The experiences with the temple monks (evening meditation, morning chanting) was wonderful -- visually, the sounds, the smell of incense. Our room was very large, comfortable, clean and new. The food were was delicious and beautiful.

Tap water in rooms is not drinkable; not an issue, but need a couple bottles of water in the room (can buy from vending machine down the hall.)

I'd previously stayed at Ekoin Temple a few years ago and in comparison I found Rengejoin to be much more personal and intimate. I stayed in the deluxe family suite and it was simply beautiful. Every detail was well thought through and a real joy to experience. The staff were exceptionally helpful and kind and the food was top notch. Would highly recommend this temple stay! Do note though that this temple has a 9pm curfew which means joining the night tour of the cemetery (hosted by Ekoin) is not an option.

Food (both dinner and breakfast) was very tasty and offered a variety of vegetarian dishes. The place was serene and allowed us to escape from busy city life for a night. Evening ceremony (40-minute meditation) and morning ceremony (chanting) were an exceptional experience. The fact that wearing shoes on the grounds was prohibited, further added to the calming experience. We managed to visit Okuno-in cemetery with its uniquely mystical atmosphere at night after dinner (30 minutes by foot; there's also a bus) and got back just in time before quiet hours (9 pm).

The only thing is that we had a hard time understanding the spoken English of the monk who led the ceremony.

Fantastic place to stay! The staff are very warm and welcoming. A beautiful temple with sliding doors, garden and inner courtyard. The peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by being located in a quieter part of town, but it is still within an easy walking distance from the bus stop. The food was excellent! They provide dinner and breakfast which was delicious, and plenty of green tea! The Japanese-styled rooms were very comfortable and beautifully decorated. I stayed in one with a shared bathroom and enjoyed relaxing in the bath in the evening. Although it was a shared bathroom, I was the only one using it at the time. I enjoyed participating in the medication session and the morning chants as well, and one of the monks explains what is happening in both Japanese and English. I would highly recommend this place for any visitors to Koyasan!

A place of exceptional beauty. Staying here was an incredible way to immerse myself in the history and culture of this extraordinary place, as well as to learn a bit about the branch of Buddhism that has shaped Koyasan for 1,200 years. My room was eye-poppingly beautiful and comfortable. The monks were kind and welcoming and spoke English quite well. I enjoyed participating in the 5pm meditation service as well as witnessing the monks chant in the morning. The food was beautifully prepared. It was easy to combine staying at Rengejoin with an evening tour of Okunuin and still make it back in time to use the sento.

The woman who greeted us spoke perfect English and was very friendly and helpful. The room was large, pristine and comfortable, with a beautiful view on the garden. The grounds all around were beautiful. We had a private toilet but a public bath, which made for an authentic Japanese experience. Everything was impeccably clean.

The room was nice and warm but the hallways and public spaces were cold during early November. The meals were served on small trays and we sat on the floor on cushions. Again, a very authentic Japanese experience but not physically comfortable for everyone.

- Beautiful Place with a very authentic and relaxing ambiance. It's not a hotel but a Temple in which you are staying. - Beautiful room with wonderful view on garden. The room was a work of art on its own. - Private Toilet available in the room. - Free WiFi. - Nice Breakfast and Dinner included. Both were vegetarian but tasty nevertheless. - Clean rooms. - Airconditioning. - Wonderful meditation sessions you can have together with monks.

- Shared bathroom, which was only accessible in the evening within a timeframe of 3 hours. This is no biggy in a way, but it's something to keep in mind and plan around. - Curfew; at 21:00 in the evening the outside doors are closed & locked and you won't be able to get in. This is something to keep in mind as well. In the area they organize evening-tours, and you need to explain to those tour guides that you have to be back at the latest at 21:00. - The curfew also applies inside the Temple, and you are requested to be quiet after 21:00. - You can hear other guests walking and talking in the hallway outside of the room. The previous point on the curfew helps ensure this is not an issue though after 21:00. - The pillow requires getting used to. It's very hard on one side.

We were absolutely blown away by our room. We expected a somewhat ascetic aesthetic, but our room was absolutely gorgeous. Admittedly, the room rate was quite expensive. The room had tatami mats and futons (as expected), which was extremely comfortable. The room was decorated exquisitely and had everything one could want in a room. We had two lovely sitting areas - one for tea or coffee and another overlooking a peaceful garden. Our toilet and shower area was ultra modern. Everything was immaculate and beautiful. Staff was very friendly and spoke excellent English. The food was fabulous and beautifully presented. We thoroughly enjoyed the 6 am chanting sessions and the 5 pm meditation with the monks. In addition, the onsite "onsen" was great. For that reason, it is not necessary to get a room with shower facilities. (We didn't realize that, so our room had more than we needed). Great location for walking everywhere in Koyasan. Quiet, peaceful, lovely stay.

There is a very friendly, helpful and charming Japanese/Kiwi lady that gave us a great welcome and always a big smile. The place is very tranquil and zen as one might imagine. It’s in a quiet(er) place but well situated all the same. There was a vending machine with Asahi in it (not normally something of note but it was appreciated given it was my birthday!)

Unfortunately, and of no fault of the lodging, there was a rather raucous bunch of senior Japanese ladies that didn’t respect the silent hours on our 2nd night and disturbed my sleep substantially!

From the moment we arrived, the serene atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the monks set the tone for a truly immersive and peaceful retreat. The accommodations were simple yet comfortable, perfectly in line with the temple’s minimalist philosophy. The evening meditation session was a highlight, providing a deep sense of tranquility and mindfulness. Waking up early for the morning chanting was a unique and spiritual experience, allowing me to connect with the traditions of the temple in a meaningful way. The vegetarian meals served were both delicious and nourishing, emphasizing natural flavors and mindful eating. The schedule was well-balanced, offering a mix of meditation, chanting, and personal reflection time, making it ideal for both beginners and those familiar with Buddhist practices.