Mount Koya, a sacred peak with over 1,200 years of history, offers more than just a place to “stay.” Here, shukubo—temple lodgings
where you can immerse yourself in Buddhist culture—captivate visitors by restoring both body and spirit. From morning services to sutra copying and shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), you are invited into a world of deep spirituality and profound stillness.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Western idea of “accommodation” meets the Japanese cultural tradition of “spiritual practice,” giving rise to an entirely new kind of travel experience. In Western hospitality culture, the emphasis often lies on individual comfort and efficiency, while shukubo instead fosters collective spiritual cultivation and inner growth. This difference is not merely cultural; it reflects fundamentally distinct worldviews.
In this guide, you will discover why the best Koyasan temple stay leaves such a lasting impression. From the spiritual richness of daily rituals and traditional architecture to recommendations for lodgings, booking tips, and sustainable travel insights, this article will help you experience shukubo as a journey that goes far beyond accommodation.
At Mount Koya’s shukubo, you can freely join the morning service (otsutome) held in the main hall at dawn. Surrounded by solemn chanting and the sound of Buddhist hymns, the simple act of offering incense quiets the heart and draws you away from the noise of everyday life.
Unlike the Western emphasis on individual prayer or meditation, this collective practice highlights harmony within the community. As a participant, you momentarily set aside your personal thoughts, experiencing instead the depth of silence that emerges when you see yourself as part of the whole.
Sutra copying (shakyo) is another practice you can experience. Carefully tracing the Heart Sutra or other scriptures is considered a way of purifying the mind and drawing closer to the Buddha. Unlike the rationalist pursuit of knowledge common in the West, this is a bodily form of wisdom—where writing itself becomes meditation, merging thought and body. For many Western travelers, it is a refreshing discovery.
These rituals are not merely cultural performances; they offer a direct encounter with self-reflection and inner awareness, making them a defining part of the spiritual depth unique to Mount Koya’s shukubo (＊1).
Guest rooms in shukubo are typically tatami-lined spaces in the elegant shoin or sukiya architectural style, adorned with shoji screens, fusuma sliding doors, and tokonoma alcoves. Many lodgings also feature Japanese gardens, where moss-covered stone lanterns and seasonal blossoms create a scene of peace when viewed from your window seat.
This design philosophy differs fundamentally from Western architecture, which often draws a sharp line between interior and exterior. In Japan, boundaries are softened to let nature flow into living spaces, enabling you to feel the passing of the seasons indoors. This reflects a worldview that seeks coexistence with nature, in contrast with the Western impulse to master or control it.
Japanese aesthetics also emphasize ma—the beauty of empty space—unlike Western traditions that favor decorative fullness. Here, “nothingness” itself holds spiritual depth, embodying values distinct from a consumer culture that seeks material abundance.
As one temple introduction explains: “Guests can enjoy the historic buildings and gardens while experiencing morning and evening services, shojin cuisine, and sutra copying.” A stay in such spaces wrapped in Japanese tradition enriches your cultural sensitivity (＊2).
Shojin ryori is the standard fare in shukubo. This Buddhist vegetarian cuisine avoids not only meat and fish but also pungent ingredients such as garlic and onions. Instead, it highlights seasonal vegetables and mountain herbs, carefully presented in visually striking arrangements that embody the “spirit of Zen.”
This philosophy of food differs deeply from Western culinary traditions. Whereas Western cuisine often pursues stronger flavors and individuality, shojin ryori cherishes balance and the essence of each ingredient. It arises from reverence for nature and compassion for all living beings.
In recent years, many lodgings have embraced local ingredients, from Mount Koya’s mountain produce to Kyoto vegetables. At Fukuchiin, for instance, you are invited to enjoy seasonal vegetables, koya-dofu (freeze-dried tofu), and local condiments such as Kinzanji wasabi.
This plant-based, locally sourced approach aligns naturally with sustainability. What is remarkable is how Buddhist teachings from over a millennium ago resonate seamlessly with today’s global environmental concerns. Mount Koya’s shojin cuisine is not only a tradition but also a sustainable way of living (＊3).
Ekoin, a sub-temple with modern facilities, is especially welcoming to international guests. Its official site states clearly: “English-speaking staff available.” Rooms include both traditional tatami spaces and Western-style bedrooms, all equipped with free Wi-Fi.
Ekoin is a fascinating example of cultural bridge-building. While preserving the essence of shukubo, it embraces the needs of foreign travelers with modern amenities. This coexistence doesn’t erase cultural differences but acknowledges and respects them.
Facilities include a large communal bath and a lounge overlooking a garden. Together with morning and evening services and shojin meals, it offers a harmonious blend of Buddhist tradition and contemporary comfort (＊1).
Shojoshin-in, founded in the Heian period, sits right at the entrance to the sacred Okunoin path, making it one of the closest lodgings to this revered site. Its location allows easy access to night tours of Okunoin, where the atmosphere is truly unforgettable.
