The Okunoin Cemetery is a revered site with towering old cedars that house the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the Shingon Buddhism founder. This spiritual place boasts a stunning cemetery and is situated in the midst of an ancient forest filled with huge trees ranging from 200 to 600 years old. It spans several kilometers and offers numerous paths for exploration, making it one of Japan's most authentic temples.
This cemetery is the place where all the warlords and samurais was buried on the past.
There is also emperors and kings, the surrounding forest is beautiful and peaceful
Those are quiet times in japan, there are no tourist from overseas and this places are almost empty.
I been 2 time at sunrise si the best time, we also been on the night and definitely is not you place if you are easy to get scared.
Overall for me the best place in koyasan
Mat — Google review
Obviously - this place wasn't built to be a tourist destination, but if it was - it could not have been built any better. What an outstanding place to visit, so peaceful and serene. We visited on a wet and misty afternoon in February which for me - made it all the better.
Mark Reeves — Google review
Spectacular walk through the forested cemetery. The towering, ancient trees are a sight in themselves. Best to visit at dusk to feel the peace, magic and spiritual energy of the place. We were lucky that rain meant we were mostly alone, and made the majesty and mystery even better. Faithful or not, it's worth the visit.
Kristen Drummond — Google review
Really like the peaceful atmosphere! Trees there are tall and green.
After snowing, we walk lightly along the trail, feeling relaxed and comforting.
Especially recommend visit here at sunset, all stone-lanterns light up, with the snow falling, it’s breathtaking.
Chiayi Nian — Google review
Breathtaking cemetery and spiritual place. Located in the middle of a centenary forest with huge trees of 200-600 years old among ancient tombs and mausoleums, it goes for kilometers following multiple paths. It is great to explore and find the paths into the forest. If you start from the town you'll find the shrine at the end, and if you come from the forest path, at the beginning. Either way this was to me the most authentic temple in Japan, where monks live and conduct rituals and hipnotic prayers with other people. The house of the lanterns is amazing, so it is the tower of Buddhas accumulated during the centuries. To make it more special at night it is illuminated by stone lanterns.
Alex Besteiro — Google review
My favorite place in Japan! I've been 5 times… I recommend staying at least 2 days!
Cesar Augusto Morise — Google review
The cemetery is huge! Such a peaceful place built to commune with nature.
Guilherme Lanna — Google review
Full of history and very interesting corporate grave plots. There is also Hideyoshi’s memorial site just off the main pathway
Scott Witt — Google review
One of my favorite places on Earth. It's an oasis of nature and tranquility like only a cemetery can be. The funeral is stunning and constantly evoked all sorts of feelings. I spent my entire afternoon here when I visited Koya, happily watching history unfold as the paths and architecture evolve over the centuries to tell the stories of the Buddhist monks buried there.
Fun fact: During my entire walk through this cemetery I couldn't but remember my playthrough of Dark Souls.
Javier Kohen — Google review
Really enjoyed the fresh air and the interesting old moss covered tombs and statues along the walking trail in this historically and spiritually significant cemetery. Surrounded by tall green trees, this place is beautiful by day although I can see it being eerie at night. The small dirt paths that branch off from the main trail also have several untouched and old statues along them. The sheer number of tombs in this place is baffling.
sahithya baskaran — Google review
Nice stroll through the nature with good preserved graves. On the way back you will find some graves or more known people from Japan. You can recognize them quite easily looking at the brand names.
Sander van Vliet — Google review
Okunoin Cemetery is a sacred and historic site located in Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Koyasan, or Mount Koya, is a mountainous area that serves as the headquarters of the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism. The cemetery is an integral part of Koyasan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The cemetery is vast and houses the graves of over 200,000 people, including samurai, monks, and notable historical figures. Many of the tombstones are elaborately adorned, and some belong to prominent individuals from various periods of Japanese history.
Okunoin is considered one of the holiest places in Japan and is a deeply spiritual site. It is the mausoleum of Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and a revered figure in Japanese religious history.
Free parking and entry either day or night.
Annie Sobol — Google review
Creapy and beautiful at the same time. A very old Cemetery with a run down feel to it, where nature is taking over. After 20 min walking you will discover a mesmerizing temple where pictures are not allowed. Recommend to walk the trail around sunset.
Bas van der Burgh — Google review
A walk immersive walk into a Buddhist burial site. You can feel the atmosphere of time by watching old tombs and ruins. However there are few new tombs that have corporate names on it. Not sure the meaning of that, but if you pass through that it is an enjoyable walk
Nicola — Google review
This is one of the most beautiful places in Japan. The mighty cedar tress, moss, and the tomb stones look very surreal. The place has some energy. It was very calming and wonderful.
Sree Ch — Google review
This cemetery was on top of my itinerary for Japan and it did not dissapoint! It was fantastic to just stroll through the cemetery forest and admire the thousants of tomb stones, moss covered graves and trees. The cemetery path led us up to the Oko-no-In temple, all the way from Kouyasan centre. It has almost like a magical feel to it, especially around dusk, when the lanterns come on. This place is highly recommended to visit. Something you will never forget.
Thomas Delemarre — Google review
Great scenic walk too calm your mind. I came during the fog which greatly enhance the ancient atmosphere as well. Awesome!
Koyasan is an esteemed religious site of Buddhism comprising a vast collection of over 100 temples, which offer guided tours and overnight accommodations amidst verdant environs. This sacred complex exudes a serene ambiance that attracts numerous visitors from various parts of the world who come to experience its distinctive traditions, culture and architecture.
Kongobuji, a historic temple and headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, is a unique destination featuring fascinating artifacts, paintings, and a rock garden. The Japanese gardens surrounding the temple are sprawling and boast an impressive array of stones and rocks. During autumn, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. Kongobuji offers visitors an opportunity to marvel at exquisite Japanese architecture while being reminded of traditions such as removing shoes before entering temples.
It is the ecclesiastic head temple of Shingon Buddhism.
The name of the temple “金剛峰” literally means the Diamond Mountain Peak. In Buddhism “金剛” usually interpreted as diamond and thunderbolt “vajra”, it implies the firmness and indestructibility.
Do not miss the Banryūtei rock garden, which is famous for the granite stones arranged in the shapes of 2 dragons.
I enjoyed the serene atmosphere when visiting the temple.
Matthew Khew — Google review
This is one of the temple complex. And you can enjoy to visit a historical buildings. Oh, by the way, they serve brief tea service for visitors.
Late 2020, one of the famous Japanese monochrome painter Senju produced two great sliding door paintings. You can not only see them, but you can take a photo!!
???? ?????? — Google review
2005年。あの時、19歳の僕は四国遍路をしました。大学生の冬休み、GW、夏休みの3回に分けて、お遍路を敢行しました。大学生の当時、生きる意味が分からなくなったのです。今振り返れば、当時の世相にどっぷり浸かっていた1面もあったでしょう。はい、2000年代初頭に流行っていた、「自分探しの旅」とか、「あなたは今、幸せですか?」とか。今ではあまり聞かれなくなったフレーズかもしれませんが、当時は良く流行っていた懐かしい価値観です。当時も色々と考えたつもりですが、結局それはその時々で、答えを見つけていくことなのでしょう。納経書のうち、高野山だけが空白のままでした。本当は八十八箇所を結願した後に、行くべきだったのですが、時機を逸してしまい、いつかはと思いながら、時間だけが過ぎていきました。この度、高野山へ参拝できました。当時の思いや考えたこと、四国の自然やお接待のありがたさに感動したこと、すべてのお寺を回った達成感や感動を、鮮明に思い出すことは難しいのですが、お大師さんに、感謝を伝えたいと思います。
(Translated by Google)
Year 2005. At that time, I was 19 years old and went on a pilgrimage to Shikoku. I went on the pilgrimage three times during university students' winter vacation, Golden Week, and summer vacation. When I was in college, I lost the meaning of life. Looking back now, I think there was a part of me that was completely immersed in the social conditions of the time. Yes, there were songs that were popular in the early 2000s, such as "Journey of self-discovery" and "Are you happy now?" It may not be a phrase that is heard much anymore, but it is a nostalgic value that was popular at the time. I thought I thought about a lot of things at the time, but in the end it's all about finding the answer at the right time. Of the bills, only Koyasan remained blank. I was actually supposed to go after praying at the 88 temples, but I missed the opportunity, and time passed by, wondering if it would ever happen again. This time, I was able to visit Mt. Koya. It is difficult to vividly recall my thoughts and thoughts at that time, how I was moved by the nature of Shikoku and the hospitality we received, and the sense of accomplishment and excitement I felt after visiting all the temples, but I would like to express my gratitude to Daishi. I would like to tell you.
A H — Google review
A designated National Treasure built in the Edo period, Kongobuji Temple at Koyasan is more than just another place of spiritual worship. The larger purpose of the temple is to serve as the headquarters of the Buddhist Shingon sect, founded by the monk Kobo Daishi, whose mausoleum can be found at nearby Okunoin Temple.
Koyasan dates back to 816 and Kongobuji Temple was built in 1593, then rebuilt in 1863. While it is architecturally satisfying from the outside, take off your shoes and step through the doors and you'll be rewarded by Kongobuji Temple's beautiful interior.
We were also able to view the Koya Fire Festival (Spring ceremony for the opening of the climbing season at Mt. Koya, and the Buddhist rite of cedar-stick burning) 🔥
Annie Sobol — Google review
I must say I love Japanese gardens and this one is unique,
There are a lot of stone and rocks and is way bigger than than other I seen before.
Now in autumn is even prettier.
Those are quiet times in japan, there are no tourist from overseas and this places are almost empty.
