterior layouts are truly beautiful, even in the full blazing heat of summer. Many pieces of historical art and sculpture that are truly awe inspiring. The gift shop near the entrance actually has a interesting selection of offerings, excellent for small presents or decorations, but nothing overly expensive or daunting. The outside area also has a break station with vending machines and water misting, which was tremendously useful during our summer visit. Make sure you remember to take your umbrella with you when you leave, unlike me.

Normally I would think there would be no wait to enter this place, but a large school group was there the day we went. It's a great place to learn about the art of shingon Buddhism as the descriptions are in Japanese and English. Very informative. I enjoyed it a lot.

A lot of national treasure from different area of Japan 🇯🇵 I recommend you to visit this wonderful museum.

Great tourist spot.

This is where you transfer from Nankai Train Line to Koyasan Cable Car. Take a deep breath and enjoy the nature surrounding you. Something great waits ahead!

This is a little, very enchanting train station within wonderful nature, where you actually change from the local train to the cable care that brings you up to Koyasan and the entire Mt. Koya region. Unfortunately in this case, transfer times in Japan are very short (what is not a bad thing at all) so you won't have much time to appreciate the beauty of this little neat place.

JR Pass doesn't include use on the Nankai Koya line. If in Osaka you can buy tickets at Nankai sections of the Namba and Shin-Imamiya stations to get to Koyasan (via Gokurakubashi Station).

Breathtaking, beautiful cable car ride from Gokurakubashi station to Koyasan station. Be aware that the Nankai line from Osaka to Gokurakubashi has two flavours: the cheap "Local" line and the pricier "Limited Express" line. The former slower and cheaper by about 40%. The latter has reserved seats that are very fancy but you pay an extra ¥510.

If you travel by train from Osaka to Koyasan, you have to transfer to the Cable Line at Gokurakubashi station. Since 1930 this funicular takes you through the woods to the 330 meters higher Koyasan station (and from there by bus to the village of Koyasan). A nice alternative to the long, winding (de) tour.

Nice little station connecting the Nankai rail line with the funicular railway to Koyasan. Beautiful surroundings. There are toilets and an office where you can leave your luggage. Luggage storage is 500 JPY per piece per day, of you leave overnight they count it as two days.

Our visit to the cemetery was very special. It is one of the most sacred sites in Japan, known as the resting place of Kōbō Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Walking among the thousands of tombstones and memorials, some centuries old, gives a strong sense of history and spirituality. We had the opportunity to go with a monk from the hotel where we were staying, and the fact that he spoke fluent English made it much easier to understand the culture and the meaning behind what we were seeing. The visit took place at night, in a sober and impactful atmosphere, which made the whole experience even more memorable. Despite the very cold weather in March, it was absolutely worth it.

A very old, beautiful area. The grave of Oda Nobunaga is also located here. You can't take photos in some places, unfortunately. Right now, the temple inside is collecting donations for it's 1200 years anniversary that will take place in 9 years. If you like history, or just want to enjoy nature, come here for a visit.

One of my favorite places now in Japan. Really enjoyed the remote area and forest. It was neat to see and a cute town to walk around nearby.

Unique area, blending old town with newer feel. Large cemetery that is set in a pine forest. We were there around 6pm so it had an ethereal feel. A definite must see.

Beautiful place to walk around and take Some photos you can point your camera in any direction and you get a nice photo!

If you want to visit it by night: you can do it by yourself, at your pace and without a flock of people moving with you. Just consider carefully your timing, since several temples accomodations have a curfew (although ours always let a side door open)

The Mog Champ sends his regards. The place of interest here Okuno-in like most people would say is one of the most peaceful and mystical places you could visit in Koyasan. It's a definite must-visit if you're in Osaka for a short side-trip. I recommend for anyone who's into nature and zen, there's a lot of silence in this area even if you come across groups to keep the peace and quiet to match up with the atmosphere. You could spend half a day just wondering around taking nice photos and deep breaths. The place also looks different during the night, but I would recommend coming during the day first, having food nearby then going back again! Thanks for a peaceful location Koyasan. Mogliest Regards, Your Mog Champ

To me, this was the main reason to visit Koyasan, which we did on a day trip from Osaka. It would have been cool to spend the night in Koyasan and see more, but we were very happy with our day trip, where we spent most of our time in Okunoin. We took the bus to the city center and walked to the traditional Okunoin entrance at the Western bridge, and took our time walking the path through the cemetery. The whole place felt old and magical/spiritual, probably because of the massive towering trees surrounding us. I highly recommend a visit to Korasan and take your time enjoying Okunoin!

It is a sacred Buddhist site and cemetery on Mount Kōya, in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Opened in 835, it houses the mausoleum of Kūkai, founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism. The cemetery spans over 2 km (1.2 mi) in length and is in a forest of tall conifers and has more than 200,000 graves. His resting place in Okunuin has since become a place of pilgrimage, and Buddhist monks bring him ritual offerings and meals twice a day. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Lots of locals, fair number of tourists and pilgrims. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Parking is easy. Free entry. Toilets available. Interesting photography place.

A truly monumental place. The cemetery offers stunning views of moss-covered gravestones and creates a unique connection between visitors and those who have passed. For a more authentic and peaceful experience, I recommend exploring the quieter side paths away from the main tourist crowds. The atmosphere is serene, spiritual, and unforgettable. A must-see in Koyasan.

Whether at night or by day, regardless of weather it is always are great visit. Due to it being a gravesite, please respect the memory of the people buried here and act accordingly. Even a little goes a long way and ensures that people can enjoy this great site together. Obviously, at the spots where photos are forbidden, please respect the rules.

Okunoin is deeply spiritual. Walking among over cedar trees and mossy cemetery, I wondered how many years it took for each to become so beautiful. A must-visit in Japan!

Okunoin is one of the most impressive and spiritual places in Japan. The path through the ancient cedar forest, lined with countless moss-covered gravestones and lanterns, creates an atmosphere that is both reverent and peaceful. Especially at dusk, the place takes on an almost magical atmosphere. The main temple and the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi are of deep spiritual significance and invite visitors to pause and reflect. A visit here is not only a cultural experience, but also an opportunity to find peace and contemplation. For us, it is one of the most moving places in all of Japan and comes highly recommended.

Very serine and tranquil, I was on this walk by myself and I am kicking myself for not going earlier, I arrive at 5 and it’s fairly empty. I came from osaka and it was around 2 and a half hours. If you want to get away from it all this is probably one of the better areas to go to, as whole meaning the whole town. I would stay overnight if I could!

Mount Koya is a sacred place of Esoteric Shingon Buddhism that was established by Kobo Daishi Kukai in 816. Surrounded by steep mountains, this sacred site is highly regarded for its cultural landscape.

The Daimon Gate is an impressive landmark and one of the most iconic entrances to Koyasan. Standing at the edge of the sacred mountain town, it feels like a symbolic threshold into another world of peace and spirituality. The gate itself is massive, beautifully detailed, and surrounded by stunning nature that changes with the seasons. Historically, Daimon Gate was built as the main entrance to Koyasan and has been reconstructed several times over the centuries, most recently in the early 18th century. The two guardian statues inside the gate are especially striking and add to the spiritual significance of the place. It’s a must-see when visiting Koyasan. Take your time to admire the craftsmanship, the views of the mountains, and the atmosphere of entering such a historic and sacred site.

It was a wonderful visit, as we happened to arrive during the autumn foliage season. We considered taking the train, but we were short on time, so we decided to rent a car. A five-minute walk from the free parking lot south of the gate led us to the Daimon Gate, the entrance to Mount Koya. The weather wasn't the best, but I convinced myself that it was worth it, as it was typical of esoteric Buddhism. However, it was a wonderful place that I would like to visit again on a clear day. I recommend watching the many explanatory videos available online beforehand, as they will make your experience even more enriching.

The main gate to Koyasan, was rebuilt in 1705. It is a multistoried tower gate that stands 25.1 meters high. The statues of the guardian gods at both sides of the gate were made by Buddhist sculptors Koi and Uncho during the Edo period. The gate is also a place where beautiful sunsets can be viewed and is lit up at night, creating a mystical spectacle.

Best before sunset. Such a magnificent gate!

Stunning to visit the Daimon Gate. It is an enormous structure that has an amazing energy about it. I visited in November so the autumn colours viewed alongside the gate made for an amazing visit.

Beautiful views s of The Valley. The gate is huge and very impressive The autumn leaf give a extra attractive Those are quiet times in japan, there are no tourist from overseas and this places are almost empty. Beautiful place to visits in you time In koyasan

I was very excited to visit this mausoleum but there was nothing much. 200¥ for just the exterior is expensive. But, it's a very pleasant and luxurious architecture that please the eye.

As other reviews mention, the place is appropriately priced. Incredibly detailed carvings to admire. If you are a history nerd then you will love it! Very small as it has only 2 structures so don't expect a lot more to see.

Magnificent wood work. I wish we could see the inside.

Tokugawa Ieyasu played a major part in 17th century Japan and was the inspiration for the Toranaga character in Shogun. The mausoleum is an good place to visit if you're interested in either of those two things.. Unfortunately, there is not much to see, just the outside of the building, which resembles an ornate Buddhist temple. It is worth a stop if you're in the area.

Ornately carved and colorful but appropriately priced at only 200 yen. Takes about 5 to 10 minutes to view the entire thing. If you want Tokugawa history head to Nikko but if you have extra time it's worth a half hour of your really into the history of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Not much to see here, even for history buffs like myself. But it's cheap enough for a quick look.

Surprisingly empty given the importance of this family in Japanese history.

Ive just spent the last 90 days circumnavigating japan, ive visited alot of shrines and temples, this to me is one of the finest in all japan, the interior is amazing the statues are incredible and the art work on The Pillars is like nothing ive seen. I was so impressed I sat inside for nearly an hour just soaking it in

Wow wow wow. A place you do not want to miss. So beautiful. Lots of people but also not crowded. Rent a car and go for a mountain drive up here.

We visited the temple complex, with Kongobu-ji at it's center. Though you will have to remove your shoes to do so, it is well worth the fee to enter the central pagoda. The entire area is worthy of a slow exploration.

Stunning and really takes the breath away. 10/10 a must visit in Koyasan

The stupa is the tallest structure in Koya. It contains five large statues of Buddha. You pay¥500 as you entet and can stay as long as you like. No photos allowed.

The 3D mandala is very beautiful. The history of this place is wonderful to experience. A lot of signage is in English and Japanese so if you speak either of these, you will learn many interesting details about the area.

Amazing!!!! I absolutely loved this place.

Impressive and exiciting. We did the evening tour which started in day light and ended in dark. Wow. The age and size of the Japanese Cypress trees is… increadible and make you humble.

Very peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. I walked through in the late afternoon in October 18 and it gets a bit cool with all of the tree cover. The stone work is true artistry and craftsmanship, many of them dates back hundreds of years, our tour guide mentioned that there are memorials of many high ranking samurai. A must see if you visit Koyasan and the area in general is a must see if you visit Japan. There is even a guided night walk for those that have genki and are looking for adventure.

Essential to visit. The sacred mausoleum of the great master Kobo Daishi (Kūkai) profoundly changed my life. The spiritual energy is absolutely overwhelming, so photography is prohibited. Visit at night, solo, and at 6am. I’m going back again soon, as ever, and always will return ❤️

This place is so beautiful and amazing to see the Buddhist religion up close. Serene and peaceful

Sacred place. You feel a different vibe-spirit there. I recommend to everyone to visit it.

Very special place, atmosphere at night is magical. Beware there’re no photos allowed after last bridge. Pay respect to the local traditions

Misterious place Very interesting and sacred place Must visit

First time staying in a temple. Stayed for 3 nights. Loved the atmosphere, the service, food, morning service/prayers. Everything was perfect. The road leading to the temple, however, was another story. Roads are narrow and winding. Be careful driving up during winter (if they are open). Make sure your most experienced driver is the one driving up to the temple.

My family and I stayed 2 nights. Accomodation was normal like any ryokan and food was all vegetarian but nicely prepared and presented kaiseki. Morning service is optional and quite early. I attended both mornings. Involves chanting and meditation and English wording for follow along. It was a very calming environment and would appeal to those looking for a peaceful temple experience. It is not the cheapest stay relative to board but I think it’s up to the individual to decide what he’s willing to pay for such an experience. Staff are all very helpful and friendly. We drove up the mountain in early November and was caught in a somewhat freak snowstorm without winter tyres. So do try to look up the weather forecast or be prepared for a very slippery experience.

We loved the night we spent at Fudo-in. Great atmosphere and location. We were happy with the full pack and experience, which included access to an onsen, morning meditation and 2 meals. Nevertheless, the price is high and you don’t get a lot of 1 to 1 interaction with monks nor the people who stay there. It could be more educational given the price it costs. The entire building and area is mint.

We had a wonderful stay - Everyone was very friendly and it was an extremely special opportunity to take part in the morning prayer (they made a good effort to explain what was happening and allow us to take part in portions). The food was some of the best of our trip and the onsen was enjoyable.

This is a very comfortable way to experience the workings of a Buddhist temple and learn about the Buddhist philosophy. The highlights of the stay were the amazing dinner (I counted 14 different small vegetarian dishes) and the morning prayers led by the monks in which the guests participate. The room was spacious and we opted for the inclusive bathroom so as to be able to choose our own time to bathe in the onsen (hot tub). The floor mats can be rather hard for older guests but that's part of the experience! The gardens are beautiful but unfortunately you are not allowed to wander in them.

Lovely stay at this temple which felt very luxurious. We opted for the room with private bath and I'm glad we did--no restricted bath hours :). The room was huge with a small step out patio. Loved the kotatsu!! The service was great and vegetarian meals delicious! We stayed 2 nights and I was happy to see variation in the dinner menu. Bus stop right by entry driveway of temple. The 7am morning service was a cool experience. Fyi 9pm curfew which is typical.

