Koyasan Sekishoin♡

Do not expect ryokan level accomodation but OK for an experience

6.0

For someone new to Japan and being in beautiful Koyasan, it is OK. I visited with a European tour group and it was sold to us as the "temple experience" Accomodation is basic but each with own bathroom. The food is preset in a large room and eaten together with everyone staying there. Setting out the food so far in advance and letting it get stone cold did not impress many. The food I did not mind but if you can serve hot tea then the miso could have been at least warm as after all this is for tourists and not a spiritual retreat. In the rooms you would not expect luxury but it was basic - maybe that was the point? Like all traditional Japanese structures, it is very cold in the colder months but there was a very efficient heater in each room. The stay was included in our package so I do not know the price but our guide said it is not cheap. The morning buddhist chant was very moving however watching it with 50 or so others made it a spectacle rather than feel you are witnessing temple life. The welcome speech with comments about foreigners physical attributes was a bit strange but you´d only pick that up speaking Japanese. For our group it was the only chance they had to sleep on futon and eat on tatami mats. I am sure the monks probably don´t enjoy having their temple invaded by so many foreigners and having to serve them so it is a difficult one to get the right balance. The location is superb with a main street and various temples to visit within walking distance.

A very different experience

8.0

This is a simple lodging, with clean and basic facilities. The food is vegetarian, beautifully prepared and there is enough to eat. We had a room with private shower and WC, it was spacious and clean, with a small TV, kettle and extra power sockets. In the bathroom there is a hairdryer and toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shower gel and shampoo are all provided. The beds are sleeping mats on the floor, the bedding is fluffy and warm. There is a heater in the room too. Plus traditional style PJ's and a short warm bed jacket are there to use. You're required to remove your shoes on arrival and if you want them, there are slippers to use. Meals are served in a communal hall, either sitting on the floor or on small collapsible stools. Extra portions of rice are offered, and tea too. The food is filling, maybe unusual - but it's part of the experience. Being able to watch the monks at prayer was a privilege. For an extra charge you can take part in the Goma fire ceremony -1000 yen to write your prayer or wish on a small wood baton which the monks will bless and pray over. There are rooms over 3 floors with lift or stair access. The garden area will probably be gorgeous as the summer progresses, but that was a little neglected while we were there. It's a peaceful and extraordinary experience which I'm really glad to have done.

Overbooked

2.0

Terrible temple. Chosen for location and I booked a private bathroom. I arrived and was told they had overbooked. I was taken to a temple at the opposite end of the town with only communal bathrooms. Was only refunded a small amount after complaining to the new temple.

Rude reception, nothing possible.

2.0

At arrival treated like a dog by one of the employees. Screaming and nothing was possible. In the monastery a leaflet that the employees can be rude. One of them certainly is. Good and clean rooms and the monks are friendly. Good food and the location is perfect. Next to the most beautiful graveyard I have ever seen. Book a tour in advance. Mostly fully booked.

A Truly Unique Cultural Experience

8.0

This was such an interesting and enjoyable experience. The rooms have you sleeping on a mat on the floor, so if that doesn't sound appealing, don't go. We slept very well on those mats and if you need a little more padding, try using a couple of pillows they use a seats in the room. There's a terrace; ours overlooked the garden from the main floor and the garden is not bad. Quite peaceful. There are vending machines! But if you want beer, go across the street to the convenience store - and those beers are very inexpensive. The supper and breakfast are vegan. Lots of tofu and rice as you are seated on the floor (some opted for little stools). I can't say it was the best food I've ever eaten but there was good variety and it gave me insight into the life of a monk. It's an easy walk to the Okunoin Cemetery, which is massive and well worth a visit. The onsen (public bath) is excellent, offering both indoor and outdoor options. We attended a religious service early in the morning and some of the attendees were offering up prayers written on a piece of wood. The monks prayed for those needs and then burned the pieces of wood during the service. If you attend the service, for the love of God be respectful; turn your cell phone off and don't take photos.

Peace and tranquility

10.0

Recently had an overnight stay and what a lovely tranquil environment Our room and ensuite were clean and comfortable with heating for the chilly night so we were cosy warm. The meals were great. The staff were very helpful. Such a shame that the big groups were so loud at meals etc and did not adhere to the simple rules such as photography of monks at the morning ceremony. So disrespectful.