Beautiful place to visits in you time In koyasan
Mat — Google review
Paid sight seeing area, but it's worth it. Amazing traditional architecture and garden. (cannot photograph interior artwork)
Jason Hung — Google review
2023年11月に訪れました。
紅葉の季節でとても色鮮やかな景色世界遺産に、相応しいと大きな沢山の樹木(杉や、欅など)に驚きました。
立派なウンチクは行けばわかりますので割愛しますが、たくさんの有名な武将や会社などがあります。
シーズンが良いと、確実にランチ難民になりますので事前の調査と準備が必要と思います。
車で行けばそれなりにラクてすが、夕方は渋滞です。バイクならスイスイといけますが、観光バスもありと想います。
(Translated by Google)
Visited in November 2023.
I was surprised to see so many large trees (cedar, zelkova, etc.) that the scenery was very colorful during the fall foliage season, which befits a world heritage site.
I won't go into details about the fine examples of unchiku, as you can easily see them once you've been there, but there are many famous military commanders and companies.
If the season is good, you will definitely be a lunch refugee, so I think it is necessary to research and prepare in advance.
It's fairly easy to get there by car, but traffic is congested in the evening. You can easily get there by bike, but I think sightseeing buses are also an option.
けんじ — Google review
We visited here in snowing day, atmosphere here is peaceful, making us feeling relaxed. Especially the garden, which is full of Zen.
Chiayi Nian — Google review
A very beautiful place to go and see Japanese architecture at its finest. These temples are so amazing and the beautiful colour is awe inspiring.
When entering the temples don't forget to take off your shoes.
You can also get tokens for luck as well as monks to sign your book if you want.
I loved being here.
Carol A — Google review
One of the most ancient building, the arts of interior and paintings are all remarkable and several famous historical events also took place here, a must visit place while you are here.
Nothingnew — Google review
日帰りで行きました。
大門から金剛峯寺まで歩きました、子連れで15分ぐらいです。
途中コンビニ、飲食、カフェ(猿田彦コーヒー)等があり楽しめます。
紅葉時期でとても綺麗でした、国内外の観光客で賑わっていました。
大門前のお饅頭屋さん【南峰堂】はつきたてでとても美味しいです。
無料駐車場が至る所にありますが中々空きがありません、役場駐車場が比較的空いているのでお勧めです。
(Translated by Google)
I went on a day trip.
I walked from the Daimon gate to Kongobuji Temple, which took about 15 minutes with my child.
There are convenience stores, restaurants, cafes (Sarutahiko Coffee), etc. along the way.
It was very beautiful during the autumn leaves season, and it was crowded with domestic and foreign tourists.
The manju shop in front of the Daimon gate, Nanpodo, is freshly made and very delicious.
There are free parking lots everywhere, but there aren't many spaces, so we recommend the parking lot at the town hall, which is relatively empty.
ZUKA — Google review
Very good experience to learn shingo buddhism intorduced by kobo daishi. 1000 yen to enter and see more sights but you can't take pictures in the inside, only the outer area like the rocks and greenery.
Hallelujah — Google review
Kongobu-Ji is a very nice temple complex which is considered the original center of Shingon Buddhism. The temple complex and garden are very well kept and there is a tour that leeds you past a large number of very beautiful sliding doors that tell the story of Kukai.
In the back there is a beautiful rock garden that is worth a visit as well. There is an entrance fee of 1000yen but it's worthwhile.
Thomas Delemarre — Google review
The temple has not drawn a lot of visitors maybe I went during weekday. However due to the less crowd the temple vicinity is peaceful, serenity and fill with full of Zen arena.
It is a good place to pay a visit but not a good place for photo taking.
Charles — Google review
Well maintained and preserved temple with lots of interesting features like an old temple kitchen, decorated doors or a classic rock garden. The entrance was 1000yen so it's cheap but probably worth visiting if you are in Koya.
Maciej Polakowski — Google review
Great place to visit in Koyasan. The surrounding gives a peaceful vibe and calmness to people for relaxation.
Ces Sheng (CES) — Google review
A special place.
The rock garden is amazing and the story behind it is inspiring.
Set amongst a whole town, richly steeped in Buddhist history.
The historic Danjō-garan Buddhist Temple complex is situated in a peaceful setting surrounded by tall trees. It is known for its exquisite temples, which are considered some of the most beautiful in Japan. Visitors can hike to the top of Mt Koya, starting from Kudoyama Station and passing through a little shop and vending machines halfway up. At the top lies the magnificent shrine, along with an unusual cemetery located behind it and the town.
This is a big temple complex and one of the main landing points of tourist busses. So it can get crowded in times. The versatility of buildings is stunning and there is a lot to discover on a round trip on this site.
Tee F Kay — Google review
The Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex can be described as the center of Koyasan, which was opened by Kukai (aka Kobo Daishi) as a place for secret training in Shingon esoteric Buddhism. Several temples are located inside the Danjo Garan, and the 49-meter tall Great Stupa is of an especially splendid and impressive scale.
Annie Sobol — Google review
You have to be here to feel the peace of mind. This is not something VR or Google Street could replace.
Jason Hung — Google review
Hope next time can stay here longer, peaceful place
黃嬭芳 — Google review
Gorgeous temple complex in the center of Kouyasan with a stunning 50m tall pagoda, which is really impressive. Every temple had it's own entrance fee but there was nobody to collect it, you just have to put it in a box. Just be respectful and pay the fee when you are entring. It's a place where you can enjoy the peace and quiet and the nature surrounding the coplex. We loved coming here.
Thomas Delemarre — Google review
Hiking up Mt Koya, especially from Kudoyama Station is one of my favorite hiking trails in the area. The hike is about 21km from Kudoyama to the shrine at the top. Half-way there is a little shop and vending machines, so one doesn’t need to carry much at all. There are also shops in Kudoyama. At the top, there is a beautiful shrine and the temples are one of the most beautiful ones I’ve seen in Japan. Make sure to go on to see the weird cemetery as well which is behind the temple and the town. It’s a huge cemetery and if you want to see it, it will altogether add another 5km, but it’s worth it. From the top, you can easily get on a bus anywhere which will bring you back to the Nankai Koya Line.
Andreas Volk — Google review
A great, peaceful, magic Place!
Aurora Vitali — Google review
We visited here in snowing day, atmosphere here is peaceful, making us feeling relaxed.
Chiayi Nian — Google review
Such an amazing peaceful place. This is my second time here and it gets better every time. The temples and shrines around here are beautiful to look at!
m H — Google review
Most amazing temple complex we have seen in our 3 weeks travel to Japan!
Bas van der Burgh — Google review
Probably my favorite day of 9 months travelling the world (This .complex of temples and the cemetery combined).
It was windy, cold and raining hard - probably why we had the place to ourselves in mid February 2023. There was also a heavy mist but for me - this only added to the amazing and serene experience.
So many temples in one place, if this had been Kyoto - it would be cram packed with people.
If feel so lucky to have experienced the complex solo, with just my thoughts and my umbrella!
Mark Reeves — Google review
Very serene and peaceful. Was a pleasure just walking around alone and thinking about life in general. A must visit if you are in Koyasan.
Drifter Travels — Google review
We wandered around the surroundings. It was a thoroughly enchanting experience. The whole place showcases the majesty of both Japanese nature, traditions and history. The entire place is like a giant bonsai garden. I couldn’t stop taking pictures
Daimon Gate, a Buddhist temple in Koyasan, was constructed in the 11th century as a towering structure adorned with carved guardians. The gate offers stunning views of the valley and is particularly attractive during autumn when the leaves change color. Despite being relatively quiet with few foreign tourists, it remains a popular destination due to its impressive size and beauty. Visitors can also take a small trail to Nyonindo on the other side if time permits.
It is very huge and there are few people, so it is recommended.
Takashi Miyazaki — Google review
The main gate to Koyasan, was rebuilt in 1705. It is a multistoried tower gate that stands 25.1 meters high. The statues of the guardian gods at both sides of the gate were made by Buddhist sculptors Koi and Uncho during the Edo period. The gate is also a place where beautiful sunsets can be viewed and is lit up at night, creating a mystical spectacle.
Annie Sobol — Google review
Good start point for your pelgrim route hike. It can be the finish point as well if you walk it the other way around. The structure is impressive, but unfortunately not too easy to photograph in a beautiful way
Sander van Vliet — Google review
An impressive gate. At the far end of the town but worth the walk.
Drifter Travels — Google review
Massive gate at the entrance to Koyasan. Very beautiful view over the mountains as well.
E G — Google review
This is the main gate of Koyasan -
Iconic large gate!
Very beautiful.
There’s a small trail to go to other side (Nyonindo) if you have time...
Kyoko Nagano — Google review
Stunning gate entrance to Koya with great views !
Isidro Najar — Google review
Very grand structure, hard to capture the size in photos. If you are in koyasan it's definitely worth the visit. Easily accessible via a short work from the city centre. As an added benefit there is also good views across the road from the gate.
Euan Orsini — Google review
Beautiful views s of The Valley.
The gate is huge and very impressive
The autumn leaf give a extra attractive
Those are quiet times in japan, there are no tourist from overseas and this places are almost empty.
Beautiful place to visits in you time In koyasan
Mat — Google review
When staying at Koyasan, Daimon is accessable by city bus. It is lit up at night, and the scenery across from it is very nice at sunset.
Michelle Martinie — Google review
Impressive gate at entrance to Koyasan. Very imposing and grand!
The Koyasan Reihokan Museum contains a vast assortment of Japanese cultural artifacts, including religious statues, paintings and other historical objects. Although the museum is relatively small in size, it offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into Japan's rich history and heritage. Admission to the museum costs 600 yen and requires visitors to remove their shoes and don slippers before entering. The collection primarily focuses on works related to Buddhism, many of which are considered sacred art.
The museum is small but SO WORTH IT!! ¥600 to get in, shoes off, slippers on, it was great. I'm kind of a history fanatic so for me it was awesome. Mostly pieces pertaining to Buddhism, but they are amazing. Such sacred art right before your very eyes. CHECK IT OUT.