Beautiful and serene! Worth the trek to get there. (And the last hour of the train ride provides some stunning mountain views!) The rooms are very comfortable and very clean. The vegetarian Shojin Ryori dinner is absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. The morning services are a perfect way to start the day on a positive and relaxed note. Breakfast is also delicious. Be sure to visit Okunoin Cemetery and the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi while in Koyasan. A truly wonderful experience.

Very beautiful and ervice oriented temple. It has a nice garden and offers serveral baths, which you should all try. The sauna part is missing a cold bath though. They are a bit unflexible if you arrive early. I had a friend with problems with the heat but we couldn't get into the room early. Dinner and breakfast was fantastic and the monk who served us put much effort into serving us, explaining all the dishes and providing us with a good time. The temple is big and has many guests staying there, so be prepared that the morning prayer will be full of people.

I was a little bit disappointed. I was expecting more for the prices. Everything is old and not so well manteined. Some bathrooms smell to pee (like a public bathroom). They have 4 activities after dinner but you need to paid extra for them. They don allow people with tattoo on the Onsen. Service, dinner and breakfast were amazing though but I think you can get that too anywhere with that money. I felt more like in a hostel than in a budha temple.

Stayed for a night with dinner and breakfast. Staff are so kind and welcoming to all lodgers. Great information at reception and should on map where room is. Room is wonderful and setup traditionally. Safe provided for posessions if you need. Dinner and breakfast was amazing but I am a bit bias as I am vegetarian. Was so nice to have a full belly with wonderful food. Bed made when ready, traditional futon on the floor. Might be hard for some but it's great to try at least once in Japan. Wonderful experience. ❤️

Beautiful place but unfortunately felt more like a big business than a Buddhist temple. Extra charge for even water (which is provided free at any other lodging/accommodation — not to mention the fact that this was one of the most expensive places we stayed during our month in Japan😅). Check-out is at 9am sharp. I inquired whether we could leave slightly later since my husband didn’t feel well, but that would have incurred a fee of 30% of the room rate (so 15,900 yen or over $100!) lol... other places charge something closer to 1,000 per person per hour !

We were there for 1 night, Std room, More Grade-up Shojin Dinner. Staff speaks perfect english and the place has a really authentic feeling, but for some reason the hotel and the whole city is overrun by ~50% tourists. The Onsen is small to what you might be used to from other hotels (one pool 5x3m plus a bigger on the other side of the hotel (that one has an outdoor onsen+sauna, that only open from 15:00-20:00) and i recommend going in after other people, so that they can see you wash and are not sceptical you know proper etiquette. The dinner was an absolute highlight of the whole trip. You are allotted a time slot at which you have to sit in your dining spot and staff will bring your food and explain how to eat what.

Very beautiful, but don’t go if you have food intolerances The monastery is beautiful and well maintained, a unique experience in Koyasan. However, I am celiac and they didn’t adapt any meal or offer alternatives. I only ate rice for dinner and breakfast. I asked for fruit, they said they didn’t have any, but at the same moment they served a bowl of apple to the table next to mine. The 6 a.m. prayer is interesting to see once, but overall I wouldn’t stay here again.

This is heaven on Earth. I'm not exagerating; super was the BEST food i've ever had. The temple is beautiful and praying with the monks was charming. Taking a coffe in the garden by morning meant complete inner peace. The food!!! I can't say It enough. People in Japan are so educated, polite and loving towards tourists and everyone. But this place was specially caring. I mean you asked something to The workers and they inmmediately stop everything they are doing to help you. And they wont stop until they do 🥹 There are two hot springs (out and indoor) and a carbonated bath. The only place in Koyosan with hot spring. I can't be grateful enough towards Fucuchi-in staff. I really needed something like this. Arigato! 🤗 By the way, if you're going to Koyasan, please visit Okunoin cementery. Looks like a scenario of Shadow of The Colossus or Zelda ❤️

If you’re looking to stay at a temple while being in Japan, the Saizen-in Temple is a nice place to go! We did feel the price is a bit too high for the quality of rooms and services. However it does need to be seen as an experience and aim to get the most of it of your stay. The rooms are good, they do vary substantially some being quite small and other like ours being quite big with a nice balcony overlooking the garden. So make sure that you get one of the good ones when booking! We did not have private bathroom, which was not great. But we just stayed one night so it wasn’t an issue. We were also in an area of the temple that was less busy, so our toilet was always available. There’s was quite a lot of humidity in the room, which was not great. Except for that we really enjoyed the stay. They gave us dinner and breakfast in the room. The food is all vegetarian. The set menu was extensive and quite nice. I’ll recommending attending all the activities: meditation, morning rituals and the night tour it’s great! That’s probably the reason why you will stay in a temple, so make the most of it.

This is by far the worst place we stayed in Japan after 1 month of traveling. The food was also low quality compared to other Ryokans. The room was smelly, the floor does not seem to be washed properly. We were looking for a spiritual retreat but we ended up in an overpriced hostel with very cheap service. They try to rip you off and charge you for everything. No spiritual activity was available for free except a basic morning prayer. This is really a shame when you are charged up to 500€ for one night. If you are looking for a spiritual retreat I advise to look for a better place otherwise, just look for a normal hotel.

Just a heads-up: make sure to book a room with a private bathroom and shower. We paid over $500 per night, only to find out our room didn’t have a toilet or shower. We had to go downstairs to use the bathroom, and the showers weren’t available until 8 a.m. Later, we discovered that some rooms do come with a private bathroom and even an onsen-style shower. Wish we had known that earlier. That aside, the overall experience was lovely. Loved the morning prayer service—such a peaceful atmosphere.

We wanted to experience the temple life and the visit has given us a very brief insight and understanding about Buddhism. Koyasan itself is a very nice place and the journey there by public transport was a good experience The temple we stayed was very nice the evening ritual and the morning ceremony is a good experience

I had a wonderful experience here! The front desk lady was incredibly kind and provided me with plenty of helpful information on exploring Koyasan and navigating the area. They offer various activities to keep guests engaged, and the pricing is quite reasonable. Thank you for everything!

The room was amazing, food was a bit salty but overall decent. There where some communicational errors when trying to get my goshuin stamp, so i couldn’t get one because they told me i could come back later when i couldn’t. Highly recommend the onsen.

Very cool experience! The journey there is great heading into the mountains, temple location set off the Main Street so lovely and quiet. Temple itself is clean, nice staff who overall talk good English, traditional style rooms and yes it’s a shared onsen (don’t be put off- everyone just gets on with it and actually ends up enjoying it!). The food is definitely traditional Japanese vegetarian both dinner and breakfast (lots of food), so you might struggle if you’re picky. Morning service was amazing to be a part of. Highly recommend for something different and out of the city!

(Translated by Google) The autumn leaves are very beautiful. It gets very crowded, so I recommend going first thing in the morning on a weekday. Other than that, it's crowded and you won't be able to take beautiful photos. (Original) 紅葉の季節はとてもきれいです。激込みなので平日朝一で行くのがおすすめ。それ以外は人ばかりで綺麗に写真取れません。

(Translated by Google) There are beautiful maple leaves here, dyeing them into a fiery red in autumn. Unfortunately, it is difficult to take photos because of the crowds. (Original) 這裡有美麗的楓葉，秋天染成一片火紅的景像，可惜人多難拍照

(Translated by Google) I think Jabaraji is the most beautiful place to see autumn leaves in Mount Koya. However, it is difficult to find a parking space at this time of year. If you are coming by car, you will need to leave home early in the morning. (Original) 蛇腹路は高野山で最も紅葉が綺麗な場所だと思う。ただこの時期は駐車場を探すのが難しい。車で来るのであれば朝早く家を出る必要がある。

(Translated by Google) This road has a great atmosphere. I'm sure it would be even more beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn red and when the new leaves are green. (Original) この道は雰囲気がある 紅葉の秋、新緑の季節はきっと、もっときれいだろう

(Translated by Google) This photo spot always comes to mind when talking about Mount Koya! It's especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season. When we visited, the leaves were just starting to change color, but it was still very beautiful. (Original) 高野山と言うと必ず出てくるフォトスポット！紅葉シーズンはとてもキレイですよ。 今回は色づき初めでしたが、とても綺麗でした。

(Translated by Google) On November 12th, the maple leaves were still green, yellow, and scarlet, so although it was a little early for the leaves to change color, they were beautiful and colorful. (Original) 11月12日、もみじはまだ緑、黄色、朱色の葉もあり、紅葉には少し早かったですが、色とりどりで美しかったです。

(Translated by Google) Five days ago, it hadn't turned completely red yet. (Original) 五天前，還沒有全部變紅。

This is a resting place for people of worship, you can has a cup of tea in the self-service.

(Translated by Google) At the rest area, you can sometimes listen to a 15-minute sermon. The building behind the rest area The lantern that was lit by Kobo Daishi has been lit for over 1200 years. A reserve fire is maintained here in case something goes wrong. You can enjoy tea from the tea kettle boiled over the fire for free. Thank you. You cannot enter when it is closed. (Original) 休憩所、15分ほどのお説法も時々聞けます。 休憩所の奥の建物 弘法大師が点けられた灯籠の火は1200年以上灯され続けています。もしもの事があった時のために、予備の火がここで管理されています。 その火で沸かされた茶釜のお茶が無料で頂けます。ありがたいです。 閉まっている時は入れません。

(Translated by Google) After visiting the Okunoin, I listened to a sermon and felt refreshed. Every time I visit Mt. Koya, I walk the path to the Okunoin, pay my respects to my ancestors, reflect on my daily attitude, and gain some realizations. After visiting the Okunoin, I leave the mountain with a renewed sense of reflection and gratitude, and head back to my daily life. My daily life is self-indulgent and self-confident. I am easily swayed by distracting thoughts, and my selfish interpretations make me feel uneasy. I am grateful for the opportunity to come to Mt. Koya and visit the Okunoin. Nothing is taken for granted. I told myself to never forget this and to never neglect to make an effort to live each day with humility. I hope I will be able to visit Mt. Koya again. I will continue to work hard every day. (Original) 奥の院参拝後、ご法話を聞かせていただき 清々しい気持ちを得る事ができました。 高野山参拝の度に 奥の院までの道のりを歩きながら、先祖を敬い、日頃の自分の態度を振り返りつつ、気づきをいただきます。 奥の院参拝後は、反省と感謝を持って、新たな心持ちで日常に向かって山を後にします。 自分に甘い自分自信の日常。 雑念に振り回されやすく、身勝手な解釈で気持ちをざわつかせてしまいます。 高野山まで来させていただき、奥の院まで参拝させていただける幸せに感謝です。 当たり前のことなど何も無い。 と言う事を忘れず、日々謙虚に過ごす努力を怠ってはいけないと、自分に言い聞かせました。 また高野山に参拝できますように。 日々精進致します。

(Translated by Google) It's a very nice building, but it's a resting place, and Koya-kun, the popular mascot of Mt. Koya, will greet you. There was a stove in the back and hot tea was prepared in a pot, and it was refreshing to scoop it with a ladle. It is also true that this is the first time I have ever seen an old pot in use. It was relatively early in the morning, so I was able to have a nice cup of hot tea and take a break. (Original) とても立派な建物なのですが休憩場所となっていて高野山ゆるキャラの、こうやくんが出迎えてくれます。 奥に竈があり釜の中に熱き茶が準備されていて柄杓ですくって頂くのも新鮮でした。竈に年期の入った釜も本当に使われているのは初めて見たのも事実です。 比較的朝早かったのでゆっくり熱き茶を頂き休憩することが出来ました。

(Translated by Google) Okunoin Shotokuden is a resting place for worshipers located next to the Okunoin Gokusho, and is also known as the ``tea place.'' The building is a one-story building made entirely of Japanese cypress, with 10 ken rows of beams and 5 ken rows of beams, and a floor area of ​​50 tsubo. This building was newly constructed in 1915 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the founding of Mt. Koya, and is one of the few buildings from the early Taisho period that are becoming rare on Mt. Koya. Above the front, there is a large overhanging roof called a gable. Initially, this roof was made of cypress bark, but it has now been replaced with copper plates. (Original) 奥之院頌徳殿（しょうとくでん）は、奥之院御供所の隣にある参拝者用の休憩所で、「茶処」とも呼ばれています。 建物は、総檜造りの平屋造り、桁行十間、梁行五間、建坪は五十坪です。 大正４年（１９１５）に高野山開創千百年の記念事業として新築された建物で、高野山でも少なくなりつつある大正時代初期の建造物です。 正面上方には破風と呼ばれる大きく張りだした屋根を持っています。 当初、この屋根は檜皮葺でしたが、今は銅板に葺き替えられています。

(Translated by Google) It was a great experience to be able to listen to a sermon while enjoying free tea! (Original) お茶を無料でいただきながら、ご法話が聞ける体験が良かったです！

(Translated by Google) Due to the influence of the coronavirus, the sermon was recorded and shown on video, but it's a very good talk, so if you have time, please listen to it at least a little bit! (Original) コロナの影響で法話が録画されたものかわ映像でながされてますが、とてもいい話しなので時間があれば少しだけでも聞いてみて下さい!

