Yochi-in Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging) — Attraction in Koya

Our stay in the temple was a really special way to end our trip in Japan. We really appreciated the serenity of the location and the grounds. The interaction with the monks was lovely. The place was a lovely mix of tradition and modern. For example we had WiFi and aircon in the room too||This type of stay is not for everyone please have you expectations set to get the most out of this experience. ||Check in closes at 5pm. This is because dinner (include in half board) is served at 5.30pm. The meal consists of a traditional Japanese Buddhist meal of about 10 dishes including tofo, rice, soup, pickles and veg. There are no animal products in this meal. Servives on low tables sitting on the tatami Matt floor. I am sure arrangement could be made if you are unable to sit on the floor. If you are used to a large meal this won’t fill you, but you can get snacks in the local family mark. ||The traditional hot bath is wonderful. Open from 4.30pm to 10pm. Men and women separate you shower before entering the bath. Towel and toiletries are provided. Much needed if you have hiked up the mountain. ||The room is a basic tatami flooring with futons. Simple but comfortable- maybe a little hard for some. There are only shared bathrooms, but they are very clean and comfortable. ||The temple is closed at 9pm. So there is time after dinner and mediation to take in some of the night lights in town. ||We were invited to join a meditation and morning chanting (6.30am) and the monks explained some Buddhist philosophy. Breakfast is modest and...

I hesitated between 3 and 4 stars for that review but all in all the pros are : very good location near all the interesting things to see in Koyasan very nice and warm welcoming from the monks and the employees of the temple good fresh veggie food, some weird crude vegetables but overall very good quality nice room with a garden view, relaxing and calm (depending on your room neighbors :)) very clean, and beautiful ceremony room

The cons are : VERY expensive for what you get ( we paid almost 240 USD for one night and 2 meals, with 2 people). You can feel the "business" overall in Koyasan including the temples which seem to be a very good cash income for the monks and the people here they want you out of your room Asap after you wake up (I was asked 3 times between 6:30 and 8 am if I'm leaving), they remove your bed while you're at the ceremony the ceremony is, to my opinion, really not worth it waking up so early, just to see two monks mumbling something for one hour and occidental tourists burning incense and asking stupid questions about spirituality and traditions in Japan (questions for which the monk has no answer, btw). the bath is good but a little too hot and the shower isn't very welcoming

Just go there for the experience, don't expect hotel services (which it isn't , I know). And only stay one night, then go back to a biggest town because there isn't really much to see, and the trip is VERY long 👀! I would do it again if for the first time, but won't go back...

We were warmly welcomed with green tea and a tour of the temple when we arrived. The monks couldn’t do enough for us. Room was spacious and clean. Provided with yukata (casual kimono) to wear whilst we were staying. Although costs extra I would definitely recommend having dinner as it was delicious and like nothing I had tried before. Make sure you book food in advance as can’t be booked last minute. Shared toilets and bathrooms (with onsen bath) clean and with plenty of space for multiple guests. Bathrooms were only available in the evening, my partner did miss his morning shower! ||The morning ceremony is a must do, I can’t understand why you’d stay with monks and not join in with this! After the ceremony the priest took the time to explain some importance aspects of his branch of Buddhism and answer our questions. We also paid to copy sutra and really enjoyed this too. The ceremony and sutra copying gave us a great insight into this importance aspect of Japanese culture/religion. ||All in all a fantastic cultural experience and something totally different from the hustle and bustle of Japanese cities. Koyasan itself of simply beautiful and incredibly spiritual and is a must see for anyone...