Diego Ryuugamine — Google review
Warning: Most of the exhibits do not have an English description. You can use Google Translate on some of them (if they're not behind glass), but you probably know how well it handles Japanese... Overall the museum is rather small and not really worth the admission price.
Spookie — Google review
A little bit expensive for this small museum (1300 ¥ per adult). But very nice figures.
It would be nice to have the texts translated into englisch for international tourists.
Mr. Cuisine — Google review
The museum is amazing, all the sculptures are incredible. It was really worth the visit. Though we would appreciate it a lot more if there were any explanations/ audio guide/ texts in english. Everything was so beautiful, but felt like we missed out a lot by not having a proper explanations about it.
*They do not allow photos, so it is SOO calm and free of influencers and stuff.
nfyrk YK — Google review
A two room museum featuring many huge beautiful Buddha statues and other religious figures. Nothing is in English, so there won't be much to take away. Just seeing the sculptures were enough for the 400 yen admission fee.
Gerik Brown — Google review
Very nice art, but most of it has long explanations in japanese only, while english only has a few words about what it's made out of. The experience wasn't really worth it. NB to foreign students who have bought world heritage tickets, if you use your school ID instead its much cheaper than your discount ticket!
Rebecca Vangen — Google review
Waste of time and waste of money if you can’t understand japanese language. All the most importante descriptions are in japanese, you will find only the technique in english (ex. Gold foil on wood). It is unusefull to visit a museum if you can’t understand anything. A pity since surely the pieces are precious and of grate importance.
Diletta Sorrentino — Google review
A lovely museum, although at a hefty price compared to similar establishments in more urban locations. Staff was very helpful and offered English pamphlets to assist us on our tour. Without the pamphlets, make sure you bring your smart phone with you and that it has the ability to translate text from Japanese to English or whatever language you prefer. Otherwise, you will see a paragraph or two of text written in Japanese, followed by a 1-liner in English just giving the name of the historical piece and/or the materials used to make it. Do bare in mind, however, that photography is not allowed, so you may be viewed with suspicion for whipping out your phone and taking pictures (although we both know you were just trying to translate whatever the sign said.)
It is a wonderful break from the area it is located in. Both interior and exterior layouts are truly beautiful, even in the full blazing heat of summer. Many pieces of historical art and sculpture that are truly awe inspiring. The gift shop near the entrance actually has a interesting selection of offerings, excellent for small presents or decorations, but nothing overly expensive or daunting. The outside area also has a break station with vending machines and water misting, which was tremendously useful during our summer visit. Make sure you remember to take your umbrella with you when you leave, unlike me.
Girish Menon — Google review
Many of the treasures of the Koyasan temple complexes are housed here, also to protect them from fires.
Emarie Botha — Google review
Beautiful museum in a beautiful building. Their collection of wooden figures, scrolls, and works is impressive, dating back to the 8th century.
Tim Tim — Google review
Absolutely smashing statue of Saint Kobo Daishi, precious Mandalas, impressive collection and building not to be missed!
Nicola Hernadi — Google review
Nice museum which is displaying artefacts recovered around Koyasan. But the lack of English description make it not worth it at all... You can always use Google Lens to translate the Japanese description but it's such an hassle to do it for every artefact.
Valery Chhoa — Google review
Small museum. Don't get me wrong, the artifacts and statues were incredible. However, to me this place was kind of expensive. I would have been ok to have paid ¥800 for it but not more than that. If you are here on a rainy day then this a perfect activity to do to pass the time. History buffs will love the place. Also kinda sucks that you are not allowed to take pictures inside.
Yochi-in Temple, a Buddhist temple in Japan, offers serene accommodations with garden views and traditional tatami floors. Guests can enjoy vegetarian meals and participate in morning prayers for a beautiful experience. It is recommended to stay for at least three nights to explore the numerous beautiful sites in town. The staff is friendly and accommodating while breakfast is delicious. Upon arrival, guests are provided with yukata for relaxation and tea service.
It was a wonderful experience to stay at the Yochi in. The monks are very nice and one of them spoke English very well. They were very nice. The rooms are amazing, Tatami mats and Futons. Also the experience of sharing a traditional bathroom was very interesting. It was also great to join the morning ceremony. All in all, I´d love to go there again and I can recommend it to everyone!
Rina Bambina — Google review
Such an amazing, unique, genuine experience. I would recommend this beautiful temple lodging to anyone. The people are amazing. It was the first time for us attending abmorning ceremony and it was a unique experience. The onsen is also very nice, and hygienic. The rooms are cozy and comfortable. Food is very tasty. This is the kind of place you come to slow down, meditate, and immerse yourself in Buddhism. We'd love to come back in the future!
Valentina Bestani — Google review
Although we arrived very late, the monks received us kindly, even left the showers open one hour longer just for us.
The morning ceremony was very pleasant and a really new experience for me. All attendees were tourists like us, and we got instructed by the head monk. The shojin breakfast was delicious! Definitely a recommendation.
Simon Leitner — Google review
The staff and monks are lovely, and so helpful. They willingly share information and offer suggestions on where to visit. Learning about the temple itself, as well as the rest of the mountain, is a great privilege.
The rooms are simple and clean and the food is amazing :D I ordered Gluten Free meals which were delicious. The rest of my group had the regular menu and said it was amazing too.
The location makes it easy to walk to all parts of the mountain.
I will definitely be back.
Sami Seghers — Google review
AMAZING experience. I'm not sure why people are so negative? We loved our stay and found morning prayer to be a beautiful experience. I would recommend three nights because there are so many beautiful sites to explore in town. The staff were very friendly and accommodating and breakfast was delicious. We were given yukata to relax in and tea service on arrival. The baths were relaxing. The temple is beautiful and peaceful. A worthwhile experience.
Eimile — Google review
We had a great stay at the Yochi-in. The monks are very friendly, and the morning meditation ceremony was very interesting. The food is local and fresh (with some tastes and textures westeners will find.. interesting). They have good matresses on the floor compared to other ryokans and/or temples, so our sleep was comfortable. All in all a very unique and nice experience.
Tim Tim — Google review
I had an amazing time at the Yochi-In Temple. The room was beautiful and the bed very comfortable. The night tour at the cemetery very interesting and the morning ceremony too! Food was good and I had overall a very relaxing time. Hopefully I can come back in 4 years (if you know you know!) :-)
Gaia De Angelis — Google review
An astonishing spiritual experience with lovely hospitality and very good food. The monks will accompany you around the temple complex and cemetery and this is recommended. Rooms are very simple but comfortable. The vegetarian food is surprisingly good. There are good communal baths.
Kenneth Barker — Google review
One of my favorite parts of my stay in Japan. The monks there are such great humans. And the experiences in it are incredible. Morning prayer was ethereal, and they walk you through each step and then explain to you their shrines after. Loved dinner and breakfast as well, and they had a public bath to participate in if you wanted. 10/10
Jean-André Moore — Google review
Good experience here learning about Buddhism. Morning prayers at 630 am followed by breakfast at 720 am. There's a English speaking guide who translate the entire experience. Wifi is strong. Best to visit in other months rather than winter months. It was really cold in the room even with the heater on. The hot bath was welcome.
Toh Hun Khim — Google review
Very nice place to stay. They have an English speaking person who is working to become a monk there. Very knowledgeable and willing to explain anything and everything you ask about after the morning prayer. Feels very authentic and it was a privilege to stay in an old temple.
Kōyasan Station is easily accessible by taking the Nankai Koya Line from Nankai Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station, followed by a cable car ride up the mountain. The station staff are incredibly helpful and efficient, providing assistance with maps, purchasing tickets, and storing luggage in coin lockers. The cable car offers a smooth ride with standing room and wheelchair accessibility.
Coming from Gokurakubashi you have to take the cable car up to Kouyasan station. The cable car takes you up a steep slope up to the mountain and Kouyasan station where you can take a bus to Koyasan centre. This place must be simply stunning in autumn. We will be back for sure.
Thomas Delemarre — Google review
It takes around 2 hours from namba, and it will be much more easier if you buy “kansai thru pass” ticket in advance since it covers everything including ropeway and bus at koyasan. Very nice and clean city, but not so many shops around.
Anton “Motsunabe” — Google review
I'm afraid of heights but I felt safe in the cable car. There are a few seats but it is mostly standing room only. There is a lift at the station for anyone who has difficulty with stairs. A great deal of the facilities at Koyasan (including the station and restrooms) are designed to be wheelchair accessible. Also, I was able to travel on the cable car using my ICOCA card (same as PASMO/SUICA). Side note: The buses at Koyasan do not accept those travel cards so take cash or buy a day pass at the bus terminal directly outside Koyasan Station :)
Kaye Attfield — Google review
Quiet cable car top station. If you have time go upstairs to the lounge and see the beautiful panorama of the mountains. You can also see a small exhibition about the history of the cable car. There is only one small shop on the ground level. Better go to the city by bus, because pedestrians are not allowed on the bus route which is very curvy.
Miłosz Wawrzyniec Romaniuk — Google review
Super efficient. The bus times at the top and the train times at the bottom line up. July 2017 schedule is in the photo with times from and to Namba station
Daniel Sutter — Google review
Run so smoothly! Everyone from the bus driver to the station management are 100% helpful to foreigners and local visitors alike. I was able to catch some very tight train/cable car/bus connections only because every member of the staff were fast, efficient and helpful. I was given maps, suggested visiting spots, and literally hand-held to buy my bus day-pass within a matter of two minutes! The coin locker worked perfectly for storing my carry-on sized suitcase as I explored Koyasan for the day. Ah! Perfect station! If only the whole world were run so smoothly.
Mi Maj — Google review
It was a short ride going up and the seats were a little hard but what a view!
Benjamin de Leon — Google review
Very nice station masters! Beautiful, small station. The cable car is a quick ride with beautiful views and so much fun!
Koyasan Daishikyokai is a serene and sacred temple located just a short walk from the Kongobuji-mae parking lot. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple, where they can view a series of 10 pictures depicting the life of Daishi. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to receive precepts from Lord Acharya, an experience that many find to be incredibly soothing and spiritually fulfilling.