(Translated by Google) The Kumano Kodo Trail is a historical trail that connects Mount Koya to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. There are many pleasant hot springs and beautiful countryside in the middle. The more challenging ones require a four-day itinerary, and several sections of the mountain route are hiking trails with high height differences, so detailed preparations and appropriate physical strength are required. (Original) 熊野古道小邊路，是連結高野山至熊野本宮大社的歷史古道，中間分佈不少宜人的溫泉與鄉村美景。 挑戰性高的在需安排四天行程，且其中幾段的山峰路線是高低落差高的登山步道，因此要有詳細的準備與適當的體力。

(Translated by Google) The entrance to Mt. Koya on the Kohechi route of the Kumano Kodo. Some parts are difficult to understand on the maps, but there are signs on site as shown in the photo on the left, but it is easy to miss. Since it is a world heritage road, I think it would be a good idea to make it a little more conspicuous. It is a crossroads, but the correct answer is to go to the right when looking from the direction of Koyasan town. The straight road in the photo on the left leads to Kongo Shami-in Temple, which is a dead end. (Original) 熊野古道小辺路の高野山入り口。諸地図では分かりにくい部分もあるが現地では左の写真のように標識があり分かるようになっているが見落としやすい。世界遺産の道なのでもう少し目立つようにしても良いかと思う。十字路になっているが、高野山の街の方から見て右の方に進むのが正解。左の写真の真っ直ぐ向かう道は金剛三味院にいってしまい、行き止まりになる。

(Translated by Google) It's just a normal signpost. From here there is a long road to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine... (Original) いたって普通の道しるべです。 ここから熊野本宮大社への長い道のりが…

(Translated by Google) In the midst of nature, you can feel the heart of Buddha while remembering the past. It was a valuable experience! (Original) 大自然の中で、昔を偲びながら、仏様の御心に触れられる。貴重な経験でした!

While in Koyasan we had a Japanese lunch at Hanabishi. High prices but great location and food. The salmon but very tasty and not too sweet. The miso was delicious. There were two types of rice, which we have not always been offered. Instead of chicken, we got two fried shrimps. We were not too much into the rest of the things they added. As per usual, the omelette was artificially sweet and so were the rest of the things (including the pieces of fruit).

Very tasty sushi bento box and nice vegan one. The meal felt balanced and the staff was very nice and spoke English very well so commutation was easy. The tea that was served before the meal was also very nice.

Delightful Japanese restaurant serving both meat and vegan options. Friendly service, great tasting and lovely food presentation!

We recenlly visited Koyasan and tried Hanabishi. It was the best meal of my entire Japan trip. Food was great in flavor and the hosts (a sweet Mother Daughter duo) were amazing. They were super kind. We came in almost at closing time but they still hosted us and showed great hospitality. Definitely recommend everyone visiting Koyasan to try ths place. Thanks,

Very friendly and polite staff. Very tasty buddhist-style bento boxes. Portions are quite large. Some are vegetarian and vegan. A bit pricey, but that’s expected in a very tourist place at the top of mountains. English menu is available. Highly recommended!

It has standards which it’s a good choice in Koyasan….

If you’re looking for vegetarian; vegan food , ask for the meal sets under the “Shojin-ryori” menu for no garlic; no onion ; Buddhist-monk diet. Sets range from $20usd -$60usd. The soy milk dessert is like a custard but ever so soft and delicately paired with a specially preserved persimmon . So amazing, My friends and I can’t wait to come back just for it.

Women could not go further. Things have changed so much.

The perfect place to start or end your visit to Koyasan. Located at the North-West entrance to Koyasan, it is the last remaining Nyonindo in the area. There used to be seven of them at the different entrances. These were the places of worship for women back when women were not permitted to enter Koyasan. There is a bus stop directly opposite (stop #2) which is the closest stop to Koyasan Station.

Right on the entrance to Koyasan is this very neat, little shrine located. The people here are very friendly, the place gives a nice introduction and makes you want to see more of Koyasan.

Nice place to do omairi. Friendly staff who informs you that you can ring the instrument after praying. Free water and the nice mountain air to greet you outside.

(Translated by Google) Nyonindo is reached by going up Fudozaka from Gokurakubashi Bridge. It is said that when women were not allowed in the shrine, there was a women's hall at each entrance to the shrine, and this is the only one that still exists. This is the first bus stop when you take the Rinkan bus from Koyasan Station, but due to road construction, all buses are currently running via Daimon. I've passed by it many times since I was a child, but this was my first time visiting. Are you a monk? There was one person. It is one of the remains that tells the history of Mt. Koya. (Original) 極楽橋から不動坂を上がってたどり着くのがここ女人堂です。女人禁制だった頃は各参詣口に女人堂があったそうで、ここが唯一現存してるとのことです。 高野山駅前からりんかんバスに乗って、一つ目のバス停がここですが、現在道路工事中で全てのバスが大門経由となっています。 幼少期から何度も前を通っていましたが、今回初めてお邪魔しました。僧侶の方かな？お一人おられました。 高野山の歴史を物語る遺構の一つです。

(Translated by Google) Directly in front of the Nankai Rinkan Bus "Nyonin-do" stop. This is the only surviving building of the women's lodging house at the seven entrances to Mt. Koya. Free to visit. 8:30-16:30. Free🅿️4 parking spaces. Until the ban on women was lifted in 1872, women could only enter up to this point. Here we received the red seals of the Nyonin-do and the Tokugawa family mausoleum🙏 We also received free cold water inside, so we took a break😅💦 (Original) 南海りんかんバス「女人堂」すぐ前 高野山の7つの登口に　あった女性用の参籠所 唯一現存する建物です。 拝観無料。8:30〜16:30。無料🅿️4台。 明治５年(１８７２年)に　女人禁制が解かれるまでは　ここまでしか女性は立ち入れませんでした。 こちらで女人堂と徳川家霊台の御朱印を いただきました🙏 中で　冷たいお水も無料でいただけたので ほっと一息😅💦

(Translated by Google) It is said to be the only surviving structure of the women's halls that stood at each of the seven entrances to Mount Koya, a place that was off-limits to women for over 1,000 years. During those times when women were off-limits, Kobo Daishi Kukai is said to have traveled from Mount Koya to Jison-in nine times a month. (Original) 一千年余り、女人禁制であった高野山の七つの入り口にそれぞれ建っていた女人堂の唯一の残存建造物とのことです。 そうした女人禁制の時代には、弘法大師空海は高野山から慈尊院まで月に9回通っていたと言われているらしいです。

This is a little temple on the Main Street in the town of Koya with very friendly priests. Inside there you will find a gallery of paintings around the shrine. The paintings tell a very insightful story of a father and a son. Very impressive indeed ...

First Unfriendly Japanese

A temple with a heart touching origin.

Nice place

(Translated by Google) The story was expressed in three-dimensional pictures and had a fantasy atmosphere. It's nice to be able to visit at the end. I found a rare ring on sale, so I bought it for 500 yen to ward off evil spirits. (Original) ストーリーが立体的な絵で表現されファンタジーな雰囲気だった。最後にお参りできるのも良い。珍しく指輪を売っていたので500円で厄除けとして購入。

(Translated by Google) I dropped in on my way back from visiting my family's grave. I come to Koyasan every year, but this was my first time here. I didn't bring my goshuincho (stamp book) with me, so I bought one that was written down. There are three types. Each one costs 500 yen. It was after 4pm and the hall was getting ready to close, but the guide was very kind and accommodating. (Original) お墓参りの帰りにふらっと寄ってみました。 高野山には毎年来ていますが、こちらには初めて行きました。 御朱印帳を持ってきていなかったので 書き置きしてある物を購入しました。 3種類あります。 1つ500円です。 夕方16時を過ぎお堂は閉める準備をされていましたが案内の方は親切に対応していただきました。

(Translated by Google) Karikado is famous for the tragic story of Doshin Karikata and Ishidomaru, the story of Ishidomaru. It is said that after Doshin Karikata became a monk, his son Ishidomaru visited his father on Mt. Koya, and after his mother's death, they practiced together without revealing that they were father and son. (Original) 刈萱堂は、刈萱道心と石童丸の悲話・石童丸物語で有名です。刈萱道心が出家したいきさつから息子の石童丸がこの高野山に父を訪ね、母の死をきっかけに父子と明かされる事が無いままともに修行したと伝えられます。

Surprised how many people were there when we visited on a random day! Bridge was closed for being slippery, there was a priest who wrote my shuin in the book for ¥500. They had a picnic area too and udon in a shop by the two big free parking lots.

A sacred shrine with that gives a calm and peaceful experience. The autumn colours are still nice but past the peak.

A beautiful shrine that is usually quiet. Every season is beautiful, and in summer it is cooler than places at sea level, such as Wakayama City or Iwade City etc.

Nice local spot

Very peaceful and pretty place

Katsuragi of Wakayama Prefecture is well worth a visit

Gorgeous

Even if it's not much to see, the lantern hall is definitely beautiful. You should take off your shoes and take a look around, from the walls to the ceiling. Pictures are not allowed.

If you come here without knowing a thing about esoteric Buddhism, you won’t simply get it. This is the key spiritual point of the Shingon Buddhism, it requires at least a basic understanding of this religion otherwise you will only see yet another pagoda but full of lanterns.

Negative vibe overall and not much to see. Plenty of friendlier temples in Japan and especially Korea.

Overwhelming! The Toro-do is Okunoin's main hall of worship. The hall is famous for the many, many lanterns which are lit in honor of Kobo Daishi (ak.a. Kukai). Only a small part of the 11.000 lanterns hangs in this building, the vast majority of the lanterns hang and stand in the Kinentoro-do on the right side of the Toro-do. These lamps are donated by worshippers of Kobo Daishi, and are lit eternally. The Toro-do has an other amazing treasure: in the hall's basement are 50,000 tiny statues that have been donated to Okunoin on the occasion of the 1150th anniversary of Kobo Daishi's entrance into eternal meditation in 1984. The pinnacle of your visit to the Okunoin.

No one there when I entered and wasn't aware at the time that no photos are allowed

Many lanterns. Many Buddha statues. Many trees.

Beautiful hall, check out the upper and lower levels. No pictures allowed but it is beautiful to walk thru

Our stay at this temple was probably one of the most memorable moments of our trip to Japan. It was a mix of emotions: impressive and unique, but also a little awkward due to the surrounding environment. To be honest, the meals provided are not for every taste, we were served the same type of food that monks eat during their practices, which I found strange and not very enjoyable. Aside from that, the experience was fantastic. Being able to sleep in a monk’s temple and experience the daily life there is truly unique. We stayed in a more “European-style” room, which was extremely comfortable, making the stay even more pleasant.

We really loved our stay in Koyasan! The region is birthplace of Shingon Buddhism English speaking monks help us with valuable information about the History, the Buddhism and the region. We REALLY appreciatted that!!! As we value to stay where monks are so supportive to help you and show You all the history of the region, Yochi-in is definitely our most preferred place in Koyasan

Once on a life time experience to live in a buddhist temple. Very clean comfortable rooms, dinner and breakfast is vegan, same as what the monks have. Morning prayer gave the opportunity to participate in chanting a sutra. Our guide was very knowledgeable and explained a lot.

A unique and profound experience on our trip. Very illuminating and relaxing. Thank you very much to the staff and monks at Yochi-in for their hospitality and insight.

I have been in Koyasan couple times, this time we tried this temple. Best decision ever! Amazing experience and is also English friendly. Thank you so much!

Beautiful temple. Quiet and away from the noise of the road. Very friendly caretakers!

The staff and monks are lovely, and so helpful. They willingly share information and offer suggestions on where to visit. Learning about the temple itself, as well as the rest of the mountain, is a great privilege. The rooms are simple and clean and the food is amazing :D I ordered Gluten Free meals which were delicious. The rest of my group had the regular menu and said it was amazing too. The location makes it easy to walk to all parts of the mountain. I will definitely be back.

(Translated by Google) This is a pine tree associated with Kobo Daishi. I heard that if you find a three-leaf pine tree, you will be happy, so I looked for it, but couldn't find it. Find happiness yourself (lol) Mt. Koya I want to go again. You can receive a special goshuin stamp commemorating the 1250th anniversary of Kobo Daishi's birth. It is scheduled to end within the year. (Original) 弘法大師さまゆかりの松の木です。 3葉の松を見つけると、幸せになると聞いて、探しましたが見つけられず。 幸せは、自分で見つけます(笑) 高野山 また、行きたいなぁー。 御朱印は、弘法大師様ご生誕1250年　特別御朱印をいただけます。 年内で終了との事です。

(Translated by Google) You can have a mysterious and slightly exciting experience here at Mt. Koya's Mitoko no Matsu! ①【Location and access】 Sanko no Matsu is located in the Danjo Garan area of ​​Mt. Koya, right between Kondo and Mieido. The closest one is by bus from Koyasan Station on the Nankai Koya Line, get off at the Kondo-mae bus stop, and walk about 5 minutes from there. If you are driving, the parking lot in front of Chumon or Reihokan is convenient. There are also conspicuous information boards, so you won't have to worry about getting lost! ② [Facilities and services] This pine tree is famous for a legend related to an esoteric Buddhism tool called the Sankosho. When Kobo Daishi Kukai returned to Japan from the Tang Dynasty, he asked heaven where he would like to spread esoteric Buddhism, and when he threw his Sanko pestle, it got stuck in this pine tree! It is a rare species with leaves arranged in groups of three, and it is said that if you find one of its fallen leaves and take it home, it will bring you good luck. ③【Highlights/Attractions】 The goal of visitors is to look for three-leafed pine needles! If you find one, it is customary to take it home with you as a talisman (please only pick up things that are falling naturally). It is said to bring blessings such as financial luck, academic success, and warding off evil spirits, and many people are reporting on social media that they have found it! You can enjoy it like a little treasure hunt. (Original) 神秘的でちょっとワクワクする体験ができるのが、ここ「高野山の三鈷の松」です！ ①【ロケーションとアクセス】 三鈷の松は、高野山の壇上伽藍エリア内にあり、金堂と御影堂のちょうど間にあります。最寄りは南海高野線「高野山駅」からバスで「金堂前」バス停下車、そこから徒歩約5分。車なら中門前か霊宝館前の駐車場が便利です。目立つ案内板もあり、迷うことは少ないはず！ ②【施設とサービス】 この松は「三鈷杵（さんこしょ）」という密教法具にまつわる伝説で有名。弘法大師・空海が唐から日本へ戻るとき、密教を広める地を天に問い、三鈷杵を投げたところ、それが引っかかっていたのがこの松の木だったとか！葉が三本一組になっている珍しい種類で、その落ち葉を見つけて持ち帰ると「幸運が訪れる」と言われています。 ③【見どころ・魅力】 訪れる人のお目当ては、三本葉の松葉探し！見つけたら、お守り代わりに持ち帰るのが通例です（自然に落ちているものだけ拾ってくださいね）。金運や学業成就、厄除けなどのご利益があるとされ、SNSでも「見つけた！」と報告する人が多数。ちょっとした宝探し感覚で楽しめます。

