Best Koya Hotels

"You need to stay at Shojoshin-in if you come to Koyasan! There's an English speaking receptionist when you check in, a Chinese monk and you can always use google translate to communicate with the Japanese-only staff/monks! There's goma prayers at 1pm, a tour of the temple only for lodgers at 4pm, dinner served at 530pm (& the food is super flavourful), you can do sutra copying in your room (pay at reception) and pay for a handwritten goshuin as well! Shojoshin-in is the closest temple to Okunoin's entrance so its super convenient to do a night tour (run by an external vendor). Main doors close at 5pm but you can enter through the side door. I met a Japanese lady whom stays only at Shojoshin-in when she comes to Koyasan every year! I miss this place already :("

"Very interesting and calm place to visit. Very comfortable rooms, and nice staff. I also had a conversation with monk, please, enjoy conversation, they can translate on your language."

"Definitely interesting experience. Partly tourist tradition, partly religious. As a new, atypical experience in Japan, the meal ritual and the vegetarian cuisine itself were interesting. Participation in the morning Buddhist prayer was valuable. Comfortable nice leather slippers. Saving hot springs on a rainy day. The strict end of the day time was inconvenient for us: the front door closed at 9 pm, and we were not allowed to linger during our walk. Quiet time from 9 p.m.Baths close at 8 and 9 pm. Thanks for the experience!🙏"

"We stayed overnight at Saimonin, a Buddhist temple lodging, and it was a truly unique and memorable experience. The room was spacious and ryokan-style, with shared bathrooms and showers. Do note that the showers are only available from 5–9 pm. The corridors and rooms were quite cold, but turning the AC up to 30°C made the room warm and cosy—though the temperature difference between inside and outside was definitely noticeable. Dinner is served promptly at 6 pm: a beautifully prepared temple kaiseki-style vegetarian meal. We initially thought it might not be filling, but it was surprisingly plentiful. We ate seated on the floor in the main hall, each couple separated by a small divider and dressed in the provided yukatas, which added to the peaceful atmosphere. Breakfast is served at 7:30 am, right after attending the monks’ 7 am meditation session, which was fascinating to witness and added a strong spiritual element to the stay. There is a curfew at 9 pm, but we actually appreciated it—it encouraged us to slow down, unwind, and truly enjoy the tranquility of the temple environment. One thing that could be improved is access to hot water in the evening. We were given a thermos of hot water at check-in along with complimentary matcha tea bags and biscuits, which was lovely. However, by around 7–8 pm we would have liked to make more hot tea, but couldn’t find anyone around to ask. A simple hot water dispenser would make a big difference. The monks were very quiet, with minimal interaction, and there’s no communal space, so the experience is more individualistic than social. Overall, it’s a very different kind of stay and one we definitely recommend. It’s absolutely worth it for anyone seeking a serene and culturally rich experience."

"The staff at the accommodation were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The English-speaking staff guided us around the facilities and thoroughly explained the rules. Despite the curfew at 9 PM, we were allowed to return later using an alternate door. Dinner was superb and delicious, with a variety of vegan dishes offered. It's a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate."

"This temple stay is amazing. Vegetarian breakfast and dinner was great. The morning prayer and fire ritual was great to take part in. They also offered an afternoon mediation tutorial. There was a night tour for the cemetery, however I did not take part. It was a little concerning that the English tour was ¥1000 yen more than the Japanese tour. Overall I highly recommend this place."

"The hotel has a parking lot and is in a good location. It is only 500 meters away from Kumgangsan Temple. It has public bathrooms. Shojin cuisine is delicious. There is a morning class at 6:30 in the morning. It is good to experience it."

"Superable experience for one night Would recommend a lot! Keep, calm, clean Morning meditation and other opportunities in one location"