Very nice people. We didn't get to do the calligraphy activity but everyone was very kind
Mike Shinn — Google review
Might not be the first choice for most foreign tourists, but it is on the list of every Japanese. There is a Buddhist ceremony performed every hour of so. It is just something to experience.
Peter Faulkner — Google review
multicross_cultural center at koyasan, where I experience " Jukai" ceremony of Shingon Buddhism.
Jajaval Nakhakes — Google review
I visited to learn meditation there. This facility is office of the department of school affairs. So, you may not enjoy there.
星野亜精(所属税理士) — Google review
Serene, out of this world by sacred temple and sematary.
Vyn Tang — Google review
We participated to this ritual out of interest for the japanese culture and religion. Everyone was helpful and spoke english.
We received the precepts, the ceremony was very soothing.
We felt welcomed even as outsiders.
Thank you.
Ioana Stefan — Google review
(Translated by Google) It is located a short walk from the Kongobuji-mae parking lot.
You are not allowed to wear shoes when visiting the temple, but you can go inside.
It was arranged in a series of 10 pictures that tell the story of Daishi's life from his birth to his admission to Okunoin.
Goshuin stamps can be paid for 300 yen at the concrete building next door.
(As of January 20, 2024)
Please note that from April 1, 2020, the sutra payment fees for each Kongobuji facility will be revised.
Target location
Kongobuji Temple Okunoin Garan Reihokan Daishi Church Nyonindo Hall Tokugawa family mausoleum
It will be 500 yen from the current 300 yen.
(Original)
金剛峯寺前駐車場から徒歩すぐの場所にあります。
お堂での参拝は、土足禁止ですがそのまま中に入ることができます。
お大師さまの、出生から奥の院入定までの出来事が10何個かの絵で分かるような形となっていました。
御朱印は、隣接するコンクリート造りの所で300円納めていただくことができます。
(2024年1月20日現在)
なお、令和6年4月1日より金剛峯寺各施設の納経料が改定されます。
対象箇所
金剛峯寺 奥之院 伽藍 霊宝館 大師教会 女人堂 徳川家霊台
現行300円から500円となります。
泰弘kippei — Google review
(Translated by Google) You can receive precepts from Lord Acharya. Since it was combined with a visit to Kongobu-ji Temple and Daito Garan, I took it casually, thinking, ``What are the precepts? I'll go while I have time.''
As a result, it was the most wonderful experience in Mt. Koya! !
If possible, I think it would be a good idea to walk around from the Daimon to Kongobuji and Okunoin, and then receive the precepts at the end.
I prayed for a pilgrimage and visited Mt. Koya to pay my respects.
I was overcome with emotion when I heard the first words from Acharya-sama in the dark and quiet hall, ``Thank you very much for your visit.''
The conversation that followed was similar to common experiences, but the clear voice I heard in this mysterious space was very comforting, and the time passed in the blink of an eye.
Please go after you are completely exhausted.
(Original)
阿闍梨様より授戒を受けられます。金剛峯寺や大塔伽藍などの拝観とセットになってたので、「授戒ってなに?時間あるしついでに行っておこう」という軽い気持ちで受けてきました。
結果、高野山で一番素晴らしい体験となりました!!
できれば大門から金剛峯寺、奥の院まで歩き回って、最後に授戒を受けるのが良いと思います。
私はお遍路を結願し、お礼参りで高野山を訪れました。
暗く静かなお堂で阿闍梨様から「よくお参りくださいました」と最初の言葉を頂いたときに感極まりました。
その後のお話しもよくある体験談のようなものでしたが、不思議な空間で聞く澄んだ声がとても心地よく、あっという間に時間が過ぎました。
是非、最後にヘトヘトになってから行ってください。
R32 SP — Google review
(Translated by Google) You can experience [the precepts].
As soon as my mind became calm in the dark hall, I lost consciousness,
I couldn't hear all the words of gratitude, but I think my cells were able to receive them...(*´艸`)
(Original)
[お授戒]を体験する事が出来ます。
暗いお堂で心静かになるとすぐに意識がぶっ飛んでしまって、
有り難いお話しが全く耳では聞けませんでしたが、細胞が受け取ってくれたかと…(*´艸`)
The Torodo, a revered Buddhist hall of worship within the Okunoin cemetery, is adorned with over 11,000 lanterns in honor of Kobo Daishi. A majority of these lanterns are located in the Kinentoro-do on the right side of the main hall and were donated by devout worshippers. These lamps burn perpetually and create an overwhelming atmosphere within the complex.
amazing place and intrigating. The walk thru the cemetary is worth and nice !!
Vadim Krisyan — Google review
amazing place and intrigating. The walk thru the cemetary is worth and nice !!
Vadim Krisyan — Google review
Overwhelming! The Toro-do is Okunoin's main hall of worship. The hall is famous for the many, many lanterns which are lit in honor of Kobo Daishi (ak.a. Kukai). Only a small part of the 11.000 lanterns hangs in this building, the vast majority of the lanterns hang and stand in the Kinentoro-do on the right side of the Toro-do. These lamps are donated by worshippers of Kobo Daishi, and are lit eternally. The Toro-do has an other amazing treasure: in the hall's basement are 50,000 tiny statues that have been donated to Okunoin on the occasion of the 1150th anniversary of Kobo Daishi's entrance into eternal meditation in 1984. The pinnacle of your visit to the Okunoin.
Koen — Google review
Very unique place, very good mix of nature and temple. Don’t miss the basement full of lanterns, and the other building full of lantern as well, i’ve never seen this anywhere else in Japan !
You can’t enjoy the inside at night in summer because it’s closing at 5pm, but in winter go there before closing time and it’s even more impressive when it’s dark.
The night walk through the woods / cemetery has a unique feeling too.
Peregrin RIFIANO — Google review
Overwhelming! The Toro-do is Okunoin's main hall of worship. The hall is famous for the many, many lanterns which are lit in honor of Kobo Daishi (ak.a. Kukai). Only a small part of the 11.000 lanterns hangs in this building, the vast majority of the lanterns hang and stand in the Kinentoro-do on the right side of the Toro-do. These lamps are donated by worshippers of Kobo Daishi, and are lit eternally. The Toro-do has an other amazing treasure: in the hall's basement are 50,000 tiny statues that have been donated to Okunoin on the occasion of the 1150th anniversary of Kobo Daishi's entrance into eternal meditation in 1984. The pinnacle of your visit to the Okunoin.
Koen — Google review
Very unique place, very good mix of nature and temple. Don’t miss the basement full of lanterns, and the other building full of lantern as well, i’ve never seen this anywhere else in Japan !
You can’t enjoy the inside at night in summer because it’s closing at 5pm, but in winter go there before closing time and it’s even more impressive when it’s dark.
The night walk through the woods / cemetery has a unique feeling too.
Peregrin RIFIANO — Google review
Beautiful hall, check out the upper and lower levels. No pictures allowed but it is beautiful to walk thru
Jessica Turner — Google review
No one there when I entered and wasn't aware at the time that no photos are allowed
Tommy McColl — Google review
Many lanterns. Many Buddha statues. Many trees.
Kaye Attfield — Google review
Quite small, but impressive.
Florian Hecher — Google review
Beautiful
Karel Smerak — Google review
(Translated by Google) Okunoin's final boss location!!
I visited around 7:30 in the morning, the weather was chilly, and I felt healed in the morning air, mossy cemeteries, and tall cedar trees. The monks memorized Buddhist sutras from the morning.
(Original)
오쿠노인의 최종보스 장소 !!
아침 7시반쯤 방문했는데 날씨는 쌀쌀했고 아침공기와 이끼낀 묘지들, 드높은 삼나무 거목들 사이에서 힐링했습니다. 스님들은 아침부터 불경을 외우셨습니다.
Sanko no Matsu, also known as Trident Pine, is a famous pine tree in Koyasan Danjo Garan with an intriguing anecdote. Legend has it that Kobo Daishi threw a vajra trident from China towards Japan to divine the ideal site for spreading Shingon Buddhism. This pine tree is associated with this mystical event and visitors believe that finding a three-leaf pine needle will bring happiness.
good.
IAN S — Google review
(Translated by Google) According to "Honcho Shinsenden" written by Oe no Masafusa, a scholar and scholar of the late Heian period, it is stated that Mt. I am.
Either way, it's a place related to Daishi.
(Original)
平安時代後期の公卿,学者、大江匡房(おおえのまさふさ)に依り書かれた『本朝神仙伝』に拠ると三鈷杵は此の高野山,京の東寺,四国室戸岬で発見されたと記載されています。
どちらにしても大師と所縁の地ですね。
???? — Google review
(Translated by Google) Trefoil pine between Kondo and Mikage. It is surrounded by double fences and planted with red pine so that pine roots are not stepped on by worshipers. Pines are planted because they are difficult to grow by themselves. In the first year of Datong (806), Kukai received Namibo from Ningbo, China, and asked for a place for “to promote Buddhism”. Threw. Later, the Emperor Tsuji received the permission to grant Koyasan, and during the construction of the temple, Kukai found the three samurai hanging on the pine, making it a suitable place to make Koyasan the “Shuzen Dojo”. There is a legend that I was convinced. It is said to be a miracle of Kukai. This pine needle is divided into three forks, just like Sankei. The current “Miso-no-matsu” was the seventh generation and was replanted in Heisei. We cultivate pine trees separated from the same stock in case of withering. Pines are often evergreen, but Koyasan's “Mine-no-Matsu” pine leaves fall and fall, symbolizing “regeneration”. The fallen deciduous pine needles are golden in color, and if you wear them, you will find them as an auspicious item that invites you to “money fortune”, and to search for them as “talisans” in order to take part in the spiritual test of “Flying Miso” Some people.
