Renge-in Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging) — Local services in Koya

This quiet temple that belongs to the Tokugawa family had excellent conditions for our stay. It had been renovated​ very recently so everything is new. The room was clean and had comfortable beddings to sleep on top of the tatami. It also had a private toilet, whereas the baths are at specific times per guest room in another room of the complex. So essentially I had my own private onsen there, which was fantastic! The meals were 100% vegan, which is something that might not please everyone, although they were very carefully prepared. You can join the morning prayer ceremony after which the history of the place is explained by the local monks. The hosts are very fluent in English.

If I ever return to Koyasan, I will definitely...

My stay with head-monk Kyosay (I'm likely spelling it incorrectly), his family and staff at Rengein was the highlight of my trip to Japan. It was the perfect conclusion to my travels- the monastery is quiet, their hospitality traditional and uniquely Japanese and the food was outstanding. I cannot imagine how many hours they labor over food preparation; it seemed a shame to eat it as the presentation was as a work of art. The room was simple- tatami, mattress, table, cushion and a fridge. Bathroom was very clean on the sento/bath spotless and relaxing. WiFi in room was strong. I highly recommend staying at Rengein. Assure you attend morning prayers...

Accanto ad un tempio buddista di 1200 anni, nel cuore del più antico centro di preghiera buddista del Giappone, abbiamo soggiornato 1 notte in una tipica stanza giapponese. Cena e colazione vegane, interessanti per sperimentare cucine diverse da quella occidentale, onsen privata e partecipazione alla preghiera mattutina, hanno reso unica la nostra esperienza. La famiglia che gestisce l’accoglienza ed il Monaco che si occupa del tempio e che vi è cresciuto, sono stati...