This was a special, once in a lifetime stay in a perfect location! The temple lodging is close to the main bus stop and walking distance from many of the major temples in town. Though we visited at the end of winter, the staff made sure we were warm and comfortable with an electric kotatsu and room heater. After several hours exploring Okunoin cemetery, we checked in, had a delicious dinner prepared in our room, then took a quick walk in the foggy garden grounds. We soaked in the cozy basement onsen and went to bed early to wake up for 6:30am morning service. The next morning we explored major temples in town before heading back down to Osaka. Staff were very helpful throughout our stay and willing to let us leave luggage before check in and after check out so we could easily explore Koyasan.

We stayed at Jokiin for three nights and it was a really peaceful, enjoyable experience. Our room was upstairs and on the corner, with a gorgeous view of the garden and trees. The room was incredibly spacious!! One room being our dining room and the other, our bedroom with futons. The table was heated and so warm (you’ll understand when you see it). The futons were comfy and had fluffy duvets. The onsen was fantastic! It was very clean and exactly what we needed after a day out in the cold. The temple was stunning and staff kind. It was really special to be able to interact with the Monks. They were really kind and helpful. It was lovely to be able to observe their daily routines and going about their day. The meals which the Monks brought to us were incredible. All vegetarian, which was a nice change from all the food we had been eating in Tokyo. Have an open mind when trying their meals, you might be pleasantly surprised. There are a few different dishes served and it is always fun trying something new. We attended the morning ceremony which was absolutely incredible. During the ceremony, a Monk invited us to make a prayer. At the end, we were allowed to take some photos and also walk through the shrine. A very special experience, highly recommend! Location was pretty awesome, right next to a bus stop and Kongobu-ji Pagoda. Quite a walk to Okunoin Cemetery, 2.5km or around 30min. But a lovely walk down the main street, passing some temples and nice picture opportunities. NOTE- we stayed during peak winter and it was utterly freezing in the halls. HOWEVER, before we arrived, Jokiin made it very clear that it is extremely cold inside the temple during winter. We appreciated the honesty, so this was no shock and didn’t bother us at all. Just come prepared is what I am saying :)

If you needed to get a hold of someone at reception, it could’ve been an issue. There didn’t seem to be someone at reception or an option to buzz someone to let them know you are there.

The temple was really beautiful and well maintained. We were happy with our room. It was very cold initially but the heating blanket, small portable heater and futons provided a nice gradual warming experience that contributed to the spiritual atmosphere of the place. The (vegan) food was exceptional. We enjoyed the public onsen and the morning ceremony. Toilet and shower facilities were modern, accommodating the comfort needs of European guests. The staff was attentive and friendly. We were warned in advance that this is a temple, not a hotel. So we knew that rooms had no locks, bathrooms would be shared, walls would be paper-thin. I had reservations when booking the accommodation, but my concerns were quickly dispelled once we entered the temple and started experiencing the place. Our stay made for a strange, yet surprisingly pleasant (i.e. soothing) experience.

The only thing we didn't like was the early curfew, as it forced us to rush our visit of the Koyasan cemetery by night. Other temples seem to have even earlier curfews, so that should not put you off staying at this temple

Dinner was served in our room, and heaps of vegitarian food. Adventure for the kids. very filling and warm. Breakfast was also vegetarian, and served in a 'hall' with the other guests. I wish we could have stayed 2 nights as the grounds are beautiful and it would have been nice to have more time to see the little town more. As it takes a bit of time to get there, 2 nights is advisable.

i wish i had bought the robes. Not sure if they were for sale, and i didn't ask.

Beautiful Temple, very nice staff. Very clean public bathrooms. Our room was spacious and futons were very comfy and cozy. Of course we had to turn on the kerosene heater, but it warms up quickly. Im vegetarian and found meals tasty and plentiful even if I didnt know what I was eating, but my partner is not and found them ok. So, if youre not used to plantbased food you might find it bland. Temple provides umbrellas for guests to use in Koyasan. We attended the morning prayer and it was very special. The head priest was very kind and translated some parts in english at the begining and end of ceremony. Koyasan is absolutely beautiful, it was one of the highlights of our trip. I hope you enjoy it with respect.

This is not criticism to the Temple, just a heads-up for other guests. The halls were very, very cold in mid-november (outside temperature around 11ºC, felt like 5 inside). We already knew that, brought extra layers and still felt a bit cold, so I recommend other guests do the same. As it is a Temple, you cannot enter with your shoes, so also pack thick socks because even the slippers they provide are freezing.

Amazing experience Staying in a temple. Once in a lifetime experience. Staff was amazing. Going to morning meditation. Prayer was phenomenal. Definitely recommend. Our room was nice and warm no issues. The hallway is a bit cold, but we had extra layers so it didn’t matter to us. Plenty of information provided by host that you’re staying in a temple not a hotel. Futons were comfortable, buckwheat pillows were terrific.

Everything was amazing

We really enjoyed our trip to Koyasan and we think it will probably go down as one of the highlights of our time in Japan. Despite it being bitterly cold the room was heated and we were comfortable staying there for the night! The staff were helpful and friendly and the dinner/breakfast included was nice, albeit very traditional! The transport from Osaka was very easy as well, would recommend going to the ticket office at Namba Station (Central gate) and the staff know what you need to get there in one piece. I would definitely recommend only taking a small bag and leaving your suitcases at a hotel/in the city, it’s not impossible to travel to Koyasan with them, but we saw a few people with large bags and it seemed to make life a bit more challenging! We would definitely recommend staying here and would happily come again if we find ourselves in Japan in future!

Nothing, it was a great experience

It’s really something to sleep in a temple and take place in the morning ceremony. Food was interesting - I was really looking forward to the vegetarian food. The facility bath is really nice and hot. And everything is very clean. Compliments to the staff who run the place really well.

It’s on the expensive end at about 130.000 yen per night but that will probably fluctuate during the year.

Beautiful Buddhist temple. The dinner and breakfast were delicious and very filling, as someone who eats a lot and struggled to find larger portions in Japan. I’m not vegan but really enjoyed the high quality and excellent variety of Japanese dishes. Public bath was nice and hot.

Futons were relatively uncomfortable compared to other futons I’ve slept on in other ryokans across Japan. I slept fine on them but I noticed the difference, so some people may be negatively affected more than me. Somewhat far walking distance to Okunoin cemetery, about 25 minutes on foot, when other lodgings are much closer. Price is high for the quality of the rooms, but you’re paying to stay in a Buddhist temple, not to have high quality amenities that you could otherwise get for the same price at different lodgings at different regions of Japan. Public hot bath was closed except in the evening, however there’s a private shower/bathtub that is open if you want to use otherwise.

Unique experience of lodging in a beautiful buddhist temple. The place has a very special atmosphere. The (buddhist vegetarian) dinner and breakfast were rich and very tasty. The staff was super welcoming and friendly. Good onsen bath. Traditional Japanese-style room (tatami mats and futon beds) was really spatious and comfortable.

If traveling in winter, be prepared that the cloister is old and not well isolated, thus rather cold. Inside the room it is ok due to the provided heaters, but for the corridors you‘ll need warm clothing.