(Original)
金堂と御影堂の間にある三葉の松。松の根が参拝者に踏まれないよう二重の柵で囲まれ、赤松と一緒に植栽されている。松は単体では生育しにくい性質を持つためにあえて、植栽している。空海が、恵果から密教を受法後、大同元年(806年)、中国・寧波の浜から、「密教を弘通するため」の地を求めんと願いつつ、三鈷杵(飛行三鈷杵)を投げた。後に嵯峨天皇より、勅許を得て高野山を下賜され、伽藍を造営の途中に、空海が松に掛かった三鈷杵を見つけ、高野山を「修禅の道場」とするのに相応の地であると確信したという伝説がある。空海の霊跡とされる。この松葉は、三鈷杵と同じく三股に別れている。現在の「三鈷の松」は七代目で、平成期に植え替えられた。枯れたときのために同じ株から分けた松を別に育成している。松は常緑樹が多いが、高野山の「三鈷の松」は秋から冬にかけて落葉するので、「再生」の象徴される。落葉した三葉の松葉は黄金色をしており、身につけていると「金運」を招く縁起物として、また、「飛行三鈷杵」の霊験にあやかるため、「お守り」とするために探し求める参拝者もいる。
?????OK computer? — Google review
(Translated by Google) Even though Kukai conveys esoteric Buddhism
Thrown from Tang as a suitable land
Sanko is caught, and the place
"Mitsuko no Matsu" which is said to have been shown.
I thought it would be a place with many pine trees growing in the mountains,
It was left as a famous place.
The place of the anecdote I read in the book
happy to see it.
It is a rare pine with three pine needles.
(Original)
空海が密教を伝えるのに
ふさわしい地として、唐から投げた
三鈷が引っかかり、その場を
示したという「三鈷の松」。
山中でたくさんの松が生えている場所かと思いきや、
名所として残されていました。
本で読んだ逸話の場を
見ることができて満足。
松葉が3本の珍しい松です。
?? — Google review
(Translated by Google) I've known about this ``Matsu of Sankota'' for some time, but since I was able to come here for the first time, I immediately looked for it. As mentioned in other reviews, I was about to give up because I couldn't find it, but suddenly I found Mitsuha right in front of me ♪ヽ(´▽`)/
I would like to cherish it as a talisman.
(Original)
以前からこちらの『三鈷の松』は知っておりましたが、この度初めて来ることが出来て 早速探してみました。他の方の口コミにあるようになかなか見つからないと諦めかけていましたところ急に目の前に三葉が見つかりました♪ヽ(´▽`)/
お守りとして大事にさせていただきたいと思います。
じゃいあんとありんこ — Google review
(Translated by Google) There is a pine tree in Koyasan Danjo Garan that has a famous anecdote. It is a pine tree surrounded by Mizugaki between Kondo and Mieido.
There is a story about this pine tree. When Kobo Daishi returned from the Tang Dynasty, he threw a ritual implement called a Sankosho towards Japan in order to find a place suitable for spreading the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism from the beach of Meiju. ) and flew towards Japan on the clouds. Later, when Daishi visited the Koya area, hunters told him that there was a pine tree that emitted light at night. When he immediately went to the pine, he found that a Sanko pestle thrown from the Tang Dynasty was stuck there, and it seems that the master decided that this place was suitable for spreading esoteric Buddhism. This pine tree is a three-leafed pine tree, just like Sankoki, and has come to be enshrined as the ``Sanko no Matsu''. Nowadays, pilgrims bring back fallen pine needles as good luck charms, and they are cherished as talismans.
(Original)
高野山壇上伽藍に、有名な逸話が残る松があります。金堂と御影堂の中間に瑞垣で囲まれた松の木です。
この松の木にエピソードが残っています。弘法大師が唐より帰国される折、明州の浜より真言密教をひろめるにふさわしい場所を求めるため、日本へ向けて三鈷杵(さんこしょう)と呼ばれる法具を投げたところ、たちまち紫雲(しうん)たなびき、雲に乗って日本へ向けて飛んで行きました。後にお大師さまが高野近辺に訪れたところ、狩人から夜な夜な光を放つ松があるとのこと。早速その松へ行ってみると、そこには唐より投げた三鈷杵が引っかかっており、お大師さまはこの地こそ密教をひろめるにふさわしい土地であると決心されたそうです。その松は三鈷杵と同じく三葉の松であり、「三鈷の松」としてまつられるようになりました。現在では参詣者の方々が、縁起物として松の葉の落ち葉を持ち帰り、お守りとして大切にされています。
小野 — Google review
(Translated by Google) The pine tree where Kobo Daishi Kukai's Sanko, which he threw from the Tang Dynasty, was reportedly caught!
Like Sanko, finding a pine needle split into three branches will bring you happiness...
Just in case, I also found a three-leaf pine needle~
(Original)
弘法大師空海が唐から投げた三鈷が引っ掛かっていたとされる松!
三鈷と同じく三本に分かれた松葉を見付けると幸せになれるとか・・・
一応、私も三葉の松葉見付けました~
紀廣人 — Google review
(Translated by Google) A rare pine tree with three pine needles. When Kobo Daishi returned from Tang, he threw a sword from the port of Mingshu in search of a sacred place suitable for spreading esoteric Buddhism.
After returning to Japan, I searched for the three-sided pine tree and found it hanging on this pine tree. It is a legendary pine tree.
(Original)
松葉が三本という珍しい松。弘法大師が唐から帰国される際、密教を広めるのにふさわしい聖地を求めて、明州の港から三鈷杵を投げました。
帰国後、その三鈷杵を探し求めると、この松に掛かっていた。と言う伝説の松です。
mkfamily ! — Google review
(Translated by Google) It is said that Kukai threw a sankosho (an esoteric Buddhist tool used to ward off worldly desires and misfortunes) from Tang Dynasty in order to foretell the site where the temple was to be built, and then traveled over the sea on a cloud and arrived here. .
Finding a mitsuba leaf seems to bring good luck, but I found it in less than a minute.
(Original)
三鈷杵(さんこしょ)(煩悩や災いを払うために使われる密教の法具)を空海が伽藍建立の地を占うために唐から投げ、雲に乗って海を越え、ここに届いていたと言う。
三葉の葉を見つけると、幸運が訪れるようですが、1分もしないで見つかりました。
??? — Google review
(Translated by Google) This is a pine tree associated with Kobo Daishi.
I heard that if you find a three-leaf pine tree, you will be happy, so I looked for it, but couldn't find it.
Find happiness yourself (lol)
Koyasan
I want to go again.
You can receive a special goshuin stamp commemorating the 1250th anniversary of Kobo Daishi's birth.
It is scheduled to end within the year.
(Original)
弘法大師さまゆかりの松の木です。
3葉の松を見つけると、幸せになると聞いて、探しましたが見つけられず。
幸せは、自分で見つけます(笑)
高野山
また、行きたいなぁー。
御朱印は、弘法大師様ご生誕1250年 特別御朱印をいただけます。
年内で終了との事です。
山本やよい — Google review
(Translated by Google) I went on October 21, 2023. Another purpose of the trip was to pick up fallen leaves from the pine trees in Sankota. It was a cloudy sky with some light rain, so the photos aren't very clear, but it can't be helped.
(Original)
2023年10月21日に行きました。三鈷の松の落葉を頂きに行くのも目的でした。小雨混じりの曇り空だったので、写真が鮮やかではないですが、仕方ないですね。
松下尚史 — Google review
(Translated by Google) Usually pine needles? (The one that looks like a needle) has two, but the pine tree here has [three].
Legend has it that the Sanko pine that Kukai threw got caught on this pine and taught Kukai the location of Mt. Koya.
(Original)
通常 松の葉っぱ?(針みたいな奴)は、2本ですが、ここの松は【3本】あります。
言い伝えでは空海の投げた三鈷がこの松に引っかかり、高野山の場所を空海に教えたみたいです😌
樽谷英樹 — Google review
(Translated by Google) Sanko no Matsu (Sanko no Matsu): It is planted on the west side of the main tower and the south side of Mieido.
(Original)
三鈷の松(さんこのまつ):根本大塔の西側、御影堂の南側に植えられています。
若杉昌司 — Google review
(Translated by Google) A normal pine tree has two leaves, and Mitoko pine trees often have two leaves, but sometimes three leaves can be found, and it is said that if you find one, you are very lucky. It seems that it is.
I'll take it home as a talisman.
(Original)
通常の松の木の葉は2本で、三鈷の松の葉も2本であることが多いのですが、時々3本葉が見つかることがあって、これを見つけたらとても運が良いと言われてるらしい。
お守りとして持って帰ります。
ジャンボ龍 — Google review
(Translated by Google) I found three pine needles with a twist.
However, by the way, the pine tree in Sankota today is not a pine tree that has existed since then, but a foreign pine tree that has been replanted for several generations, so even if the three leaves are found, it may not bring much luck. not.
(Original)
ひねりの入った3本の松葉を見つけました。
が、ちなにみ今の三鈷の松は当時から現存している松の木ではなく何代か植え替えられた外国産の松の木だと言うことなので、三葉が見つかってもそれ程ご利益は無いかもしれません。
Muryoko-in Temple, a Buddhist pilgrim's lodging in Koyasan, offers comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms with free wifi. The temple provides good meals and a serene atmosphere for peaceful meditation. English-speaking monks and staff welcome guests warmly. The morning Homa ceremony is the highlight of the stay as monks chant meditatively while fires blaze. However, noise-proofing in the rooms is minimal which can make sleeping difficult at times.
At Muryoko-In, they have very good measures in place for social distancing. In past years, meals were taken together, whereas they are now brought to the rooms of visitors. The original artworks in each room were wonderful to experience. The shokubo association was very helpful in making this stay possible. If you E-mail them, maybe you can stay at Muryoko-in too someday.