At dusk, walking among rows of lanterns and tombstones illuminated by candlelight, you step into a world where the line between life and death, present and afterlife, feels blurred. It is a deeply moving, almost otherworldly experience that transcends rational explanation, leading you into a realm of intuitive perception.
From this historic lodging, it is only a short walk to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), making Shojoshin-in an ideal base for travelers seeking cultural depth (＊2).
Fukuchiin is the only shukubo in Mount Koya with natural hot springs and is renowned for its museum-like atmosphere. Its grounds feature modern Japanese gardens designed in the late career of Shigemori Mirei, including the karesansui landscapes “Aizentei” and “Yusentei,” illuminated beautifully at night.
Here, ancient Buddhist spirituality meets modern artistry. The fusion shows how culture is never static but continues to evolve dynamically.
Inside, you’ll also find fine art and crafts linked to Mount Koya’s history. Meals highlight shojin cuisine made with local vegetables and tofu, nourishing both body and mind. A soak in the onsen, followed by a stroll through the illuminated gardens, creates a profound sense of renewal for culturally inclined travelers (＊3).
Mount Koya is home to 117 temples, about 52 of which accept overnight guests as shukubo. Originally built for pilgrims, they now welcome tourists with shojin cuisine, meditation sessions, and other cultural programs.
When selecting a shukubo, compare each temple’s features—such as gardens, fusuma paintings, or special practices—and check the pricing system. Booking can be done in two main ways:
Whichever method you choose, note that rates are usually for a one-night, two-meal plan. Prices generally range from ¥30,000–¥40,000 per person, with higher-end suites available at some lodgings such as Ekoin.
Stays are not just about rooms but about experiences—services like participation in rituals, meals, and cultural activities are all part of the package, reflecting the Japanese philosophy of omotenashi hospitality.
For foreign travelers, English-language support is expanding, with temples like Ekoin employing English-speaking staff. Signs at Kongobu-ji and Okunoin are bilingual, and Wi-Fi-equipped shukubo are increasingly common.
Do keep in mind: temples are religious sites. Respect local etiquette, such as removing shoes at the entrance and maintaining quiet. These practices are not rules for convenience, but reflections of Japan’s values of respect and harmony.
What sets shukubo apart is that your stay naturally becomes a form of “practice.” Activities such as sutra copying, meditation, and guided Buddhist lectures offer an opportunity for inner transformation rather than simply acquiring knowledge.
At Kongobu-ji, you can experience meditation, shakyo, and even esoteric rituals guided by monks. At Ekoin, morning services and goma fire rituals are open to visitors, and Ajikan meditation is offered with multilingual explanations.
Shojin meals are not only nourishing but also visual art, following the principle of “five colors and five methods” (go-mi go-ho). Seasonal vegetables, tofu, and mountain herbs are prepared in ways that delight the eyes as much as the palate, symbolizing creativity within restraint.
In renowned kitchens such as Hanabishi, spring dishes may feature plum motifs while autumn brings maple-leaf garnishes—seasonal aesthetics embedded in the dining experience.
Guest rooms balance tradition and modern comfort. For instance, Senyoin offers classic sukiya-style rooms overlooking gardens, while some temples provide modernized rooms with beds for those who prefer them.
At Ekoin, renovated suites feature large art installations by internationally active designer Hideki Yoshimoto, blending ancient woodwork with contemporary design. Similarly, Rengejoin combines fusuma paintings with modern furniture for a stay that unites tradition with innovation.
A trip to Mount Koya extends beyond shukubo stays—you can also immerse yourself in the region’s living culture.
Workshops with local artisans allow you to forge knives in traditional smithies, craft bamboo rods, or learn to prepare local dishes such as persimmon-leaf sushi and sesame tofu. These experiences are more than activities; they strengthen local economies and preserve intangible heritage.
Historic sites such as Danjo Garan, Kongobu-ji, and Okunoin connect you with Mount Koya’s deep spiritual landscape. With 23 national treasures and nearly 200 important cultural properties, the Reihokan Museum offers access to priceless works of Buddhist art and history.
To travel sustainably, consider using the Koyasan World Heritage Digital Ticket, which bundles rail and bus access at a discount while reducing congestion. Supporting local crafts, respecting eco-guidelines in lodgings, and practicing environmental awareness during your visit all contribute to sustainable tourism.
A stay at a shukubo in Mount Koya is far more than sleeping in a temple—it is a retreat for the mind and body. By joining morning services, you can feel the resonance of chanting monks and the fragrance of incense while discovering moments of inner stillness.
Through sutra copying, meditation, and Buddhist lectures, you will find yourself deepening spiritually in ways everyday life rarely allows. Meals of seasonal vegetables prepared as shojin cuisine become edible art—beautiful to the eye, nourishing to the body, and grounding for the spirit.
Surrounded by traditional architecture, serene gardens, hot springs, and increasingly multilingual services, shukubo today are welcoming to travelers from around the world.
Blending history, faith, culture, and sustainability, Mount Koya’s temple lodgings serve as sanctuaries for the modern soul. Stepping away from your busy daily routine, you may just find in Mount Koya not only a destination but also a place of rediscovery.