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

(Translated by Google) Free parking lot near Okunoin. It was around 10:00 a.m. on the first day of a three-day holiday, but the place was about 60% full. From here, the Okunoin grounds are right in front of you, and there are souvenir shops and restaurants, so it's convenient. However, it takes about 25 minutes on foot to get to Kongobuji Temple, and about 40 minutes from the parking lot to the temple beyond. If you include walking around Okunoin Temple and Kongobuji Temple, you will need to walk for about 3-4 hours, so if possible, it would be a good idea to change your parking lot except when visiting Okunoin Temple, or consider using a bus that runs within the area. Although the roads in other areas are crowded, there are parking lots in the central area even during the daytime, so I think you can park there. thank you very much. (Original) 奥の院近くの無料駐車場です。三連休の初日の午前10:00頃でしたが6割程度の埋まり具合。 こちらから奥の院の敷地は目の前で、土産物屋やレストランもあり便利です。ただ「金剛峯寺」までは徒歩25分程度、その先の伽藍までは駐車場から40分程度を見込む必要あります。 奥の院や金剛峯寺の散策含めると3-4時間程度歩く必要ある為、出来れば奥の院の見学時以外は駐車場を変えるか、エリア内を走るバスの利用を合わせて検討した方が良さそうです。他のエリアも道は混雑してるものの、昼時でも中心エリアの駐車場は空きがあり、駐車はできると思います。 ありがとうございました。

(Translated by Google) This is a free parking lot. There are shady areas, so your car won't get too hot, even in summer. There are toilets on site, and a shop nearby, so you can use it to take a break. The journey to Okunoin from here starts halfway up the approach to the shrine, so it doesn't take very long. (Original) 無料の駐車場です。 日陰の場所もあるので、夏でも車が暑くなりにくいです。 トイレ併設で、近くに店もありますので、休憩にも使えますね。 ここから奥の院へは、参道の途中からスタートになるので、それほど時間は掛からないです。

(Translated by Google) On the first day of the three-day weekend in September, the parking lot was full and we couldn't park. We managed to park in a nearby temporary parking lot, but there were many cars parked on the side of the road nearby, so I don't think there was enough space. (Original) 9月の三連休の初日は満車で駐車出来ませんでした。近くの臨時駐車場になんとか駐車出来ましたが、付近の道路脇にも沢山の駐車がされていたりと十分なスペースではなかったと想います。

Just travel

(Translated by Google) This is the parking lot closest to the Okunoin entrance. It was raining, but the first floor was covered, so I was able to get in and out of my car and go to the restroom without getting wet. I arrived late at night and took a nap, and there were several other people around me who were in the same situation. However, there was one person who had left their car's engine running, which was very annoying (10/22). (Original) 奥の院入口に一番近い駐車場です 雨が降っていたけれど、１階は屋根付きなので車に乗り降りの際やトイレにも濡れずに行けました。 夜中に着いて仮眠もさせていただき、周りにも同じ様な方が何人かいました。が、エンジンかけっぱの人が１台いてとても迷惑でした(10/22)

(Translated by Google) This is a convenient parking lot close to Okunoin. Koyasan has a lot of free parking, so you can come and enjoy it by car. I arrived before 9 a.m. on a weekday, so it was empty, but by the afternoon it was very crowded. Okunoin is the grave of Kobo Daishi, but it is also filled with graves of famous military commanders and cenotaphs of former Japanese soldiers and large corporations. There is no other memorial spot like this. (Original) ここから奥の院に近く、便利な駐車場です。高野山は無料駐車場が多く車で来て楽しめます。平日の朝9時前に到着したので空いていましたが午後近くになるととても混雑してました。奥の院は弘法大師の墓所ですが有名な武将の墓や旧日本軍のや大企業の慰霊碑が所狭しとあります。こんなメモリアルなスポットは他に類を見ません。

(Translated by Google) I visited early in the morning (6:30am) during Golden Week in 2024. I was allowed to park here on my way to Okunoin. It was free and there was a restroom, which was convenient. (Original) 2024年のゴールデンウイークの早朝（6時半）に訪れました。 奥の院へ行くのにこちらに停めさせて貰いました。 無料な上、トイレもあり便利でした。

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.