Michelle Martinie — Google review
I stayed 2 nights at the Muryoko-in after a 4 day walk on the Kumano Kodo. Check-in was easy, the facilities are adequate, and the hospitality is plenty. Little English is spoke, but everyone makes an effort to help and assist when required. There are a few rules, after all, this is a working Buddhist monastery. Eating, sleeping, and even bathing is precisely scheduled and coordinated. No showers or baths before 1630. Hot water is a bit hit and miss... but the rooms are well heated in winter and I did noticed an AC above the windows. The food is exclusively vegan, no options there. It was delicious and if you are staying more than one night you get to experience a variety of things. The room is very spacious, not TV, not toilet, or running water. You are invited to participate in the morning's prayers. Overall, a great experience... the monks are a lot more forgiving than given credit for... In a town of plenty, this is a good option.
Pedro Fto — Google review
We stayed at the temple for two nights and had a wonderful time. The temple and garden is beautiful and the vegan food prepared by the monks is delicious. The traditional tatami matt rooms are spacious and nice. The temple is very central and perfect for exploring temples nearby and the cemetery! The morning ceremony is at 6 am every day and I wound definitely recommend to join it - it's a humbling experience.
Josephine Katherine Calliotte — Google review
Sleeping in a monastery is, in my opinion, a must-do experience.
Prayer with the monks at 6 am is recommended.
Claudia Lorenzini — Google review
Wonderful environment, providing spiritual morning ceremony (helping me understand the traditions of Buddhism, helping me find inner peace) respectful monks and workers give us warm welcome and service.
Highly recommended 👍🙏🏻❤️
Sangeeta Li (李家楹) — Google review
Surprisingly large and well decorated room for a temple stay. Dinner and breakfast were served in our room on small trays, and featured a large array of simple vegetarian dishes that the monks eat daily. The fire prayer ceremony in the moring was about 80 minutes and interesting to see. The gardens in the center of the temple buildings are very beautiful. Generally the property looks meticulously well kept. Monks are very kind and speak English ok.
Main downside is the shared bathroom can be far from the rooms, which is a cold trip in the night.
Evan Snyder — Google review
Very reasonable pricing, big room, nice garden. The staff is very welcoming.
Hoàng Lê Giang — Google review
Great temple inn. The rooms were comfortable, well decorated and well heated, with free wifi (surprisingly). The meals were good and the temple itself was very peaceful. The monks and staff made me feel very welcome, and they spoke good English.
The morning Homa ceremony was the highlight. Its very mesmerizing and relaxing. Listening to the monks chant while the fire blazes is a very meditative experience.
My only complaint is that there is very little noise proofing in the rooms. You can hear EVERYTHING that happens in the hallway and the other rooms. Made it a bit hard to sleep.
Overall its a great inn at a great price. I would come back if I return to Koyasan.
Chefman — Google review
Great stay, had the chance to have tea with head monk / teacher. All were very welcoming contrary to what other reviewers suggest. Clean, comfy, and warm, which is all I could ask for in cold Koyasan.
Morning meditation is quite an experience. The rituals performed by Shingon Buddhists are slightly different than other sects of Buddhism. Monk who performed the ceremony came after to talk to us, followed by tea and coffee with the main teacher.
Note that I have experience with sitting /meditation. 6am gong and 1.5hr meditation ceremony was fun and interesting for me. If that's not your thing I'd consider somewhere else.
Kedar Patel — Google review
The monks are not welcoming and seem bothered by us. The room is nice but the futon is very thin in comparison to other places we've been. The wall doesn't reach the ceiling, so my parents have a lot of noise from the next room (6AM speaker calls and late night laughs). The ceremony in the morning was nice. You eat dinner and breakfast in your room. Overall it's okay, but it's really expensive to not be made feel welcome.
Fukuchi-in Temple is a charming 1200s Buddhist temple in Koyasan that offers simple accommodations and vegetarian meals. The rooms are cozy, and guests can enjoy the beautiful gardens and hot spring baths. The temple staff consists of monks who provide non-traditional service, offering visitors a unique cultural experience. Breakfast is pricey but worth it, while the morning prayer service is an amazing highlight.
This was a very unique stay. If you are looking for traditional amenities that match this price point, this is not the place. We stayed during NYE and NYD - the staff consists of monks, so their service is non-traditional. The onsen is fabulous. The rooms are quite comfortable. The breakfast option is expensive, but well worth it. The morning prayer service was an amazing experience. If you stay here, you are paying for a unique cultural experience, a good thing to keep in mind. This location is great to see all that Koyasan has to offer - it was an awesome experience.
Devin Altman — Google review
It's a very unique and memorable experience. Unfortunately, this lodging does not have many of the amenities or benefits that are normally expected of a usual vacation lodging experience.
When we visited, it was the end of December. The temperature outside is below freezing. However, outside of your room and the eating area, the temple is not heated. This means that anytime you walk out of your room to go to, ex. Breakfast, dinner, onsen, or other activity, you must walk through the cold and very large temple. This probably wouldn't be an issue in the summer, or late spring or fall, but it's just not comfortable.
In your room, there are no chairs or desks. It's just the floor, a low table, and some cushions to sit on. Only one power outlet. During the nighttime they pull out bedding for you while you eat. Obviously this is probably appropriate for the temple experience, but if one of your guests has trouble sitting on the floor or needs to use a computer or something, it's not easy.a
Finally, again, it was the height of winter when we visited, but the heater seemed to struggle to keep our room at a comfortable 22c (highest it could maintain was 17c).
I definitely would not recommend spending more than one night here. There just aren't enough activities to justify it. It's also a 2-3 hour trip from Osaka, so keep that in mind for your trip planning.
Daniel Beal — Google review
Beautiful place but unfortunately felt more like a big business than a Buddhist temple.
Extra charge for even water (which is provided free at any other lodging/accommodation — not to mention the fact that this was one of the most expensive places we stayed during our month in Japan😅).
Check-out is at 9am sharp. I inquired whether we could leave slightly later since my husband didn’t feel well, but that would have incurred a fee of 30% of the room rate (so 15,900 yen or over $100!) lol... other places charge something closer to 1,000 per person per hour !
Anastasia D — Google review
If you're a tourist looking for a 5-star hotel with all the bells and whistles, do not go here.
If you're looking to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle and visit a quiet town and are interested in shrines, temples, religious rituals, etc. you will enjoy this.
We went during the winter and the first thing you will notice is that other than your room, there is NO heat. It will be cold and take you out of your comfort zone. I imagine that is a central theme in Buddhism so here you definitely get a small taste of it.
But don't fret, there is a hot tub in for guys and one for the ladies and this is where you can really warm up. But the bathrooms are communal and you might be sharing a shower with other people in the bathhouse so if you're uncomfortable with the chance of seeing others naked or being naked in front of others then you might want to skip this town.
But you'll be missing a cool experience.
The meals are all vegetarian too. We brought food up from Kyoto and they don't mind that you eat it in there. There aren't a lot of restaurants in town and they close early so come prepared.
To be honest, it's like going camping or a cottage. You'll have a great time once you understand what you're getting into but if you can't give up the city life, you'll most likely not enjoy this.
Kien — Google review
I loved my stayed in Fukuchi-in it is a beautiful temple with great art examples inside. Food is fantastic. I didn’t like the fact that the check out is too early 9:00 so, to really enjoy the temple you must stay more than one night.
Cynthia Mora Salas — Google review
Ok so, if you want to stay in a traditional Japanese house but aren't interested in the Buddhism side of things, go stay in a proper Ryokan. This place felt a little too tourist-y to be a temple. I'm not religious but I can be respectful...shame not everyone can be.
But if you want to see the Buddhism side of things, this is for you.
The rooms are simple with tatami mats - someone will come and make your bed up in the evening, before which you can use the table. The room has a TV and there is WiFi...the TV felt unnecessary but hey. The rooms are cold - there is a heat pump but ours wasn't great so bring warm clothes, including to sleep in (you are given a set of Japanese house clothes to wear but if it's cold outside, you'll want more than this).
The showers are in the onsen rooms, so if you have tattoos you technically cannot shower at all...but if you go in super early (before prayers) then you can probably get away with it. The onsens are great - take your towel in, get naked, shower first, get into the water. Sorted.
The dinner and breakfast are vegetarian and are both very good - as long as you are brave enough to try some new things.
You can attend morning prayers at 6am - but don't wear the Japanese clothes for this and be on time. Note the temple generally is also cold, so wrap up.
Overall an interesting experience, not one I would repeat. Only complaint is we were served at reception, for dinner and breakfast by the same person who was doing a great job but was clearly overly busy with everything. For such a high price for a room and food, I think there could be more staff.
Oliver Slater — Google review
Staff has good grasp of English, although not super helpful or patient compared to your usual Japanese hospitality staff, most likely due to large tourist visitation. Onsen one of the better around with indoor and outdoor pools. Temple grounds are amazing with beautifully kept gardens and morning ceremony was a great experience. Food was very unique and served in your room, although room smelled a bit of spilled soup.
Jeremy Tan — Google review
Very peaceful experience. We’re happy to learn about how Buddhism is practiced in Koyasan. And we’re grateful for the hospitality and calming atmosphere.
Tips for fellow gaijin:
- Please refer to the booklet in your room for instructions on onsen etiquette. Showering is a must before entering the onsen.
- During prayers, line up after a Japanese guest so that you can learn the gestures and bows that they perform to pay respects.
- Sutra copying would be easier for those who know kanji or Chinese characters.
- Ladies can wear pants for more comfortable sitting if you can’t kneel for a long time on tatami mats.
- Bring an extra coat for post-bath since the hallways can be chilly in the winter. The traditional architecture is the way it is, so we respect it and just adapt accordingly.
Natalie — Google review
Below my expectation. Their staff speak English well, but they’re quite cold. I arrived when it was raining, about 1 hour before check in time, they just let people wait in slightly wet and cold corridor. With this price, usually you would at least get some warm tea on a cold day.