(Translated by Google) There are surprisingly few people there. I visited twice and there were no people there both times. It's helpful because if there were a lot of people around, I wouldn't feel like looking for it. It's strange because you would think that people would gather if they say it has benefits. Maybe only a few people have received the benefits? I found the pine needles of the Sanko both times. Most of the pine needles of the Sanko have not fallen, but both times I happened to find them in about 10 minutes. (Original) 意外と人がいません。2回訪問し、2回とも人がいませんでした。わさわさ人がいたら、探す気になりませんので、助かります。 御利益があるというと、人が集まりそうなのに不思議です。ご利益を受けた人が少ないのでしょうか。 2回とも三鈷の松葉を見つけました。三鈷の松葉はほとんど落ちてませんが、2回ともたまたま10分ぐらいで見つかりました。

(Translated by Google) The pine tree surrounded by a sacred fence between the Kondo and Miedo halls is called the Sanko no Matsu (Three-pronged Pine). It is said that it came to be worshipped as the Sanko no Matsu because it has three leaves, just like the Sanko vajra that appears in the episode where the temple decided to make this place the place to spread esoteric Buddhism. (Original) 金堂と御影堂の中間に瑞垣で囲まれた松の木を三鈷（さんこ）の松と呼んでいる この地を密教を広める地と決心されたエピソードに出てくる三鈷杵と同じく三葉の松であったため、「三鈷の松」として祀られるようになったらしい

(Translated by Google) A normal pine tree has two leaves, and Mitoko pine trees often have two leaves, but sometimes three leaves can be found, and it is said that if you find one, you are very lucky. It seems that it is. I'll take it home as a talisman. (Original) 通常の松の木の葉は2本で、三鈷の松の葉も2本であることが多いのですが、時々3本葉が見つかることがあって、これを見つけたらとても運が良いと言われてるらしい。 お守りとして持って帰ります。

(Translated by Google) I managed to find three leaves, but it's difficult because so many people are looking for them. (Original) なんとか3本の葉を見つけましたが 探している人が多いから難しいです。

(Translated by Google) A three-leaf pine tree between the Kondo and Goei-do. It is surrounded by a double fence to prevent worshippers from stepping on its roots, and is planted together with red pines. Pine trees are planted here on purpose because they are difficult to grow on their own. After Kukai received Esoteric Buddhism from Huiguo, in 806, he threw a vajra (a flying vajra) from the beach in Ningbo, China, hoping to find a place to "spread Esoteric Buddhism." Later, with imperial permission from Emperor Saga, Koyasan was bestowed upon him. Legend has it that while he was building a temple, Kukai found the vajra hanging from a pine tree and became convinced that Koyasan was the right place to make it a "dojo for Zen training." It is considered a sacred site of Kukai. The pine needles are three-pronged, just like the vajra. The current Sanko no Matsu is the seventh generation and was replanted during the Heisei period. In case one dies, a separate pine tree is grown from the same stump. While most pines are evergreen, the Sanko no Matsu at Mt. Koya loses its leaves from autumn to winter, making it a symbol of rebirth. The shed three-leaf pine needles are golden in color, and some worshippers seek them out as a lucky charm to bring good fortune, or to share in the miraculous power of the Flying Sanko no Vajra. (Original) 金堂と御影堂の間にある三葉の松。松の根が参拝者に踏まれないよう二重の柵で囲まれ、赤松と一緒に植栽されている。松は単体では生育しにくい性質を持つためにあえて、植栽している。空海が、恵果から密教を受法後、大同元年（806年）、中国・寧波の浜から、「密教を弘通するため」の地を求めんと願いつつ、三鈷杵（飛行三鈷杵）を投げた。後に嵯峨天皇より、勅許を得て高野山を下賜され、伽藍を造営の途中に、空海が松に掛かった三鈷杵を見つけ、高野山を「修禅の道場」とするのに相応の地であると確信したという伝説がある。空海の霊跡とされる。この松葉は、三鈷杵と同じく三股に別れている。現在の「三鈷の松」は七代目で、平成期に植え替えられた。枯れたときのために同じ株から分けた松を別に育成している。松は常緑樹が多いが、高野山の「三鈷の松」は秋から冬にかけて落葉するので、「再生」の象徴される。落葉した三葉の松葉は黄金色をしており、身につけていると「金運」を招く縁起物として、また、「飛行三鈷杵」の霊験にあやかるため、「お守り」とするために探し求める参拝者もいる。

A unique experience. Location is remote but the nature it's beautiful. If you choose to stay there be ready for long walks in nature and serenity. We stayed in the temple for one night and we got to experience the morning prayer. Dinner and breakfast were included, but not quite to my taste. Everything else was wonderful and everyone there was friendly.

An experience every traveler to Japan must try. The place is one of the oldest temples in Koya just on the door of the cemetery. The monks are very friendly and welcoming and will do a tour of the temples for you while explaining it’s history. The vegetarian dinner and breakfast were very delicious. In the morning you will be asked to participate to a Buddhist prayer with the temple’s monks. Overall a very good experience that is highly recommended.

Really peaceful, clean, and welcoming. My partner and I came here based on reviews I’d seen online, and we weren’t disappointed. We were welcomed by a staff member, who checked us in and explained the schedule and various etiquette. Was totally impressed by the vegetarian dinner. There was so much food - we could barely finish! The monks who served us were extremely friendly and kind. They made it a delight to stay. The temple itself is beautiful and very well maintained. We chose this spot because it’s so close to Okonuin Cemetery - just a few steps away for an evening or early morning walk. We regrettably missed the morning prayer because we showed up right at 630am. I would recommend getting downstairs for prayer at around 625am. Highly recommended.

This place was incredible. I want to visit again. The monks are such wonderous people to behold. The vegetarian food was amazing and I enjoyed every bite. It may not seem like a lot but when you are finished I felt satiated and nourished. I highly recommend staying here a few nights. When we stayed we joined in on the meditation with the monks as well as the fire ceremony. I also enjoyed the public bath which switched in the morning so that you got to enjoy both baths. The area around here is so incredibly resistant with spirituality and nature. I adore it. I loved staying here - please just come here. It's an incredible place.

This old temple was our accommodation for 4 days 3 nights! Food served are fully vegan. We wished there were more activities to do in the temple itself. Public baths are only for 2pax and unfortunately opens only from 4PM-9PM. Thus, no morning showers allowed. However, it’s really quiet and if you want to experience a real monk lifestyle, this would be a great place! Okunoin is just next door and everywhere is walkable in Koyasan. Rooms are very big and we got the one overlooking the mountain and pond!

Such a great experience. Some highlights ... morning prayer at 6.30 am. Amazing breakfast at 7.30. Very tasty dinner at 5.50 pm. It is all worth it. Very serene environment where you come to rest. One thing.... there is absolutely nothing to do in the evening... but since morning prayer starts at 6.30 you better go to better early... their onset is also very nice and room big and pretty comfortable. This is true ryokan hospitality... reception and monks are very friendly... experience well worth it.

A beautiful, traditional experience. THIS IS NOT A HOTEL, a lot of reviews don’t appreciate that this is a working monastery, you can’t turn up late for meals or meditation and expect them to cater to you. That said, the monks were incredibly welcoming, the food was all delicious, the morning meditation was beautiful, and I slept like a baby warm in the futon. The only downsides is that being a traditional Japanese room, the walls were literally paper and my neighbours weren’t the most quiet. Also, don’t underestimate how cold it is in Koyasan in general! 20 degrees in Osaka is easily 13 or less in Koyasan so make sure to bring something warm!! You’ll want it during mealtimes especially. The rooms had a heater and tea/a sweet to warm you up too!

Lovely curry restaurant. They have many choices on the menu from fried pork, chicken steak, fried shrimp. The dishes were pretty big and the price wasn't too high. The staffs didn't speak English but they have English picture menu where you can just point at what you want.

This is the best cutlet me and my family have had in Japan so far! It’s really delicious

I had a tonkatsu with curry and rice and it was delicious. The curry was very good and the cutlet was crunchy and juicy. The owners were very kind and smiled a lot.

This place was absolutely wonderful! After walking around in the freezing cold all day and staying at a vegetarian temple, tonkatsu-tei was absolutely perfect. We got the huge meal of fried pork, curried pork and tempura shrimp and both cleaned our plates. Also, super friendly staff and ready supply of Asahi!

Tastes great!! The restaurant is clean. Owners are friendship.

The duck udon was so delicious, we took a photo of it when we finished. One of the best bowls we had in Japan! Had a beer and watched baseball with the owners.

What a delightful experience, it was like having a beautiful home cooked meal. We were welcomed by the lovely lady owner, she gave us excellent recommendations on what to order. The food was prepared quickly and tasted absolutely delicious, so much variety and all at a very great price. Definitely felt like some good old fashioned food cooked with love, definitely check it out if you are in the area!!!

Visited the nice, sleek, modern coffee shop. Very nice, welcoming and helpful young staff. This quite slick, modern cafe, but I found their severely limited selection of snacks, cakes, pastries, etc astonishing and disappointing, in equal measure. Management are really missing an obvious opportunity to make real money. The coffee was ok. TOP TIP FOR MANAGEMENT: rent out the cafe bar in the evening from 1800-2300 as a cafe bar: it would really appeal to foreign, metropolitan tourists who would like a nice, leisurely drink after a hard day’s spirituality. By the end of the first year, you would have enough money to buy either a brand new temple or a Mercedes E class: most monasteries around there seem to manage both!

nice spot to get coffee and dessert in Koyasan! with brisk of fresh air and quintessential view

Staff were super friendly, loved the ambient too. We had the vegetarian curry (with sesame tofu dessert) which was very tasty. Only shortfall is lack of food options.

Thank you for your kindness. I will come back again.

Excellent presentation about koyasan. Although we were only 3 people in the cinema, our host was so engaged and welcoming it was a pleasure to watch. Totally recommend if you want to know more about the spirit and the history of this place 👍

The VR-presentation was very good, especially the presenter was enthusiastic and engaged in making us feel welcomed.

Good insight into Koyosan history and English audio available.

(Translated by Google) The last time I visited was about 9 years ago, when Sanada Maru was being broadcast, and Koyasan was also celebrating the 1200th anniversary of Kobo Daishi's death, so it was very busy. I felt that it was aging. I made a small donation for repairs. The good old streets around here make me feel like I've gone back in time, and I feel nostalgic. I want to preserve it for future generations! (Original) 前回訪れたのが約9年前、真田丸が放送されていた時期で高野山も弘法大師1200年と重なり大変賑わっていました。老朽化が進んでいるなぁという感じはしました。修繕のための寄付は少しばかりでしたがしてきました。この辺りの古き良き街並みは昔に戻った感があり懐かしさを憶えます。是非後世に残したい！

(Translated by Google) This is the grave of Sanada Masayuki. It's about a 7-8 minute walk from Kudoyama Station. The Kudoyama Sanada Museum is also nearby, which you can enjoy. This is a must-see spot for history buffs. (Original) 真田昌幸のお墓があります。 九度山駅から徒歩７～８分くらいでいけます。 近くに九度山・真田ミュージアムもありこちらも楽しめます。 歴史好きにはたまらないスポットだと思います。

(Translated by Google) After the Western Army's defeat in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Sanada father and son (Masayuki and Yukimura) were forced to live in seclusion at Rengejoin Temple in Koyasan. They later moved here from Mount Koya, where women were not permitted, to live with their wives and children. It was a moving experience, as Masayuki's father ended his life here, hoping for a comeback. It's a place worth visiting along with Rengejoin Temple in Koyasan and the Sanada Museum in Kudoyama. It's a small place, but that's precisely why it's such a valuable place, allowing you to experience Sanada Masayuki's final thoughts. (Original) 1600年の関ヶ原の戦いの西軍敗北の後に、 真田親子（昌幸・幸村）が高野山の蓮華定院へ蟄居させられ、その後、妻子との生活をするため女人禁制の高野山から移り住んだ場所です。 父の昌幸は再起を願いながらこの場所で生涯を終えたため、感慨深いものがありました。 高野山の蓮華定院、九度山・真田ミュージアムと合わせて訪問したい場所です。 こじんまりとした場所ですが、それゆえに真田昌幸の最後の気持ちに触れることができる貴重な場所でした。

(Translated by Google) It's going to rain again tomorrow, so I'd better get my quota done. I put in the optional entrance fee of 5 million ryo. My father's grave is in the corner immediately to the left after passing through the gate. I took the 27-minute round trip to make it to the next train. The sidewalk is narrow, so there's a lot of traffic. I should have put my luggage in a coin locker. (Original) 明日も雨なのでノルマをこなしておこう。任意の入場料500万両投入。 お父さんの墓は門くぐってすぐ左の一角です。 次の電車間に合わせる為に27分で往復しました。歩道が狭いから往来酷い。コインロッカーに荷物入れれば良かった。

(Translated by Google) Zenmyoin Temple (Sanada-an) in Kudoyama is known as the place where the Sengoku period warlords Sanada Masayuki and his son Yukimura (Nobushige) lived in exile. Within the temple grounds is Sanada-an, which enshrines Masayuki and Yukimura. Although it is a small temple, it was great to see items related to the Sanada family and the six-mon coin family crest everywhere. (Original) 九度山の「善名称院（真田庵）」は、戦国武将・真田昌幸と幸村（信繁）親子が幽閉生活を送った地として知られています。境内には、昌幸・幸村父子を祀る「真田庵」があります。 こぢんまりとしたお寺ながら、真田家ゆかりの品々や六文銭の家紋が随所に見られてよかったです。