Incredibly beautiful and calm temple. Worth the very small detour!

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful place, rich with history. Totally worth a visit.

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。

A breathtaking temple complex! There are massive ancient Buddha statues inside that bear the marks of time. It’s truly a precious heritage of Buddhism.

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.

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

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.

Snow makes the time frozen, likes part of yourself stays still on the scene since to forever, each huge bell ringing that monk hit, recalls every your last life's memory pull each yourself together again then, mind and spirit elevated, whole pieces are restored.

Good place to eat after visiting the cemetery. Quite good prices, food was good and fresh but not the best we had in Japan. Perfect for a quick lunch.

Nice location, close to the bus stop. The food tasted good, but the serving is quite small compared to what we are used to in Japan. I find the price for these portions a little on the high side. It has a fast food vibe, and the food came indeed very fast after ordering. It was ok.

Ramen was delicious. Price is not high even in this area crowded by tourists. Staff was very polite and speak good English.

Nice location just next to the bus stop. Tempura tastes amazing, and they also have sesame tofu which is specialty of the area. Fast service

Perfect Spot to eat before or after going to koyasan

Plain good food and fast service. Perfect for lunch. Don't hesitate to look into the menu in Japanese as you have more dishes and can choose based on pictures.

This just an OK lunch spot. You don't have a lot of choices in the area so this should work fine. Service will be fast and enable you to get out and see more of the breathtaking Koyasan area quickly.

Food is plain. I am not very impressed The service is okay. My tea cup is empty all the time except beginning even I was the only person in the restaurant It was a heavily snowy day. I ordered the food called hungry tiger and when finished eating, i noticed there is little food I bought from familymart in my bag so I ask the waitress if I can eat them so that it won’t turn cold. I got rejected sadly. It’s fine since it’s their written rule? I was the only person in the restaurant during that time and I don’t see a big deal on this Above is my experience over there

Delicious lunch. Was so good we went back for dinner. They have a completely different menu for which was great. Great value for money, was suppose to get a photo of my dinner but completely forgot and I ate it all before I realised.

Marutaka is a beautiful little restaurant run by a Japanese and Czech husband and wife duo. They are super lovely and friendly and the food there is delish! They've got a mix of western and Japanese food so whether you're looking for a taste of home or a local dish they've got you covered. It's situated on the tree-lined main road through Koya-san, just up from Danjo-Garan, and when I visited in Autumn, the leaves were in full colour 🍁😍. Good food, good price, good company I absolutely loved my time there! 10/10 would recommend 👌

Me and my girlfriend stopped by for a lunch. It's small and thus calm café, I had a meal called "Hungry Tiger" which was exactly what I needed :D Good spot, if we ever come back to Koyasan, we're visiting it again.

Tasty and in generous portions. The lunch menu was just what I was hoping for.

The owners are a Japanese Czech couple who's super accommodating and sweet! Plus they have foreign and local staff so language is not a barrier at all. It's definitely nice to have a place that serves meat around here. My favorite was the teriyaki chicken, very flavorful and juicy and all well priced!

A cute little restaurant just a stone’s throw away from the famous Danjo Garan in Koyasan, making it an ideal place to recharge after seeing the beautiful sights. There’s a great choice of delicious food for both lunch and dinner - there’s definitely something for everyone, with generous portions and very reasonable prices. It’s run by a lovely couple, who bring a warm and hospitable atmosphere. Would definitely come back here. Highly recommended on your trip to Koyasan!

Simple cafeteria/restaurant style. Ran by lovely people with all smiles. English menu available. Recommend their curry!!!!

Delicious, filling, and quick service for lunchtime in Koyasan. It's a convenient location besides bus stop 6 is great for a middle point from all sight-seeing places. The cutlet beef curry meal was great and at a good price.