And it’s way too commercial to feel anything spiritual. I gave 2 stars just because their place is beautiful.
Lee W — Google review
A magical place to stay at. The temple is easy to reach by bus and only one minute from the bus stop. You can visit all the other temples by bus or foot.
The staff was welcoming and the service amazing as well. They offer everything you could possibly need such as Kimonos, towels … We had lovely food, all homecooked and vegetarian. it felt very traditional eating on the floor. We also enjoyed their relaxing onsen. The Tempel also offers a ceremony at 6am, which everyone can attend. The room, onsen, toilets and in general all of the temple was very clean and we couldn’t ask for more.
It was a an amazing experience we can recommend. You can wind down so easily here as it’s the perfect place to escape the busy cities.
btw. make sure to bring warm clothes - there is heating in the room and the eating area but the hallways and the floor are not heated. :)
Arigato for making our stay so wonderful
Caroline Brandner-Glethofer — Google review
Absolutely beautiful temple, there was one member of the staff who spoke English and was helpful but very busy. The onsen were great and I loved the prayers in the morning. However I thought it was very expensive because I paid 22 440 for a basic room for 2 (at first there was only one futon, yukata and towel) and was denied diner and breakfast (maybe we must have paid even more? But it is surprising when I now see the prices on the website). Don't book from Agoda because it was not clear and we had to fetch diner at the familymart because nothing else was open in the evening on Koyasan.
Emma Derome — Google review
Beautiful historic building and very beautiful garden. The open construction causes the hallways to be very cold when temperature is low outside. Many guests follow the 6 AM prayers - make sure to bring a coat for that occasion. Rooms have good heating.
Service and flexibility are not the greatest: it was OK for us to have a simple breakfast, but we have had much more tasty ones than at this temple. We did not book dinner in advance, and could not book it anymore when checking in.
A special and authentic experience, but the ~250$ we paid is high in view of the service provided.
Bart Pestman — Google review
I spent one night at Fukuchi-in Temple in March. The grounds are beautiful, definitely one of the most picturesque places I've been. The onsen and meals were also positive experiences. Any amenities it lacked due to not being a hotel were clearly indicated when I booked and did not bother me.
Jay-Daniel Macey — Google review
The temple is beautiful, and the room is super nice and spacious. I was expecting some additional amenities and/or interactions to have a better experience, but there is nothing related to this.
If you want to have dinner and/or breakfast please make reservation at least one day before check-in and make sure this is accepted by the property, otherwise you won’t be able to have dinner/breakfast.
The morning ceremony was ok, but there is no minimum explanation at the beginning or end which could have been nice. Overall, it is ok but it could be improved a lot.
There are some lessons you can take part of, but I joined the cemetery tour organized by another temple, so I don’t know if they were good. Curfew is at 9 pm and this is more or less the standard in the area.
Leticia Gonzalez Edreira — Google review
Very mixed feelings. It’s a beautiful place with nice garden, relaxed outdoor Onsen and enjoyable vegetarian food. On the other side I would definitely consider it as a traditional hotel and not a pilgrim place. No monks, only tourists, rooms with TV, beer on the vending machine, noisy fans outside and a premium pricing per night. Not sure about the alternatives in Koyasan…
Eko-in Temple, a serene Buddhist property, offers peaceful accommodations with simple rooms and amenities such as a temple and meditation hall. The property boasts a magical atmosphere that is highly recommended for those seeking tranquility. It is located in an area abundant with other temples to explore, and the locals are happy to provide guidance on the best places to visit.
We appreciated our stay from the begging to the end. The meditation, the night visit of the cemetery held and explained in English by Nori-san, the morning ceremonies and the succulent diner ! It would be amazing to be able to learn how to cook all of the preparations we had the chance to eat ! Please do cooking class for our next visit ☺️ also the bedding (mattress and blanket are excellent and we had a very restful sleep) thank you for all explanations, kindness and for the comfort of the place. I will recommend ekoin around without any doubt !
Mathilde Hivert — Google review
Depending on room this temple offers up to all the greatest comfort, the suite is fantastic and newly built with all latest amenities and lovely garden views (even from the bathtub!) Some of the rooms with shared bedrooms we have seen are also lovely but there is only a sliding door with gaps separating the bedrooms so i can imagine you hear literally every snore in the building. The suite itself while beautiful was also very poorly soundproofed so earplugs are a must.
The monks speak very good English and are welcoming. There could be more info on history of the temple and Koyasan but some is provided during the cemetery night tour. Free meditation sessions are included as well as an invitation to morning service and the magical fire ritual. The night tour of the cemetery was a bit of a let down though, very rushed and far too many people and too little history, better off taking a private guide.
Denisa G — Google review
I had such high expectations but it didn’t quite deliver for me. Perhaps we got unlucky as they were doing building work on the main gate. The banging sounds were very loud and really ruined the afternoon meditation service. I feel they should have let us know this was happening before we arrived. On the plus side, area is amazing, the food is really nice, the rooms are beautiful (avoid the annexe) if you stay in the main house and the morning service is a great way to start your day.
Jahman M — Google review
A rather authentic experience with a bare room to emulate the simple life of the monks and pilgrims. A table, a shrine and two chairs by the window with a beautiful garden view.
In the evening the monks and staff will move the table and provide the futon beds, which they will take away again between 7 and 8 in the morning.
You pay a premium but you are presented with a wonderful experience in a dreamy mountain village with very respectful and friendly staff.
Moloko — Google review
The facility is very traditional Japanese Ryokan, and the cuisine is excellent Shojin, which is monk's vegan dishes. The location of Ekoin is ideal for visiting Okunoin, which is the most sacred ground of Koyasan. According to the legend, Kukai, the founder of Japanese Buddhism, is still meditating in the cave there.
Leonard Lo — Google review
This is the best place I have ever been to.
We had the luxury suite room.
Just amazing, we were speechless. It comes with own garden and spa bath, everything high tech, Dyson hairdryer, own Yukata, and most importantly, the staff was amazing. Everyone so nice, the atmosphere is so special and magical.
I hope I can go back sometime again, it was pricey to stay in the suite, but it was worth the money. The food served was perfect.
I strongly recommend to explore the other temples and areas, there are so many. Ask the locals, they will guide you and give you the best tips.
Simona Polakova — Google review
We stayed here only for one night. The staff were lovely although not much English is spoken. We loved all of the sessions they held; evening meditation, morning session and morning goma fire ritual. Very interesting to get an insight into Buddhism. The dinner and breakfast were good too! Not a whole lot to do in the area but very relaxing for a night.
Sophie Blackett — Google review
This is a must do for people interested in learning more about and experiencing Buddhism in Japan. The journey here was fun! I recommend attending all the events possible. While I stayed here I attended the meditation, morning service and ritual, and live music. It was a beautiful time for reflection and connection. Service was incredible!!
Sarah Brush — Google review
We stayed one night in March 2024. It was phenomenal time. We reached and were greeted by a monk who showed us our room and hotel. We had an evening meditation followed by a 10 course vegetarian dinner that was fabulous. In the night we went on a cemetary walk with one of the monks. The room was set up for us and we slept soundly. In the morning we went to the temple for prayers and a fire ceremony. Amazing spiritual stay.
Sameer Desai — Google review
One of the best stays I have experienced so far. Sure it isn’t cheap but considering everything you get it is worth it. The meals are delicious, the place is beautiful and the monks are friendly and patient. The afternoon meditation, the morning prayer and the fire ceremony are super special to experience. Recommend everyone to go! Oh and the night tour to Okunoin Cemetery is also super cool!
Susanne — Google review
A fantastic trip to experience Shingon Buddhism up close. The monks are very friendly and hospitable. We felt right at home. The food was super tasty and I felt very grateful being able to participate in the ceremonies.
The temple offers a night tour through the cemetery which I wholeheartedly recommend.
FelixZett — Google review
The dinner was one of the best meals I had in my life, no exaggeration. The breakfast was also very delicious. The morning ceremony and Goma fire ritual is open to guests staying at the temple and it’s a very unique experience.
James Y — Google review
No air conditioning in the summer is the only complaint, but I guess that's unavoidable if you choose to stay at a temple. Food (both dinner and breakfast) is surprisingly good. Morning class and fire ritual are beautiful. Great place to learn something about Japanese Buddhist culture
Mei He — Google review
Such a unique and wonderful experience and stay. The schedule was perfect for half-board, and we also joined the night tour of the nearby cemetery. Staff were friendly, accommodating, and spoke English to explain/help visitors.
Its F38s — Google review
Beautiful, peaceful place to stay. We very much enjoyed the Buddhist experience with the ceremonies and the food. Located right next to the cemetery, but a bit of a walk to the main sights of the town, although there is a bus to get there. On the less positive side, a bit loud in the morning, as you can hear everybody walk around in their room or the hallway, and some of the staff were not the friendliest.
David Oggier — Google review
Visiting this temple was the highlight of my trip to Japan. The room was nicely decorated and the futons as comfortable as can be expected. The facilities were clean and the staff kind. We enjoyed the nighttime tour of the cemetery and tried out the meditation. The vegan cuisine was top notch. I loved it. (Some in our group we’re not accustomed to vegan food and we’re less enthusiastic than me.) Great place to rest, meditate, and learn.
Sharon S — Google review
If you have any concerns about this possibly being a tourist trap, rest assured, it was nothing short of awesome.
Vegetarian meals were delicious. The meditation, morning service, and fire ceremony were incredible to witness. The optional cemetery tour is a must, in my opinion. The monks were extremely friendly and professional, putting many other hospitality professionals and lodgings to shame. The temple was beautiful.
While all the monks were great, We spent the most time with Brother Nori in the meditation session and cemetery tour so I wanted to give him a special shout out. An awesome and thoughtful guy who's English was impeccable and who's demeanor just invited you to fully participate. Can't recommend this experience enough!