(Translated by Google) June 2025 Although it is not mentioned in other reviews, there is a museum to the left of the main gate. It costs 200 yen. There are photos of the filming of Sanada Maru, armor, local documents and weapons, and a stamp. Apparently there has been a leak in the main hall since 2024, so there is a donation box here and at the Sanada Museum. Thank you for your cooperation. (Original) 2025年6月 他の方の口コミにあまり無いのですが、正門左手に資料館があります。200円です。 真田丸の撮影の写真や鎧兜、地元の資料や武具などがあり、スタンプもありました。 2024年から本堂の雨漏りがあるらしく、寄進箱がココと真田ミュージアムにあります。 ご協力をお願いします。

(Translated by Google) ☆I finally made it to Sanada-an 😄 After the Western Army's defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 (Keicho 5), father and son Sanada Masayuki and Nobushige (Yukimura) were exiled from Ueda Castle in Shinshu to Kishu (Koyasan to Kudoyama) and placed under house arrest. Zenmei-in Temple, built in 1741 (Kanpo 1), stands on the site of the mansion where the Sanada family lived quietly and peacefully. Even within its small grounds, there's much to see. The main hall is a rare eight-arched structure, with a staircase leading to the entrance hall. Since I had the chance to visit, I was able to take my time to see the monuments, Nagayamon Gate, Kitamon Gate, Masayuki Sanada's grave, Sanada Jishu Daigongen Shrine, the mausoleum of the temple's founder, Daian Shonin, and the "Thunder-Sealing Well" where Sanada Nobushige sealed away a lightning bolt that struck the Sanada residence. 👀 ☆ Masayuki Sanada, a man of many talents who survived the fiercely competitive Warring States period, passed away in despair in 1611 (Keicho 16). 🥲 ☆ From Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the undisputed ruler of Japan Sanada Nobushige, a young man favored for his talent and serving as a horse guard, married the daughter (Chikurin-in) of the righteous warrior Otani Ogyobe Yoshitsugu. In 1614 (Keicho 19), at the request of the Toyotomi clan in Osaka, he escaped from Kudoyama with his eldest son, Daisuke Yukimasa, and entered Osaka Castle (Sanada Nobushige ⇒ Yukimura). 🐎 The banner bearing the "six-mon coin" fare for crossing the Sanzu River! ️ During the Winter Siege of Osaka, he built the "Sanadamaru" fort and tormented the Tokugawa troops of the Maeda, Ii, and Echizen Matsudaira. He repelled the attacks and spread the name of Sanada Yukimura throughout the country. During the Summer Siege of Osaka, the red-armored "Sanada Yukimura" troops launched a desperate all-out assault on Tokugawa Ieyasu's main camp several times, and although the Tokugawa main force collapsed, they were gradually counterattacked by the superior numbers of the Ii troops and the Echizen Matsudaira troops, and Sanada Yukimura was exhausted. Although he fell just short, the brave and courageous Sanada Yukimura troops were declared "Japan's greatest warriors" by the enemy commander-in-chief "Tokugawa Ieyasu" ⚔️ (Original) ☆やっと来れました真田庵😄 1600年(慶長5年)関ヶ原の戦い西軍敗戦後、信州上田城から紀州(高野山〜九度山)へ配流蟄居させられた『真田昌幸・信繁(幸村)親子』 真田親子がひっそりと閑居した屋敷跡と伝承ある地に建つのが(善名称院」1741年(寛保元年)の建立、小さい境内にも見処あり、本堂は珍しい八棟造の本堂・位牌堂・長屋門・北門・真田昌幸の墓と真田地主大権現・寺院建立した大安上人御廟と真田信繁が真田屋敷に落ちた雷を封じた井戸「雷封じの井」など、折角来れたのでゆっくり拝見させて頂きました👀 ☆群雄割拠する戦国時代を生き抜いた表裏比興の者「真田昌幸」失意のうちに1611年(慶長16年)逝去🥲 ☆天下人「豊臣秀吉」から若き才を寵愛され馬廻衆を務め、義の武将「大谷刑部吉継」の娘(竹林院)を妻とした真田信繁、1614年(慶長19年)大坂豊臣家からの要請受け嫡男大助幸昌と共に九度山を脱出し大坂城入城(真田信繁⇒幸村)🐎 三途の川の渡し賃「六文銭」の旗印‼️ 大坂冬の陣では「真田丸」を普請し徳川方の前田隊・井伊隊・越前松平隊を翻弄迎撃し撃退、真田幸村の名前を天下に広め、大坂夏の陣では裸城の大坂城から野戦に、赤備の「真田幸村」隊は決死の総突撃を徳川家康本陣に数度敢行し徳川本隊総崩れも、徐々に数に勝る井伊隊や越前松平隊などの反撃にあい力尽きた真田幸村、あと一歩届かずも勇猛果敢な真田幸村隊を敵総大将「徳川家康」して『日本一の兵(つわもの)』⚔️

Make sure to stop by and grab an ‘omamori’ (charm). They have really nice colored ones if you are into collecting them.

(Translated by Google) The Okunoin Gokusho is a building on the Gobyobashi Bridge with a plaque of ``Daikokuten'' on the central stairway. On the right side of the shrine, there is a reception desk for stamps. Also, on the left side, the daily sacrifices of flesh and blood offered to Kobo Daishi are made. The monks carry it to the shrine twice every day, at 6 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. There is a small shrine, Ajimi Jizo, in a slightly tucked-in place on the north side of the shrine. The origin of this Jizo is said to have been enshrined as ``Mikuri Myojin'' near the Gobyo Bridge by two of Kobo Daishi's disciples, known as Aiman ​​and Aigo, who took care of his meals. Kobo Daishi's meals are prepared in the shrine and placed in a chest, and then the monks called Yuina and Gyoboushi offer the food in front of the Jizo, and then it is carried to the lantern hall in front of the shrine. This belief is based on the ``Kobo Daishi belief,'' which holds that even today, Kukai enters an eternal meditative state at the shrine, watching over future generations. (Original) 奥の院御供所（ごくしょ）は、御廟橋の建屋で中央部の裳階に「大黒天」の扁額が架る。 拝殿の右側には、御朱印の受付があります。また、左側は、弘法大師に供える日々の生身供（しょうじんぐ）が作られています。 毎日午前6時と午前10時30分の２回、僧侶が御廟に運んでいる。 御供所の北側の少し入りこんだ場所に小さな祠が、嘗試地蔵（あじみじぞう）です。 この地蔵のもとは、愛漫（あいまん）・愛語（あいご）と呼ばれる弘法大師の食事の世話をした二人の弟子が、御廟橋の傍に「御厨明神（みくりやみょうじん）」として祀られていたものだといわれている。 御供所で調理され櫃に入れられた弘法大師の食事は、維那（ゆいな）と行法師（ぎょうぼうし）と呼ばれる僧侶が、嘗試地蔵前に供えた後に、御廟前の燈籠堂まで運ばれる。 これは、現在も御廟で空海が永遠の禅定に入って後世の人々を見守っているという「弘法大師信仰」に基づくものである。

(Translated by Google) I forgot to post that I went to Mt. Koya to conclude my Shikoku pilgrimage. After filling out all 88 payment slips, we headed to Mt. Koya. At first, the person who wrote it for me was just a clerical person, but as soon as he confirmed that all of my bills were listed, he resolutely said, ``It's a fulfillment of my wishes,'' and I felt like bragging to everyone around me. That's a good memory The figure of Kobo Daishi here is in color lol, as expected~ (Original) 四国お遍路の締めに高野山に行きました～を掲載するの失念しておりました。 納経帳が88か所全部記入いただき最後高野山です。 書いていただける方が、最初は事務的に対応されてましたが、私の納経帳が全部記載されてるの確認されたとたん「満願成就ですね～」しみじみ言われた時は周りに自慢したくなりました。 よき思い出ですね こちらの弘法大師のお姿はカラーでしたｗさすがですね～

(Translated by Google) November 3, 2025 You can get the Okunoin goshuin (temple seal) at this Gokusho (offering office). There are three counters on each side, so it wasn't too crowded. On this day, it was quite crowded. Goshuin (stamp) - Handwritten, 500 yen (Original) 2025.11.3 奥之院の御朱印はこちらの御供所でいただけます 窓口は左右に３つずつあるので、そこまで混み合っていなかったです この日は、かなりの人で賑わっていました 御朱印　直書き、500円

(Translated by Google) Daikokuten, Benzaiten, and Bishamonten are enshrined at the Okunoin Gyosho. (Original) 奥之院御供所には大黒天・辯財天・毘沙門天が祀られている

(Translated by Google) Gokusho is the place where meals for Kobo Daishi, who is said to have been enshrined in the shrine, are prepared. Every morning, a priest prepares a meal at the shrine, offers it to Ajimi Jizo for tasting, and then takes it to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum. It also serves as the Okunoin temple office, and sells amulets and other items. (Original) 御供所（ごくしょ）は、御廟で入定しているとされる弘法大師の食事を作っている場所です。 毎朝、行法師(ぎょうぼうし)が御供所で食事を作り、まず嘗味地蔵（あじみじぞう）に供えて味見をしてもらってから、弘法大師御廟に運びます。 奥の院の寺務所にもなっていて、お守りなどを売っています。

(Translated by Google) Koyasan Okunoin. This is a sacred place where the founder of the Shingon sect, Kobo Daishi Kukai (Odaishi-san), resides. * Bean information Kobo Daishi Kukai was baptized as a Christian in the Tang Dynasty. The fact that the lantern in front of the Okunoin Mausoleum has a cross on it is said to be the influence of Keikyo (Christianity). From the parking lot to the inner temple, enjoy the unique graves of major Sengoku feudal lords, Yakult, termites, and more. There is also a stone monument of Keikyo (Christianity), so if you noticed it, you're in luck! is. Because of the belief that Kobo Daishi is still alive today as a sokushinbutsu, meals are prepared twice a day at the memorial hall, even on rainy days, heavy snow warnings, or typhoon days, and are brought to the Okunoin temple. If you can come across this scene, you are lucky! This is an important ceremony, so we will observe it without disturbing or making any noise. From the shrine to the Okunoin temple, you will pass through a stone bridge. This is the true sanctuary of Okunoin. Since it is inside a barrier, photography is prohibited from the stone bridge. Please be careful. (Original) 高野山奥の院。真言宗 始祖弘法大師空海（お大師さん）が おられる聖域です。 ※ 豆情報 弘法大師空海さんは、唐でキリスト教の洗礼を受けています。奥の院御廟前の灯篭に十字架がついているとか、景教（キリスト教）の影響との事。 駐車場から奥の院に至る迄に、超メジャーな戦国大名さんのお墓やヤクルト、シロアリ等一風変わったお墓を楽しみましょう。 又、景教（キリスト教）の石碑も有るので、気付けた方は、ラッキー！です。 弘法大師は即身仏として現在も生きていらっしゃると言う信仰から、御供養所で毎日２回、雨が降っても、大雪警報や台風の日でも、食事が用意され、奥の院に運ばれます。 この場面に遭遇出来れば、迷うことなく貴方はラッキー！ 重要な儀式ですので、邪魔せず、騒がず見守ります。 御供所から奥の院に行く迄に石橋を通ります。此処が奥の院の真の聖域。結界の中になので、石橋からは写真撮影禁止領域。注意下さい。

Did not meet expectations, though went during early spring at the end of the day. The art is magnificent!

(Translated by Google) It is not a dry landscape garden that uses rocks and sand to represent a landscape without using water, but a garden that depicts a male dragon and a female dragon facing each other and protecting the inner shrine in a sea of ​​clouds. It is natural that there are many rocks and it is different from the image of a mountain and water. It is meant to show a sense of dynamism and scale, and to protect against evil spirits. The materials are said to be granite from Shikoku and Shirakawa sand from Kyoto, and in the distant past, a considerable amount of material was found on the top of the mountain in Koya. I also feel terrible that it was included. (Original) 枯山水庭園の水を用いずに岩や砂などで山水を表現したものでは無く、雲海の中、雄龍と雌龍が向かい合い奥殿を守護する姿を表した庭だそうです。岩が多く山水のイメージとは異なるのも当たり前です。躍動感やスケールの大きさを示し邪鬼から護るための物なのですから。 四国の花崗岩、京都の白川砂が材料とのこと、遥か古の時代にこれだけ相当な物資が高野の山頂に、 おくり込まれたのも凄みを感じます。

(Translated by Google) Banryutei Garden is said to be the largest rock garden in Japan, measuring approximately 500 tsubo (2,340 square meters). (Original) 日本国内最大の石庭と言われている蟠龍庭（ばんりゅうてい） 約500坪（2,340㎡）もの広さがあるらしい

(Translated by Google) Banryūtei – Japan's Largest Stone Garden 🪨🐉 Although Kyoto is famous for its Zen gardens, the largest stone garden in Japan can be found in… Kōyasan! 🌲 The Banryūtei (蟠龍庭) garden, covering over 2,300 square meters, was created in 1984 at the main temple of Kongōbu-ji. It depicts two dragons emerging from an ocean of clouds and protecting the teachings of Shingon Buddhism. Over 140 enormous stones from Shikoku – the homeland of Kōbō Daishi, the founder of Kōyasan – were used to create it. The stones symbolize the might of the mountains, and the white waves of gravel symbolize the endless sea where energy and peace meet in the rhythm of Zen. While walking around Kōyasan, it's worth stopping here for a moment of contemplation, although unfortunately not for long, as it's interrupted by chatty Japanese and Chinese group tours :) (Original) Banryūtei – największy ogród kamienny Japonii 🪨🐉 Choć Kioto słynie z ogrodów zen, to największy ogród kamienny w Japonii znajdziemy w… Kōyasan! 🌲 Przy głównej świątyni Kongōbu-ji powstał w 1984 roku ogród Banryūtei (蟠龍庭) o powierzchni ponad 2300 m². Przedstawia dwa smoki wyłaniające się z oceanu chmur i chroniące nauki buddyzmu Shingon. Do jego stworzenia użyto ponad 140 ogromnych kamieni ze Shikoku – ojczyzny Kōbō Daishiego, założyciela Kōyasan. Kamienie symbolizują potęgę gór, a białe fale żwiru – bezkresne morze, w którym energia i spokój spotykają się w rytmie zen. Spacerując po Kōyasan, warto zajrzeć tu na chwilę kontemplacji, chociaż niestety niezbyt długą, bo przerywaną rozgadanymi wycieczkami grupowymi Japończyków i Chińczyków :)