A quaint little restaurant to have food up in Koyasan. The food was excellent and service was fast. The curry has small chunks of beef inside adding a nice surprise to the meal. Even the curry udon had beef chunks! All in all a great meal for really affordable pricing.

Everything we had (4 different plates) was amazing! Outside is not something that gives you chills but the food did. Welcome tea was offered. We chose: -Beef curry with rice and tempura shrimps -Beef curry with rice and fried pork (tonkatsu) -Beef curry udon soup -Chicken with rice and egg Really Japan has amazing food, but here was one of the tastier! Definitely worth it! Everyone was happy with their choices. Empty plates in the photo cause we were hungry! 4 stars for the atmosphere and the sad toilets 🥲

We chose the place because they were closing later than other restaurants around and, after a long morning walking, we wanted something to eat. We had to wait a little bit to have a table, although they told us it'd be around 20 mins and we got seated in less than 10. They give a free tea when seated. They have a menú with over 80dishes to choose. Food is tasty and quantity is fine to feel satiated. We ordered 2 dishes per person and paid about 2500¥ PAX which seemed cheap. I would recommend It for a pit stop before keeping on sightseeing.

No frill restaurant that serve simple but tasty meals at totally fair price. The staff is also really nice. Go there for a good lunch or simple dinner.

Great food at very reasonable prices. Efficient and clean, perfect for a quick lunch while sight seeing. Don’t be put off by the front facade with the bowls of plastic display food, the real thing is much better!

Eating here was a highlight of our trip! We weren't certain they'd have a vegan option for us - it's a vegetarian place that serves dairy - but it turns out the main teishoku set meal is vegan - there are dairy options you can order as well if you want. Not only was the food wonderful, but the environment was everything. We sat in a brightly-lit medium-sized room overlooking the beautiful front yard. In our room were 4 tables on the floor and we sat on pillows at one, enjoying our meal, tea, and the view. We won't forget this great meal and experience!

A delicious meal in a breathtaking environment! We were recommended this place for dinner and knew we would eat well, but we did not know that we would have such a nice experience. The building is wonderful and with all sliding windows open, we could feel as if we were eating on a terrace. The view is wonderful - the waiters told us that in springtime, you can enjoy cherry blossom. The vegetarian meal was delicious, and the service was very attentive. We highly recommend this place

Saw the sign for this cafe when coming out from Kongobu-ji and we decided to check it out. We wanted to have kakigori but because it was lunchtime, only the lunch menu was available. Turned out to be very beautiful, delicious, and healthy lunch set. Sat on tatami mats in rooms overlooking the garden. Thank you for the wonderful experience and lunch stop on our day trip to Koyasan. :)

Wonderful place to relax, and treat yourself to a tea or coffee while overlooking the blossom in the garden.

We are staying at a temple without food and are so happy that it was possible to eat here last minute! The menu no. 1 has great food - from crispy tempura to soba noodles and a lovely miso soup.

If you put aside the soba, the rice and the miso soup, all that’s left is half a vegetable fragmented into 7 nice cups. Not really interesting from a gastronomical point of view. The restaurant atmosphere is very nice

A great cafe to relax at at the end of your Koyasan trip. Their matcha lattes were really good and each room has a nice view of a very peaceful Japanese garden. The perfect vibe to end our spiritual trip in Koyasan. It is also right next to the bus stop for the trip back to the funicular.

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

(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)』⚔️

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.

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.

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。

Very good looking and huge gate at the west side of Koya town. It's a true hello to visitors of Khoyasan. Easy to reach by foot, also nice views of the mountain.

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.

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!

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

It’s there, you go and check it out. It’s big and looks over the valleys below, if you listen carefully you can hear the Middle Ages people going through that huge gate, hoping to find wisdom and inner peace.

This has got to be one of the best places I've visited in Japan! The food was delicious, but the staff and the locals are so friendly and warm that I'm sad we only planned to stay in Koyasan for one day. A true hidden gem and I cannot recommend it more! To everyone at Ima-chan and everyone that we've met today, I wish you the best of luck and happiness and I hope that we will see each other again somewhere!

