What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Koyasan (Mount Koya) is one of Japan's holiest mountains located in Wakayama Prefecture. The journey to Mount Koya takes visitors a cedar-filled valley 800 meters above sea level, surrounded by 8 mountain peaks. In the early 9th century, the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi founded the first temple and it has grown to more than 100 monasteries surrounding the head temple of Kongobuji. Visitors also have the opportunity to stay overnight at one of the many temple lodgings. If Mt Koya is fully booked then an alternative Shukubo that you may enjoy is Gyokuzo-in between Nara and Osaka.
For a good description of staying at a Buddhist Temple on Koyasan, read David Paget's article, "Japanese Buddhist Temple Overnight" and "Buddhist Temple Overnight"
Check In for Dinner Before 17:00
Welcome to Shojoshin-in. This large traditional Buddhist Temple is one of the oldest temples on Mount Koya (Koyasan) - built 3 years before Kongobuji Temple. Shojoshin-in has Japanese style guest rooms as well as a "Hanare" (private guest residence which has a private bath and toilet), Japanese style gardens and a pond. Shojoshin-in provides shared baths for both women and men, and "shojin-ryori" or ...
Welcome to the Fukuchi-in. This is a "shukubo" or Buddhist Temple (see definition of ryokan styles below) for guests who wish to stay on Mount Koya. This large, beautiful temple has 70 Japanese-style rooms and both indoor and outdoor baths for the guests. Fukuchi-in serves "shojin" cuisine which is traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Check in time is after 3:00pm, and check out time is before 9:00am.
Welcome to Hoon-in. This traditional Buddhist Temple has a very warm and cozy atmosphere, and it is recommended for guests seeking a family-style temple. The hosts at Hoon-in are very friendly, and will go out of their way to make you feel at home. There are 16 Japanese-style guest rooms in their "Honkan" and "Bekkan". None of the guest rooms have private baths or toilets. Hoon-in provides shared baths for both women and men, and "shojin ryori"or Buddhist Monk vegetarian meals are served ...
Welcome to Rengejo-in. This traditional Buddhist Temple, or Shukubo in Japanese, is located near the Mount Koya cable car station. Rengejo-in has interesting temple architecture, a traditional Japanese garden. Rengejo-in provides shared baths for both women and men, and “shojin ryori” or Buddhist Monk vegetarian meals are served to the guests. Check-in time is after 3:00pm and check-out time is before 9:00am. Parking is available and some English is spoken.
Welcome to Muryoko-in. This large traditional Buddhist Temple was originally built in the Heian period (794 to 1185). The name means 'immeasurable light' and it is dedicated to Amida. Muryoko-in has 30 Japanese style guest rooms all without private baths or toilets though there are 2 indoor public bath (one for women and one for men). Dinner and breakfast are “Shojin-Ryori” (Buddhist Monk vegetarian meals). Muryoko-in has a morning service which guests are invited to attend. Check in ...
Welcome to Eko-in. A 1000 year-old Buddhist temple, Ekoin offers Japanese style guest rooms and one of them has a private bath and toilet. All of the guest rooms have a garden view. Guests are free to attend morning services and the Goma fire ritual. Guests can participate in meditation sessions from 16:30. Sessions can be translated in English and English brochures are available if there is no interpreter. WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge. Rooms feature tatami-ma...