(Translated by Google) It seems there were dragons made out of pinkish granite here and there. The peak of autumn leaves is near. There were lots of peonies planted, so I'd like to come back at that time. Please be careful with the barrier-free ramps in the corridors, as they can be easy to trip over. (Original) ピンク色っぽい花崗岩で模した龍があちこちいた模様。紅葉ピーク近し。 芍薬が沢山植っていたので、次はその時期に来たい。 廊下等のバリアフリーのためのスロープは、つまづき易いので要注意

(Translated by Google) This is a garden called Banryutei within Kongobuji Temple. It was built in 1150 and is one of the largest rock gardens in Japan, with an area of ​​2,430 square meters. It was well maintained and very beautiful! It was a nice space with a nice atmosphere and a calming atmosphere. (Original) 金剛峯寺内にある蟠龍庭（ばんりゅうてい）という庭園です。 1150年に造園され、広さは2430㎡と日本最大級の石庭です。 きれいに手入れされていて、とても美しかったです！ 風情があって心が落ち着くいい空間でした。

(Translated by Google) November 3, 2025 Kongōbu-ji Temple's rock garden, Banryū-tei. It's a fairly large rock garden. It was built to surround the inner hall. I was able to enter the inner hall during the special autumn viewing. The view of the garden from the inner hall is also beautiful. (Original) 2025.11.3 金剛峯寺の石庭、蟠龍庭 かなり広い石庭です 奥殿を取り囲むように作られていました 秋の特別拝観で、奥殿に入れました 奥殿から見る庭も良い

Small but beautiful nonetheless and a nice quick stop in beautiful surroundings

A nice pond a the edge of the Danjo Garan with a small temple on the island in the pond.

(Translated by Google) Koyasan's ``Lotus Pond'' is a calming and healing spot located in a quiet corner of Danjo Garan. A vermilion bridge and a small shrine are located on the island in the middle of the pond, providing a mystical atmosphere to visitors.   [Location and access] The lotus pond is located immediately on the left after passing through the central gate of Danjo Garan. From Gokurakubashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line, take the cable car to Koyasan Station, then take the Nankai Rinkan bus to Kondo-mae bus stop and walk for about 5 minutes. If you are coming by car, there are several free parking lots in the surrounding area, including the Nakamon-mae parking lot and the Reihokan-mae parking lot. [Facilities and services] This pond is called "Lotus Pond" because it was full of beautiful lotus flowers until the Showa era. A red bridge spans the center of the pond, and a small shrine is enshrined beyond it. This shrine was built in 1771 by the priest Jiko of Zuiso-in Temple, who donated a statue of Zenko Ryuo and Buddha's ashes to help people suffering from drought. In 1996, the bridge as well as the shrine were restored, and a festival is still held every year on October 17th.   [Highlights/Attractions] The biggest attraction of Lotus Pond is its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Seasonal flowers and trees are planted around the pond, and especially during the fall foliage season, the red and yellow trees are reflected in the pond, creating a magical scenery. Also, in the early morning when there is no wind, the surface of the pond becomes like a mirror, making it possible to take beautiful reflection photos of the surrounding scenery.  (Original) 高野山の「蓮池（はすいけ）」は、壇上伽藍の静かな一角に佇む、心落ち着く癒しスポットです。朱色の橋と小さな祠が池の中島にあり、訪れる人々に神秘的な雰囲気を提供します。   【ロケーションとアクセス】 蓮池は、壇上伽藍の中門をくぐってすぐ左手に位置しています。南海高野線「極楽橋駅」からケーブルカーで「高野山駅」へ、そこから南海りんかんバスで「金堂前」バス停下車、徒歩約5分です。車で訪れる場合、「中門前駐車場」や「霊宝館前駐車場」など、周辺に無料の駐車場が複数あります。 【施設とサービス】 この池は、昭和の頃までは美しい蓮が咲き誇っていたことから「蓮池」と呼ばれています。池の中央には赤い橋が架かり、その先には小さな祠が祀られています。この祠は、明和8年（1771年）に瑞相院の慈光僧正が善女龍王像と仏舎利を寄進し、干ばつに苦しむ人々を救うために建立されたものです。平成8年（1996年）には祠とともに橋も修復され、現在も毎年10月17日には縁日としてお勤めが行われています。   【見どころ・魅力】 蓮池の最大の魅力は、その静謐な雰囲気と美しい景観にあります。池の周囲には四季折々の花木が植えられ、特に紅葉の季節には赤や黄色に染まった木々が池に映り込み、幻想的な風景を楽しむことができます。また、無風の早朝には池の水面が鏡のようになり、周囲の景色が美しく映り込むリフレクション写真を撮影することができます。 

(Translated by Google) Regardless of what temple is here, I like the pond. really classic. feels like I'm in Japan - yes, of course - in ancient times. and it turns out this pool is not only interesting for me but also for other visitors. from children to adults. (Original) terlepas dari kuil apa yang ada di sini, aku suka dengan kolamnya. klasik banget. berasa ada di jepang -ya iya lah- pada jaman dulu. dan ternyata kolam ini tidak hanya menarik untuk ku tapi juga untuk pengunjung lain. dari anak-anak sampai dewasa.

(Translated by Google) A deep green pond. There are supposed to be turtles in ponds like this, but I couldn't see any. Or rather, maybe there aren't any turtles because there are no stones for them to climb onto. (Original) 深い緑色した池。 こういう池には亀がいるんですが、確認出来なかった。 というか、亀が上がってくるような石とかないからいないのかも。

(Translated by Google) There is a lotus pond on the east side of the middle gate of the Danjo Garan. (Original) 壇上伽藍の中門の東側に「蓮池」があります。

(Translated by Google) Small but interesting Japanese Buddhist temple lotus pond, the red is impressive (Original) 小而有趣的日本佛寺蓮池，紅的令人印象深刻

It was a bit steep walk to reach this shrine but it was an interesting walk.

Good, short hike with some views at the top. Depending on the season, be on the lookout for bears and giant hornets.

(Translated by Google) It is said to be one of the sacred peaks of Mt. Koya. It takes 30 minutes one way and 1 hour round trip from the trailhead next to the main gate. Although the distance is short, there are steep slopes and slippery areas, so hiking shoes are essential. The view from the top of the mountain is amazing, and you can clearly see the Izumi Mountains that separate Osaka and Wakayama. It is especially beautiful during the autumn leaves. Also, the Goku Benzaiten Shrine of Koya Shichibenten is enshrined here, so don't forget to visit it when visiting Mt. Koya. In addition, infection prevention measures are essential in the Mt. Koya area, so don't forget to wear a mask. (Original) 高野山の霊峰の一つだそうです。 大門横にある登山口から片道30分、往復1時間で登れます。距離は短いのですが、急坂や滑りやすい場所があるので登山靴は必須です。 山頂からの眺望は素晴らしく大阪と和歌山を隔てる和泉山脈がよく見えます。紅葉の時期は特に素晴らしいです。 また、高野七弁天の獄弁財天社がまつられてますので高野山にお参りの際はお忘れなく。 尚、高野山一帯は、感染予防対策が必須ですのでマスク着用をお忘れなく。

(Translated by Google) The Koyasan Town Stone Path starts near 7 Town Stone. From Mt. Benten, you can head to Nyonindo. From Nyojin-do, you can walk to Gokurakubashi Station from Kyo-Osaka Expressway Fudozaka just before the bus route. (Original) 高野山町石道は7町石付近から登って行きます。 弁天岳から、女人堂に向かう事ができます。 女人堂からは、バス道手前の京大阪道不動坂より、極楽橋駅向かって歩いて降りられます。

(Translated by Google) Takebenten is enshrined at the top. You can easily climb the mountain with a short hike. Benten is also related to Kukai. It's a very pleasant place. Please go and try it if you like (^_^)♪ (Original) 頂上に嶽弁天がまつられています。ちょっとした山登りで気軽に登ることができます。空海様ともゆかりのある弁天様です。とても気持ちのよい場所です。よかったら行ってみてください(^_^)♪

(Translated by Google) The scenery was beautiful and the air was so clear. The road was well maintained and easy to walk. (Original) 景色が綺麗で、空気が澄み最高でした。 道は整備されていて、歩きやすかったです。

(Translated by Google) The damage from Typhoon No. 21 in October 2018 was severe, and the road to the summit and the area near the shrine at the summit are heavily covered with fallen trees and are currently prohibited from entering as of October 19, 2018. (Original) 2018.10月の台風21号の被害がひどく、山頂までの道および山頂のお社付近は倒木がひどく2018.10.19現在は立ち入り禁止となっている

(Translated by Google) I thought I could live for 3 years in the full-length mirror well, but once again I found myself on a slope where my survival within 3 years was tested. It is said that if a person dies here, they will die within three years. But you can't fall down this slope, right? ! It was a gentle slope. But if I were to fall down this slope, I really felt like I would die within three years. (Original) 姿見の井戸で３年は生きられると思ったら、またもや３年以内の存命が試される坂。ここでコケたら、３年以内に亡くなるのだそうです。 でもまあこの坂で転けないでしょ？！と思う緩やかな坂でした。でもこの坂で転けるくらいだったら、本当に３年以内に亡くなりそうな感じでした。

(Translated by Google) This slope is named after Kakuban Shonin, who is enshrined in the Mitsugon-do temple that lies ahead. There are 43 steps, and if you can pass without falling, it is said that you will have passed 42 (death), but there is a legend that if you fall, you will die within 3 years, so I was nervous, but I managed to pass without falling. (Original) この先にある密厳堂に祀られている覚鑁上人に因んで名付けられた坂。 43段あって転ばずに通れれば42(死に)を超えたとされますが、転ぶと3年以内に死ぬとの伝承があって、さすがに緊張しながら転ばずに通りましたよー

(Translated by Google) Let's visit the temple too💐 (Original) お堂もお参りしましょうね💐

(Translated by Google) It is also called Sannenzaka, and like the Sugatami-no-Ido, if the moss falls here, will it be within three years? ! (Original) 三年坂とも言われ、姿見の井戸と同様、ここでコケたら三年以内に？！

(Translated by Google) 43 steps inside this fantastic cemetery, 43 steps to be climbed firmly and safely: legend has it that, in case of a fall, the subject will perish within 3 years! And we will still see each other in the black infinity that we call the cosmos. (Original) 43 scalini all'interno di questo fantastico cimitero, 43 scalini da percorrere in maniera ferma e sicura: la leggenda vuole che, in caso di caduta, il soggetto perirà entro 3 anni! E ci rivedremo comunque nell'infinito nero che chiamiamo cosmo.

WOW! The views were absolutely incredible!! Worth every step to make it up there!!

(Translated by Google) The Koya Women's Path is a remnant of the mountain path where women were prohibited from entering Mt. Koya until the early Meiji period. The course is about 10km long and goes around the Kobo Daishi Mausoleum. At that time, it is said that there were places for women to worship, such as the Nyonin-do Hall, all over the women's hall. Nowadays, it is a good hiking course that takes you around the sacred place of Mt. Koya. The trail is well organized and although the route is a bit complicated, there are signposts so you don't have to worry about getting lost. There are also many convenient access points to the town. From the peak on the south side, you can see the ridgeline of the Kii Mountains extending to the south. (Original) 高野女人道は、明治時代の初期まで女人は高野山への入山が禁じられていた名残の山道です。 弘法大師御廟を囲むように一周できる約10kmのコースとなっています。 当時は、女人堂のように、女人道の随所に女性用の参拝箇所が配されていたとのことです。 現在となっては、聖地高野山を巡る良いハイキングコースとなっています。 トレイルは整理が行き届いており、ルートは少し複雑ですが、道標があるため、道迷いの心配はありません。また、町とのアクセス箇所も多く、便利です。 南側のピークからは、南方に広がる紀伊山地の稜線をのぞむことができます。

(Translated by Google) The weather was bad and I couldn't see anything. About an hour and a half walk from Nyojindo (Original) 天気が悪くて何も見えず。女人堂から歩いて約1時間半程度

(Translated by Google) I actually walked around the Women's Trail once, but it didn't feel like the peak. I felt like Koyasan was my mental limit. (Original) 実際に女人道1周したが、ここはピークには感じなかった。 高野三山が精神的に限界だったと感じた。

(Translated by Google) Until modern times, women were not allowed on Mt. Koya, and I remember that the women's path connecting the women's halls on the outer periphery of Mt. Koya was overgrown with summer grass, perhaps because not many people passed through it. (Original) 近代まで女人禁制の高野山で女性が高野山の外周で女人堂を繋ぐ女人道、あまり人が通らないのか、夏草が激しく繁っていた記憶があります。

(Translated by Google) It looks like it has been renovated with a wooden frame, etc., making it easier to see.It is in a place that is easily overlooked, so if you are interested, please stop by. (Original) 少し木枠等整備された感じで見やすくなった感じです、見過ごしてしまう場所にありますので気になる方は立ち寄り下さい。

★逆指の藤 ★さかしのふじ ★Sakashi no Fuji

I booked this trip for my boyfriend’s birthday, and overall, we had a lovely experience. It was clear that guest feedback is taken seriously. The food was excellent, and we appreciated the English instructions provided throughout. After breakfast, our futon wasn’t put away, which actually worked out well since we were able to rest a bit more. There were a couple of small hiccups, nothing major, but I’ll mention them in case it’s helpful for others. When we checked in, we were told someone would show us where the morning ceremony takes place, but they forgot to do it. Before our stay, I had emailed to ask if I could pay extra for something special to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday. I was told that while they did not offer anything for purchase, guests celebrating birthdays would receive a small gift. However, there was no acknowledgment at all during our visit. I had no expectations, but since there were only two other groups of two staying that night, it felt a little disappointing that this was completely missed. At times, it seemed like the staff were not entirely sure how to guide us through the experience. While this did not take away from the overall enjoyment of our stay, a little more attentiveness would have made it feel more complete, especially considering the price (~130,000 yen for two).