Stumbled upon this absolute gem of a restaurant during our visit to Koyasan. If you do not have dinner plans, I highly recommend you visit this restaurant! Run by just one chef and server, they make a great team and are super friendly and accommodating to all. They have an English menu available. The portion sizes are great and very reasonably priced! I highly recommend trying the karaage, chazuke, and the small fried crabs! Left feeling very content with what I ate!

We had great fun and food experience here. Highly recommended and the food is so yummylicious that my mum is still missing it till now. You tried quite a few lots of foods and the best impression that we had were Udon beef noodles, sashimi and horse meat. Their best of the best that you must definitely try of course is their signature Fried Chicken that we had never had it before. The crispiness Is unutterably delicious! Last but not least, the restaurant owners are friendly and welcoming! We would definitely come here again for food whenever we are visiting Koyasan!

The owners and chef welcomed us with a smile and made friendly conversation with us. The food was amazing and very diverse, the chef cooked quickly and with care for everyone, even adapting the menu to the costumers desire. I highly recommend going there to enjoy as many dishes as you can eat!

The head chef is truly a master. It was the best food we had in Koyasan, with a great atmosphere, and we’ll definitely be back. We wanted to try everything, but unfortunately, it wasn’t possible!

What a great find in a small village!! We tried the fried chicken with spicy leek sauce (very tasty, only a little spicy), chicken neck (also tasty), fried mochi in dashi broth (delicious!) and miso soup (pretty tasty and I don't usually like miso soup!). Topped it off with some sake and beer! The staff could not be more lovely!!! They were super welcoming and friendly!!! Highly recommend a visit if you are in Koyasan!!

Amazing dinner! Super delicious and great portions and prices. We had a karaage and it was huge and so tasty for only 750 yen! The yasai tempura and the crab croquettes were also great, the menu is pretty big and for sure also other things will be amazing. In 2 we spent 3300 yen, really good value! The owner was very happy and smiled a lot it was very nice(: Maybe if you're in a hurry don't come here because the service might take a little bit since it's only 2 people working at the restaurant. However I super recommend this place!!! One of the best meals in Japan in 4 months!

Pro tip: if you get to Koyasan around noon, take the bus to Daimon Gate and eat here. Super nice people and the food here is omg🥹 Very decent pricing as well! CASH ONLY. Be aware the Beef pilaf set takes around 30-35 mins to cook, my suggestion is get yourself a bowl of udon while waiting. The udon was so good as well The beef is worth the wait!

My lunch is good. Fried rice with chicken is delicious. Miso soup and tofu are yummy! This restaurant is very small if you come in lunch time, you will wait a bit longer.

Very hospitable and friendly owner, good Udon and rice, average in size. Family and quiet atmosphere. There is an English menu or you can use plastic models of food outside to order. You get green tea to your meal for free. Cash payment only but the dishes are rather cheap.

Tsukumo is one of the highest online rating in Mount koya so I want to try their speciality food. I choose the beef rice which the most expensive and need to wait for 37min told by the lady owner. She can even tell me the exact time for the serving if I am in the hurry I can order other meal which no waiting time. But I am patient and have plenty of time to spare so I insist the one I order. The food is tasty and the meal is nice but the quantity only can fill half of my stomach. Good food no need to be big portion more importantly I am satisfied with the tastiness.

What a warm atmosphere, definitely worths it! I had Chicken Kamameshi Set and it was delicious, Highly recommended.

We stopped here after hiking to the Daimon Gate. It was the best food we had in Koyasan. Wonderful hospitality and unbeatable prices.

cheap price, english menu, toilet and ashai beer available, almost vegetarian dishes (besides fish cake that tops the rice bowl) they have solid rice bowls, udon noodles and other sets this locale is a very good choice if you do not have the time to wait and want to visit the shrines etc

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.