The temple itself is beautifully serene, with peaceful gardens and traditional architecture that instantly creates a sense of calm. The accommodations were very comfortable, perfectly suited to the meditative atmosphere with own private small garden. One of the highlights was participating in the early morning ceremony with the monks. The chanting, incense, and quiet reverence set a tone of mindfulness that carried through the entire day. It felt truly special to be part of such a spiritual practice. The vegetarian meals (shojin ryori) were also excellent—carefully prepared, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every detail reflected the temple’s deep sense of hospitality and respect for tradition. If you are visiting Mount Koya and want to experience authentic temple life, I highly recommend Joki-in. It’s not just a stay—it’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and connect with a centuries-old spiritual tradition.

We stayed with the two of us for one night at Joki-in. This has been a once in a lifetime experience and absolutely magical. From the moment we entered, the friendly staff welcomed us, showed us around and gave us explanations. We had a bath in the public onsens before enjoying the traditional dinner in our room (we booked the Junior Suite with private garden view and entrance). After that there was enough time to visit the cementary for a night tour (highly recommend with a guide from Adventure Tours). Coming back the room was already cleaned and prepared for the night. The next morning we participated in the morning prayers with the head monk of the temple at 06:30, before enjoying a groups breakfast with other guests in the dining hall. I wouldn't have wanted to miss this temple experience and highly recommend visiting Koyasan and Joki-in. Additional note after reading other reviews: We feel that they have taken the previous feedback serious and improved a lot of things. The staffs English was very good and we didnt miss explanations on anything. The morning ceremony included as well English explanation. The food is ofcourse traditional and maybe not of everyone's taste, but there are otyer food options just around the corner since Joki-in is very central. The basic rooms don't include a windows, but you can upgrade your room to have a garden view and enjoying the beautiful nature, which was totally worth it for us.

We stayed at this place our second night and had an extremely different experience than our first night at Ekoin. The best thing about the stay was definitey the shower and natural wood private bath. Here, the room had more amenities including toilet and private garden, but the food was really not good. It was definitely canned food and was not prepared for our arrival. This was not the case at Ekoin which tasted substantially fresher. English was very limited at Jokiin as well, which made the ritual confusing. Me and my friend undersood what was happening only because of the prior night at Ekoin. Would not recommend here.

This temple, and perhaps all of Koyasan, feels like a scam. Reminds me of a Moroccan souk, where everyone treats you like a source of income and nothing more. The staff here was unfriendly, the building and grounds without charm, and the room like a cheap motel. The building seemed purpose-built to make money. Why have a TV in a room designed for spirituality? Why a blindingly bright fluorescent light in the ceiling? So many things could have been better, calmer… Rather than feeling any kind of pull towards enlightenment, I only had a strong desire to leave.

Experience is always a balance of quality vs price. Everything was fine, clean, food was good, but too expensive for what it is. I am glad to support the temple activity by sleeping there. I am living in Japan for more than a year and at this price you have better ryokan experience.

This was such a treat to stay and "live" the traditional way. And being able to join the morning ceremony was amazing! Would go again 🙏

Very nice people. We didn't get to do the calligraphy activity but everyone was very kind

Might not be the first choice for most foreign tourists, but it is on the list of every Japanese. There is a Buddhist ceremony performed every hour of so. It is just something to experience.

I visited to learn meditation there. This facility is office of the department of school affairs. So, you may not enjoy there.

Serene, out of this world by sacred temple and sematary.

(Translated by Google) It's a historic place! I was amazed at the temple that was built in 830 while walking around. The scenery along the mountain road that we drove to was also amazing! It was a weekday so there were not many people and we were able to take our time to get to Okunoin. (Original) 歴史のある場所です！830年に建てられたお寺がすごいなと驚きながら散歩していました。ずっと車で向かっていてる山道の景色もすごいです！平日だったので人も少なかったからゆっくり奥之院まで行けました。

(Translated by Google) Nankai Rinkan Bus "Kongobu-ji-mae" stop 🅿️Use Kongobu-ji Temple Free admission. 8:30-17:00. Goshuin stamps available. You can try copying sutras and receiving precepts. Entry fee 1000 yen (Common entrance ticket for all halls can be used) (Original) 南海りんかんバス「金剛峯寺前」すぐ 🅿️金剛峯寺を利用 入館無料。8:30〜17時。御朱印有り。 写経や授戒体験ができます。入壇料1000円 (諸堂共通内拝券使用可)

(Translated by Google) I participated in the precepts ceremony. In the pitch black, the Ajari spoke to me about precepts such as not killing. What was particularly impressive was that Buddha does not punish. In Buddhism, there is no concept of punishment; it is based on the idea of ​​karma and that one gets what one sows. Therefore, rather than becoming rigid and determined not to break the precepts, we should use the precepts as a basis for thinking about how we should live and behave. Now, we need to recognize what we dislike and what is good about us, and be conscious of reducing or increasing those actions. (Original) 授戒に参加。真っ暗な中で、阿闍梨様から不殺生などの戒律をお話しいただける。 特に印象的だったのは、仏様は罰は与えない、ということ。 仏教では罰という考え方はなく、自業自得、因果応報である。したがって、戒律を破ってはいけないと固まってしまうのではなく、戒律を軸にしてどう生きるのか、振るうのかを考えて生きていくこと。 今、自分は何が嫌なのか、逆に何が良いのか、嫌なこと、良いことを自分で認識してその行いを減らす、増やすことを意識すること。

Disappointed! There was no water supply during my stay. Meaning no water from the tab; toilet cannot be used due to no flushing water either. No shower and bath. Cannot even wash face or hands. Room was spacious facing the inner garden. Not recommend to visit during winter because almost everything closed including temples in town due to low season. It snowed quite heavy. Ended up staying inside the room. It was pointless to travel 2.5 hours from Osaka (one way) to stay in the room. Temple dinner and breakfast looked amazing. However, most of the dishes were cold. The morning puja lasted for 30 min. While the other 4 monks were still chanting, another monk suddenly led visitors to leave the praying hall. It felt unwelcome. Upon arrival, I fell on the icy roads and was unable to get medication from pharmacies. All pharmacies were closed due to low season and snowy weather. I asked the young monks if they might have something to help easing the pain. They promised to check but no one bothered to reply. I was quite sad and surprised by the lack of care and hospitality. Overall, it was not worth to pay USD 130 for an overnight experience. Checkin from 14.00. Checkout next day before 09.00. You merely slept and there was no interaction with monks or any opportunity to learn about the Japanese Buddhism. Do not recommend to stay here. Didn’t feel like a real temple. Perhaps Koyasan is good for a day trip.

the room is a normal japanese room, with view of the inner garden. we ate only breakfast and it was better than I expected. the welcome was cool and kind. what I didn't like was the morning pray. when I go to a buddhist place, I don't want to hear a speak about the local places, UNESCO heritages and weather. yes, I do speak japanese. you CAN pay by card for the room, they just always write that only cash.

Beautiful gardens. Beautiful temple. The rooms were fine, we just had a basic room. Beds comfortable enough although my partner disagrees. There was a TV in the room which felt a little odd for such a place. The corridor light stays on all night and shines through the glass doors so the room never gets fully dark. Almost no interaction with any staff after check in, they seemed hard to find. Although the person who showed us to our room was wonderful. Definitely felt more like a separate hotel than a temple stay. Dinner was great! The morning ceremony was interesting but no opportunity to join any meditation or activity the evening before. Maybe we had the wrong idea of a temple stay? Overall it was fine, just an extremely expensive stay for what felt like it should be half the price.

Beautiful surroundings, lodge with a temple touch. The accommodation keeps the traditional decoration style at its best. Great onsen at the property; included in the price.

Very beautiful place, the temple itself and the monks are really nice to experience. The way there by using a cable cart and the train through the mountains is an experience in itself. Just note that the rooms are beautiful but not made for long term stay, the same for the location. Its nice but in about 1-3 days you can get everything done. Also note that on tuesdays most restaurants and stores are either closed entirely or close at 1600. At the temple its also possible to experience a morning prayer with the monks at 0630 but its very very special. After the prayer breakfast is served. 10/10 would recommend, for a maximum of 2 nights though.

Amazing place, just 15 min by foot from bus stop N. 6. Clean rooms and common showers, with a hot bath that was perfect to relax after walking for the whole day. One of the best dinners we had in Japan. The only not so comfortable things were the pillows, but it's manageable.

A beautiful pagoda and temple complex in Koyasan that we visited on a Saturday morning. Entry was 800 yen per person and we got a small gift as part of it too which was nice The statues inside the pagoda were beautiful and the inside of the main building was nice to explore, but there was no real English translations which was a bit of a shame! Well worth a visit to explore, especially during autumn when the trees were beautiful!

Quiet, close to the Okunoin cemetary and a local bus stop. The morning chanting and fire ceremony fascinating rituals with some totally excellent drumming. Catered for gluten free.

It was getting chilly when we arrived, and the monks provided both kotatsu(heated tables) and space heaters for our group. The food was fantastic, but purely vegetarian so don't expect otherwise. The bathhouse was wonderful ' just the way to warm up on a cold day.

We scheduled a night's stay at Kumagai-Ji in the pilgrims lodging. It was fantastic. We were provided traditional rooms and meals. The experience is unparalleled in its uniquness and culture. They also have onsen onsite! The rooms included futons, kotasu and space heaters. We were included in a morning service and fire ceremony. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It is the first story my 16 Y.O. tells when talking about our trip to Japan. The only reason a downgraded the location was for access to the downside was o ly by bus or a bit of a walk. For my 74 Y.O. mom, that was a stretch to walk. Otherwise the location is beautiful and centrally located between the townsite and the cemetery/temple site

I stayed for a night in late November. It was very cold (3 degrees Celsius in the morning) and I was the only guest staying in the temple. Facilities were modern and clean. Staff was friendly and helpful. Although with no meat, both dinner and breakfast were delicious and filling. The morning prayer ceremony was a very empowering experience for me. I did not understand a word, but I could feel the focused attention of the monks seeking a higher presence.

Not luxury accommodation by any means (roughly hostel standard), but interesting experience. Breakfast and dinner were traditional Japanese meals - be prepared for some unusual tastes. Be aware also that early start for Buddhist ceremony is effectively mandatory. Very expensive, at least for us, so make sure you know what you are paying for.

Amazing experience. We booked only one night and really wished we could stay longer. The monks are really kind and eager to help. When we got there a lady who is fluent in English checked our reservation and showed us to our room, explaining everything about the temple along the way. Our room had a heater, kotatsu, a safe and TVs, the monks set the futon for you while you have dinner and yukatas are provided by the time you check in. Dinner is at 5:30 and breakfast at 7, you can take a shower anytime you want but the bath is open from 4 to 10; the main gate closes at 9. Okunoin is just about a block away so if you take the cemetery night tour there's no need to take the bus back to Kumagaiji. Also, the tour starts at the temple next door so the location is super convenient.

A nice change of scenery from the usual bustling city. They provide lunch and dinner during your stay. The room is neat and the heater works just fine. The facilitied they provide are also excellent, from booth showers, gender separated onsen, and toilet. Its close to the main city of Koyasan. The monks English are a bit choppy but it is fine.

Had a very lovely experience staying here for a couple of nights. You felt very much welcomed by the monks and in their space which they wished for you to respect which we did! Felt like a privilege to see into a small portion of their lives. It is a very basic way of lodging so don’t expect 5* hotel or anything like that. Loved that it was also a hot spring onsen style of shower rooms.

It was a very comfortable and convenient place to stay. The morning prayers were beautiful. It’s very quiet. Be sure to bring your own water. There’s no kitchen service.

Our room was very basic, empty, charmless and cold (although room heater helped). A very basic shared bath/onsen - 4pm-10pm only. Front doors locked at 9pm (which we did not know on the first night - luckily we were back on time or we would have been locked out). After very brief check-in we had no contact with anyone. To be honest felt like a mediocre hostel with no feel of a temple. Morning prayer was 1/2 hour with two monks - for the rest never saw the monks. There are no meals, no kitchen, no common area to sit in (although meals and common area are mentioned on the website…) The temple and the grounds (except for wing with the rooms and bathrooms) is completely closed off to guests. Basically this has all the disadvantages of a temple stay without any of the benefits/joys. At €180/night seemed overpriced for the lack of services and the low level of comfort. I have done temple stays in the past so know that it can be a much much more pleasant experience. Too bad, as location is great and Koyasan was lovely (if overrun with tourists….).

Overall, we were disappointed and don't recommend staying here. The room was spacious and had air-conditioning, which was a plus. However, sleeping on the floor with a small pillow that was made from small pieces of some type of material wasn't comfortable. It was a challenge to find anything open to eat other than a convince store a short walk away. The morning prayer was very underwhelming. We listened to two monks chant prayers for about 20 minutes with no explanation at all. We expected to be immersed with a cultural experience and definitely did not get that feeling unless sleeping on the floor was supposed to be the highlight of that type of lodging. They were very strict about the check-in and check-out times. Only between 3 and 5 pm and had to check out by 9am. You were only able to shower in the evenings during limited hours, and it wasn't a private shower area. The hot tub was nice and the water was very hot.