Some of Japan's most beautiful Buddhist sculptures, displayed in an austere and reverent setting. Well worth a visit.

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.

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.

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!

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。

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.

The temple is located at the end of the main road, right next to the Okonuin cemetery, which I recommend seeing in the evening when they turn on all the lights. The room was spacious and neat, on the third floor, with a balcony overlooking Carp Lake. The room had everything you need: air conditioning, a sink, two/three comfortable futons, and a table with the necessities for making traditional tea. The bathroom is shared but clean; there are several on each floor. There are also two typical Japanese bathrooms, where you can shower, and hot water tubs, where you can lay and relax. Unfortunately, they are only open from 4 to 9 p.m., so it is not possible to take a shower in the morning. In the morning you can wake up early to follow the prayer. In addition, the monks, at the end of it, will be kind and accompany you around the temple showing the history of their religion. They speak English quite well. I highly recommend the Goma ceremony (fire ceremony) at 1 p.m. A unique experience. I tried the typical breakfast but it was not for me. On the other hand, it is the typical monks' breakfast, without meat or fish, and it is also an interesting experience.

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.

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!

We’ve stopped here to get lunch, coffee and sweets, and what a great choice we’ve made! The food was delicious, portions were also generous and the hosts were so kind and attentive, making the place feel like home. Would highly recommend this place!

Review is for the restaurant: Cozy place with kind owners and staff. Veggie tempura is amazing. Okonomiyaki is tasty + filling. Great vegetarian/vegan options! Photo shows vegetarian udon (no fish sauce) 😊

I had a nice time at the guesthouse. Its nice and clean. The host was very nice. I had a good dinner in the cafe/restaurant next to it (recommend to eat there, lots on the menu) The location is good, bus stop close by. In walking distance from different temples (and about an hour walking to the mausoleum of Kōbō Daishi. Note - the location on google maps is not completely accurate, the guesthouse is one street over.

I had a noon break in this cozy and relaxing café: it's ideal if you want to stop sightseeing for a while and enjoy a quiet moment. Personnel is super available and kind. After I paid, one of them spent a lot of time suggesting things to do and to see in the nearby. Wonderful people.

What a great cozy place to stay, the rooms are nice and tidy, and the amenities are very clean. The staff is amazingly friendly, they seem very hard working and kind. I would come stay here again if I ever came back to Holy Mt.Koya. Muito Obrigado!

We had the Family Rom for 2 nights and the room is really good. We chose this room as we wanted our own bathroom. The room has twin beds and a upper bed too as also foldable beds, I think there can sleep 5 or 6 people. As we had problems with the car we arrived quite late and hoped the owner would wait for us (we messaged) and they were there and we even could get some dinner. We were very thankful about that. Breakfast was good, its served in the restaurant. As we liked the food in the restaurant it was sad for us that we stayed there while restaurant was closed on the second day - as far as I know they are closed for 2 days in the week. This has nothing to do with the Hotel or the restaurant but be aware that it can be hard getting dinner somewhere when the restaurant is closed.

I came twice to this place during my stay in Koyasan to eat in their restaurant since they had some great vegetarian and vegan options. The staff is very friendly and explained how the menu works and after dinner what to do for sightseeing. The second time I came I was in a hurry since I booked the cemetery night tour so they told me which dishes not to order since they needed longer time to prepare. They were very understanding and I made it to the tour! This place is great if you have booked a tour in the evening since they open already at 17:00 for dinner - unlike other places that don’t open u til 17:30 or 18:00 for dinner. I recommend to pick a set that includes soup and salad since those were amazing!

This place is soo Amazing 🤩 with delicious food that was perfect after a morning of walking. English menu available & the service was super warm, kind, and helpful. It was so good I went back a second time the next day to try out some of the different menu items. Each time the staff just extended wonderful hospitality 💖 - Thank You!

really good katsu donbori, friendly place with quite a few choices on the menu, the plate comes with a little tofu desert and miso soup too!

Great food and even better service. We would come back for sure.

The food was delicious and service super kind, welcoming and accommodating for 2 tourists who did not speak japanese. We wish we could have come back to try other dishes! :-)

Everything was delicious! We loved the tempura, soba and the tofu was amazing!

I arrived late in the afternoon (after 2pm) so there were only few choices on the menu still available. Turned out this tempura set with soba noodles were nice. Price was reasonable and comparable to other eateries in the area. I just happened to pass by on foot from Kumagaiji to Okunoin.

Very nice japanese-style restaurant and very good food!

Small restaurant with a quite small selection of food. Easy ordering since the food is displayed in a window and then you pay right into a vending machine and get a food ticket. Food came fast to the table. Cheap prices. Nothing remarkable about the food, if there had been more places around we would've chosen differently.

Good selection of meals and good service. The staff are efficient and the restaurant is clean. The restrooms need updating but are adequate.

Small menu, rather bland but cheap and does the job.

Just terrible. Not more to say.

Nice stop over for lunch.

good

(Translated by Google) I received the Shojin Set Meal Sakura for 1,600 yen. I didn't feel anything special. The taste is so-so, the customer service is so-so, and the prices are about what you would expect if you were catering to tourists. As for the taste, it has a slightly diluted impression of ordinary vegetarian cuisine. There was a kid in my class who wasn't a bad kid, but everyone tended to forget about him because he was like, "Oh, there's such a kid?" But he didn't really have anything to appeal to. I don't remember much. When I was asked if I wanted to eat again, I said yes, but at that time I thought that I must have forgotten what I had eaten before. They have seats on the second floor and seem to be able to accommodate groups, so I guess that's a good thing for a restaurant. It felt a little lonely because it was near Okunoin, far from the center of Mt. Koya. (Original) 精進定食桜・1,600円を頂きました。何か特別なものは感じませんでした。お味もそこそこ、接客もそこそこ、お値段は、観光客相手ならこんなものかなって感じ。 お味の方は、普通の精進料理の印象をほんのり薄めた感じ。悪い子ではないのに、「あっ、そんな子居たっけ？」て感じで、みんなから存在を忘れられがちな子ってクラスに居たけど、そんなお味でアピールする部分がまるでなくて、あんまり記憶に残らない。 また食べたいかって聞かれると、食べても良いけど、その時はきっと前に食たことを忘れちゃってるなって思いました。二階席があって団体さんにも対応できるみたいなので、お店としてはそれでも良いのかも知れないです。 高野山の中心から離れた奥の院の近くにあるので若干寂しい雰囲気でした。

Great experience to try different varieties of tofu; some ways that you wouldn’t find easily anywhere else. It is a bit pricey for what it is but everything was presented beautifully. Small portions of tofu is a lot more filling than you’d expect!

Chosen for ryujin Udon, 1400yen. Delicious lunch. Very kind service. Soft zen style music. They present hot green tea as welcome. I advise this restaurant. They also have a nice dessert as macha latte and macha ice cream, tofu desserts.

A very interesting and delicious experience! Eat like a monk… on holiday! Just be prepared for lots of tofu 😊. As some people mentioned, there can be waiting time (which is completely normal in Japan for a good restaurant). Here’s a tip: arrive around 10:30, pick up a numbered ticket, and then come back at 11:00 when lunch begins. That way, you’ll skip the line. Enjoy!

This restaurant can change your relationship with Tofu. The box set is spectacular, variety and taste together!

They serve set meals which have different flavors of tofu. Nice to try different variations of tofu. Texture is good, but the flavor could be better. Also I find it overpriced. They make you wait outside even though there are many empty seats in the restaurant. Do expect to wait at least 30 mins outside

I ordered the tofu Kaiseki lunch set and a tofu dessert which had a good presentation. The tofu tempura is very tasty. And they gave me a hand warmer when I checked out because it was cold that day.

Delicious goma tofu! We loved the variety of special tofu served at this wonderful restaurant. We would be lucky to come here again for lunch!