Everything was well until I went to sleep. Price was decent, service was fine, very minimal. But the pillow was just terrible. Tiny and made of hard rock like material. It was very hard to sleep on it and I barely slept. If you plan to stay, bring a pillow.

We slept one night there,.Nice temple sleep-in experience, basic but correct price.

The most basic of places to stay. Tatami mat, mattress blanket and pillow. No food. Restaurants are available outside. If you didn't plan, and find everything closed, there is always family mart!

(Translated by Google) I guess they have it for tours and student groups. It's so big that it's probably hard to clean, but it's dirty. It's dirty, or rather, it's cluttered and cluttered. The main hall is also covered in dust. The chief priest's attitude changes depending on the person, and he yells loudly. I thought the vegetarian cuisine was delicious, but The most delicious and melty tofu was It was a ready-made product. You can buy it at a souvenir shop. You can see the telephone, which is now a rare thing. The view from the room was very beautiful. (Original) ツアーや、学生さんの団体でもっているのでしょうね。 広いのでお手入れも大変でしょうが、汚い。 汚いというか、ごみごみして雑然としています。 本堂もほこりまみれ。 ご住職が人によって態度を変える、大きな声でどなる。 精進料理はおいしいと感じましたが、 一番美味しかったとろっとしたお豆腐は、 できあいの商品でした。 お土産屋さんで買えます。 今ではもう珍しくなった電話が拝めます。 お部屋からの眺めがとてもきれいでした。

(Translated by Google) I made a reservation for Shojin ryori for lunch at the tourist association and was directed to Hozenin. It was my first time to try vegetarian cuisine, but it was delicious with a lot of seasoning. I visited just in time for the autumn leaves, so the trees inside the hospital were colored and looked very beautiful. (Original) 観光協会で昼食の精進料理を予約して案内された先が宝善院さんでした。初めての精進料理でしたがしっかりとした味付けで美味しく頂きました。 丁度紅葉の時期に訪れたので、院内の木々も色付いてとても綺麗でした。

(Translated by Google) Although it seems that shukubo should not be compared with the service industry, I was still scolded by Obasan from shukubo again and again. Is it my fault that I can't see the doorbell? If you can't hear her whispering, will you get blasted by her? Not talking about service, to be objective, this shukubo experience is just a cheap hotel with Shojin cuisine. Compared with the nearby Jimei-in where I stayed about ten years ago, there is a big difference. I really don’t know the high ratings on online booking websites. How it came about. (Original) 雖然宿坊似乎不應該和服務業比較，但我還是一次又一次被宿坊的歐巴桑喝罵，看不到門鈴是我錯嗎？聽不到她很小聲說話就要被她一爆？ 不說服務，客觀一點說，這次的宿坊體驗只是一次廉價旅館加包精進料理，對比大概十多年前住過附近的持明院有相當大的分別，我真的不知道網上訂房網的高評分是怎樣來的。

(Translated by Google) I stayed here on a tour. Since it's a lodging, I don't expect the same service as a hotel, but I found a lot of women's long hair in the room, so I had to clean it. There were three washing stations in the men's bathroom, one of which was broken. The body soap was empty and the soap was full of hair so I hesitated to use it. Since there is also Corona, I would like to seek the lowest hygiene. I have my own preferences about food, so I won't comment. (Original) ツアーで宿泊しました。宿坊なのでホテルと同様のサービスは求めていないのですが、部屋に女性の長い髪の毛が多数落ちていて掃除しました。 男性のお風呂の洗い場は３ヶ所、１ヶ所は壊れていました。ボディソープは空で石鹸も毛だらけで使うのは躊躇われました。 コロナもあるので最低の衛生は求めてたいと思います。 食事は好みがあるのでノーコメントにします。

(Translated by Google) I visited Koyasan Shichifukujin to get a stamp on a colored paper. There was a man who took care of me and a woman who wrote the stamp for me, but both of them had a bad experience! ! Moreover, the ink on the goshuin is the worst because it bleeds and becomes dirty. It's a shame because the stamps of the other Seven Lucky Gods were written very carefully and the response was very good! ! At other temples, monks took care of us, but here is it just for the general public? seemed to be doing it. The goshuin stamps were dirty and the customer service was bad, which made me feel really bad! (Original) 高野山七福神で色紙に御朱印を貰いに参拝しました。 対応してくれた男性と御朱印を書いて下さった女性がいたのですが、どちらも対応も感じも悪い！！ しかも御朱印は墨は滲んで汚くなっており最悪です。 他の七福神の御朱印はとても丁寧に書いて頂き、対応もすごくよかったのに残念！！ 他のお寺はお坊さんが対応してくれましたが、ここだけ一般の方？がやっているようでした。 御朱印も汚い、対応も悪いでかなり嫌な思いをしました！

(Translated by Google) The first vegetarian meal I had was so delicious that I had to refill three bowls of rice. Also, the garden, which has been designated as a prefectural cultural property, is beautifully maintained and has a wonderful view. (Original) 初めて頂く精進料理はご飯三杯おかわりするぐらいとても美味しかったです。 それと県の文化財にも指定されてる庭がキレイに手入れされてて素晴らしい眺めです。

(Translated by Google) It is the closest to the Okunoin Temple, and we highly recommend it for your morning rituals, where you can fully experience the compassion of Kanzeon Bodhisattva. In addition, the hearty vegetarian cuisine will soothe your mind and body. (Original) 奥の院に一番近くありまた観世音菩薩様の慈愛を一心に戴ける朝の勤行には是非ともお勧めします。 また心のこもった精進料理は遍路心も体も癒して下さいます。

We spent couple of night in the Inn in October. It was so nice and peaceful. The owners are friendly. The husband is a monk, and together they give such a nice rhythm to the temple. The food was great, I don’t know how much of it cooked by them or if they get deliver from an other place and it was amazing. Their bath, is so so soooo warm, I loved it so much. The breakfast is to die for. They have a garden that is so peaceful to watch, and they welcomed our daughter with no fuss. ( not all accept kids ) Thank you for hosting us.

One of the best places we’ve slept in ever. The rooms were spacious and the futons were so comfortable. The food was good but weird for out european taste buds haha. Probably the greatest cultural experience you can have in all of Japan.

I would give it 10 stars! Amazing temple, clean, friendly people who work here. Dinner and breakfast amazing. Morning prayer quite inspiring. The onsen was a pleasant surprise. I love the area too. Quiet and peaceful. The temple is set back away from the main road so you’re guaranteed a quiet night of sleep.

A very nice temple for a temple stay, traditional monk food (vegan) for dinner and breakfast, very interesting morning prayer ritual, thank you for letting us stay with you.

They can accomodate only a few visitors. But their services are most excellent I have enjoyed!! However, they have a lot of difficulty to talk non-Japanese people.

Amazing temple: traditional and vegetarian monk dinner and breakfast, huge rooms, view on a wonderful garden and very clean common bath and toilets. Dishes were excellent, I won’t forget these flavors. More specifically I would recommend this temple for the host who was plenty of attentions for his guests. Thank you for everything ;) Definitely enjoyed this peaceful stay in a special environment.

We had the most memorable stay at Kodaiin. Everything is remarkable, the hugeness of the rooms, the view of the garden, the kotatsu and the food! Absolutely amazing, with English menu which pointed out the gluten. Life saver for me, since I'm gluten intolerant. They spoke perfect English, the service in the morning was a spiritual experience. The whole place was spotless, the bath is superb. I honestly don't understand how this place is not more popular, it was just us and another 2 guests. The second temple we stayed is at is not even remotely on the same level. Thank you very very much for the wonderful experience.

(Translated by Google) The accommodation is not a hotel. It's for people who want to experience something like that. Shared toilets and showers. In December it is freezing everywhere. Even the gas heaters in the rooms don't help here. Dinner is OK, breakfast spartan. If you want to get involved in something like that, good. If you don't: stay away. (Original) Die Unterkunft ist kein Hotel. Sie ist für Menschen, die so etwas einmal erleben wollen. Gemeinschaftstoiletten und -Duschen. Im Dezember ist es überall eiskalt. Selbst die Gasheizungen in den Zimmern schaffen hier keine Abhilfe. Abendessen ist OK, Frühstück spartanische. Wer sich auf so etwas einlassen möchte, gut. Wer nicht: Finger weg.

Beautiful temple and beautiful goshuins!

(Translated by Google) Very inspiring and a new world of perspective on honor and death! The overall picture of the complex with the letters in detail and the monastery and the memorial as a whole is impressive! (Original) Sehr inspirierend und eine neue Welt der Anschauung zu Ehre und Tod! Beeindruckend das Gesamtbild der Anlage mit den Schreiben im einzelnen und dem Kloster und der Gedenkstätte im gesamten!

(Translated by Google) Beautiful monastery, very special, mattresses are not great for people with back problems, but that more than makes up for the rest, highly recommended, at 6:00 am you can attend a monk's prayer 💞 (Original) Prachtig klooster , heel bijzonder , matrassen liggen voor mensen met rugproblemen niet super maar dat maakt de rest ruimschoots goed , echt een aanrader , om 06:00 kun je het gebed van een monnik bijwonen 💞

(Translated by Google) When visiting a grave, we always have lunch at Honno-in Temple.Although it is a lodging lodge, you can also use it for just a meal, and the vegetarian cuisine is well-seasoned and can be prepared according to your budget. After the meal, we enjoyed looking at the garden.There are only 5 parking spaces, so we recommend using the nearby public parking lot. The autumn leaves are so beautiful. (Original) お墓参りの時はいつも本王院で昼食をいただきます、宿坊ですが食事のみの利用も可能で、精進料理の味付けも良く予算に応じて料理を提供していただけます。食事後はお庭を見て楽しめました、駐車場は５台程度ですので近隣の公共駐車場の利用をお勧めします。紅葉がとても綺麗ですよ。

(Translated by Google) It's been a while since I went to interment my father's ashes nine years ago, and since I live in Tokyo, it's been a while since my aunt passed away, but today I'm here again to help out by intermentting my aunt's ashes. (Original) 9年前の父親の納骨をしに行って何せ東京暮らしなもんでしばらくはご無沙汰でしたが、伯母が亡くなり49日も過ぎたばかりではあるけれど、今日また納骨でお世話になって来ます。

(Translated by Google) The vegetarian cuisine was very delicious. The autumn leaves have finished, but the snowy scenery is still very picturesque. (Original) 精進料理がとても美味しかったです。紅葉は終わってしまいましたが雪景色も風情がありますね。

Very nice inner garden and super friendly people, but I wouldn’t stay there again. The 9 pm curfew feels very limiting, especially if you stay for one night and want to explore the cemetery on your own after the guided tour. Shower times are also restricted to 4 pm–9 pm, with no access in the morning. Next time, I would choose another temple with a later curfew or no curfew at all.

This is a great experience if you know what to expect. I wanted to stay in a traditional Japanese room on a Japanese futon and a traditional meal on the floor and traditional Japanese bathrooms. This fit the bill. My complaints are actually that it was a little too modern/western. The toilets were western style toilets and there was a phone and TV in the room. But the rest felt very traditional. But it was uncomfortable to sleep and eat on the floor but that is what I was looking for. If you want modern and comfortable then you are in the wrong place. It was also great to experience their morning prayers with them and tour the temple. I do feel like the service was really slow at check in and at dinner I expected a little more culture from the monks but we were really just left to eat in our own with the other guests.

I stayed here as a solo female traveller and really enjoyed it. The monks can speak a little English and are very polite and helpful. My bedding was heated and very comfortable, and my room had a great view of the courtyard. I had the onsen all to myself when I bathed at 430pm. The bath is fantastic to heat up in during winter when it is really cold outside. Dinner and breakfast were big trays with a variety of delicious food. The morning prayer was interesting to watch, and they explained at the end what it meant. The convenient location allowed me to do the Okunoin night tour that leaves from Eko-in temple. I had just enough time to walk back before the curfew at 9 pm. It was a very close call, though. You need to walk very fast or catch the bus.

Dai'en-in is one of the many temples in Koyasan that offers overnight stays. Compared to some of the other temples I've walked past it seems to be a slightly more budget-friendly version. The room was spacious, clean and everything needed for a good night's sleep was there. Breakfast and dinner were included and were vegetarian. Expect nothing special. Staff were friendly, though English was super limited and there was hardly any contact with the monks. Not even during dinner of breakfast. The morning ceremony was small (3 monks) without any explanation provided about what was going on. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the stay and it was a very nice and quiet lodging. But the 'temple experience' wasn't really there for me. It felt more like a relatively large guesthouse and quite impersonal. If you're looking for a decent accomodation to stay overnight in Koyasan I can recommend it. If you're looking for true temple experience, maybe some of the other locations (Eko-in looked great) offer a little more.

Daienin is an exceptional value, with a good location near the cemetery and delicious meals. But if you have an allergic sensitivity to mildew, beware of the rooms in the back section of the inn. The mildew smell is apparent in the hallways and the men's room. They tried to mask it in my room, but within an hour my eyes were itching. I didn't smell mildew in the front half of the inn or the upstairs dining room, so confirm the location of your room after reserving.

My husband and I had an amazing experience here. We wanted to have the full temple experience. The rooms were very nice. Shared bathrooms super clean and quiet. I basically had the bathrooms all to myself every time I went in. The morning ritual was humbling and meditative to watch. I'm vegetarian do it was so nice to get a fully vegetarian traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast. The monks were very friendly. They knew minimal English but we were able to communicate with simple language. All in all I would definitely recommend coming here for an unique experience!

Very cool experience, beautiful rooms in traditional Buddhist temple with view of the inside garden! Only downside is that the time for the morning ritual given by our host both in text and spoken was not correct, causing us to miss the ritual. Also it would be nice to get an explanation alongside the dinner to know what we were eating. The dinner and breakfast themselves were wonderful!