Andy W. — Google review
The food is exceptional. My kids were a little wary at the emphasis of "vegetarian meals" These were just plain amazing. The room was enormous - much larger than we could have needed and we spent little time there save for sleeping. The onsen was in-hotel and quite nice. The place is as-described everywhere, a Buddhist temple that you get to stay at respectfully. The room and beds were comfortable and warm - and there was snow outside the hotel.
Mike Shinn — Google review
What an experience 🙏
Don’t want to reveal too much but all I can say it’s worth the 2+ hrs trip from Osaka into Koyasan. Top 3 highlights of my two weeks in Japan!
You won’t regret!
I’m not sure, however, if this is kids friendly. Given it’s a temple and highly sacred, best if kids are a bit older.
PS. Make sure you register for the cemetery night tour.
Dfresh 13 — Google review
We loved our stay at Ekoin! It was our favorite part of our trip to Japan. Koyasan is beautiful and peaceful. Some might think the rooms are pricey, but the experience is worth the cost. The cemetery tour was neat and our guide, one of the monks, was friendly and lively with his stories. Dinner and breakfast is included and it was delicious! The whole staff was friendly, attentive and welcoming! We hope to return and would recommend this temple and accommodation to anyone we know who might travel to Japan again!
Jamie Smith — Google review
Unless you're bang into learning about Buddhism I wouldn't bother. The main monk fella was such a misery and made us feel like we were inconveniencing him whenever we spoke. Ordered drinks which never arrived and were still charged for.
Admittedly we got one of the cheaper rooms (still the most expensive of our entire stay) but it really does feel like they're churning through the impressionable westerners in what you'd assume is a very profitable scheme. Meditation was counting your breaths with your eyes closed for half an hour. Sound.
Having stayed the night previous in a wonderful semi-rural authentic Ryokan, this just felt overpriced and flat.
Christopher Justice — Google review
Unique stay to get the full Koyasan experience. From arriving to checking out was well organized. The room felt like we walked into a movie set. Every meal was vegetarian and the way it was presented made it look like a piece of art. The morning rituals is somewhat touristy since you will do this with everyone that is staying at the lodge. I do feel like it is made for tourists with a money making system. i wouldn’t recommend this for anyone who is practicing buddhism.
The perfect place to start or end your visit to Koyasan. Located at the North-West entrance to Koyasan, it is the last remaining Nyonindo in the area. There used to be seven of them at the different entrances. These were the places of worship for women back when women were not permitted to enter Koyasan. There is a bus stop directly opposite (stop #2) which is the closest stop to Koyasan Station.
Kaye Attfield — Google review
Right on the entrance to Koyasan is this very neat, little shrine located. The people here are very friendly, the place gives a nice introduction and makes you want to see more of Koyasan.
Tee F Kay — Google review
Nice place to do omairi. Friendly staff who informs you that you can ring the instrument after praying. Free water and the nice mountain air to greet you outside.
Addo “Guardian” S — Google review
(Translated by Google) I visited Nyonin-do (Fudosakaguchi), one of the seven entrances to Mt. Koya and the only one still in existence, at 8:30 in the morning.
It is about a 15 minute walk from the Kongobuji-mae parking lot.
Of course, you can also travel by Nankai bus.
From the bus stop one stop before Nyojin-do, you will have to climb a slightly sloping slope.
I visited the shrine and received three stamps. I visited the shrine at 8:30 in the morning, so I was able to enjoy it without having to wait.
Benzaiten, Dainichi Nyorai, and Shinhendai Bodhisattva.
You can pay 300 yen each.
(As of January 20, 2024)
Please note that from April 1, 2020, the sutra payment fees for each Kongobuji facility will be revised.
Target location
Kongobuji Temple Okunoin Garan Reihokan Daishi Church Nyonindo Hall Tokugawa family mausoleum
It will be 500 yen from the current 300 yen.
(Original)
高野山への7つの入り口の内のひとつで、現存する唯一の女人堂(不動坂口)を朝一8時半に参拝しました。
金剛峯寺前駐車場から徒歩15分ほどです。
もちろん南海バスでの移動も可能です。
女人堂ひとつ手前のバス停からは、少し傾斜のある坂道を登ることになります。
参拝して、3つの御朱印をいただきました。朝8時半の参拝でしたので、待たずにいただくことができました。
弁財天・大日如来・神変台菩薩です。
各300円納めます。
(2024年1月20日現在)
なお、令和6年4月1日より金剛峯寺各施設の納経料が改定されます。
対象箇所
金剛峯寺 奥之院 伽藍 霊宝館 大師教会 女人堂 徳川家霊台
現行300円から500円となります。
泰弘kippei — Google review
(Translated by Google) Koyasan, where women are not allowed.
In the past, until the Meiji era, women could only come so far.
Except for the occasional sound of buses passing by, the place is enveloped in tranquility, and it feels like time has stopped. It's not flashy or elegant, but I think many people visit because of its simplicity.
It's about 2km from Kongobuji Temple, and it's best to walk there in early spring or during the fall foliage season. There are three ways to travel by bus, depending on the time of day.
(Original)
女人禁制の高野山。
明治の時代になるまで、過去はここまでしか女性は来れなかった。
時折通るバスの音意外は静謐に包まれ、時間が止まっている様な雰囲気です。派手さや優雅さは無いですが質素が故に訪れる方が多いのだと思います。
金剛峰寺からは2km程で、春先や紅葉の季節ならば徒歩で訪れるのが心地良いでしょう。バスで移動するのも時間帯によりますが3本位であります。
みねやん — Google review
(Translated by Google) A place for women who once made pilgrimages to koyasan. They were not allowed to go any further. Admission is free, there is a toilet, close to the bus stop. There is a walking trail from Gokurakubashi station (it took me about 45' at a fast pace)
(Original)
Miejsce dla kobiet pielgrzymujących niegdyś na koyasan. Dalej wstępu nie miały. Wstep darmowy, jest toaleta, blisko przystanku autobusowego. Ze stacji Gokurakubashi wiedzie tu szlak pieszy (droga zajęła mi ok 45' szybkim tempem)
Pawel Podgorski — Google review
(Translated by Google) There are only 3 parking spaces, so if you are not visiting the shrine, please refrain from parking (on March 8, 2024, a group of junior high and high school students had a lot of parked cars and it was difficult to park).
This is one of the so-called "Women's Koya" temples, which used to be a place where women were not allowed on Mt. Koya. Although it is outside the Koyasan area, it is a part of the area with a lot of history. In addition to receiving three Goshuin stamps, including the Gohonzon, we also sell Goshuin books and amulets. There is also a bus stop, so you can visit without a car.
(Original)
駐車スペースが3台程度なので、参拝しない方の駐車はご遠慮頂きたいものです(2024.3.8に中高生の一団の引率が車を大量に駐車していてなかなか止められなかった)。
かつて、高野山が女人禁制だったころのいわゆる「女人高野」の一寺。高野山エリアから外れていますが歴史のある一角です。御本尊など三体の御朱印が頂ける他、御朱印帳や御守も扱っています。バス停もあるので車でなくてもお参りできます。
nesias g — Google review
(Translated by Google) I visited it very briefly upon arriving in Koyasan but was able to acquire a nice amulet with a checkered design.
It is a temple a little away from the main town of Koyasan, about a 15-minute walk along a road that leads to the funicular station.
Very quiet and small but beautiful. There is also a stamp booth where, for those completing the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, they can obtain one of the recognized stamps along the way.
(Original)
Lo visité muy brevemente al llegar a Koyasan pero pude adquirir un bonito amuleto con diseño a cuadros.
Es un templo un poco apartado del principal pueblo de Koyasan, a unos 15 minutos a pie por una carretera que lleva a la estación del funicular
Muy tranquilo y pequeño pero bonito. Además hay una casetilla de sellos donde, para quienes estén completando la peregrinación del Kumano Kodo, pueden obtener uno de los sellos reconocidos en el camino.
We took a traditional room and were very happy. It even had a view over the interior garden. The monk hosts were super friendly and helpful. Great food, too!
Jacob Corn — Google review
Nice temple stay with spacious comfortable rooms. They allow lodgers to attend the 6:30 ceremony which is a unique experienfe. There are shared toilets and a sento. Most of the temple (except the rooms) is unheated so bring something warm
Radu Patulescu — Google review
We had a very comfortable night at zofukuin temple. Our room was big and looking at the japanese garden - there was a gas heater to warm up and the futons were comfy. The temple also has a sento for your convenience and it is clean and quiet. It's also lovely to see the morning prayer ceremony at 6.30. Just mind that you have to check in before 17.
Mireia Gordi Vila — Google review
Good option for a budget temple stay. Clean and quiet and right next to a bus stop. Offers food (if reserved in advance) and morning prayer. Has a bath too.
Not 5 stars since the actual accommodation doesn't 'feel' like you are staying at a temple, more staying in a modern dormitory annex next to a temple (the white building in the picture is the lodging part). The only window in the room I stayed in looks directly at a wall, no 'view'' to speak of.
Matthew H — Google review
I was disapointed. Expensive. We had to stay in a new built anex instead of the temple. In their marketing it looked like it would been in the temple.
Carina Svensson — Google review
Very nice temple with a beautiful garden. Unfortunately, they weren't in the condition to serve meals.
Francisco Paisana — Google review
A unique experience of sleeping in a real temple, that said the rooms obviously don't have its own bathroom.
jordi terrats molina — Google review
Wonderful!
A place full of respect and devotion.
Our welcome monk is very kind, smart, polite and very gentle.
Food is delicious, with a dinner and breakfast typical of japanese buddhism style.
The morning prayer is a must, and make yourself part for a moment of that world.
I hope to do it again once!
Edoardo Aldrigo — Google review
A really nice place to live an amazing experience. We tasted typical monks food, slept in futon, had a typical Japanese bath and prayed in the morning. All monks were nice and friendly. The place was clean and tidy. Highly recommended.
The Tokugawa Clan Mausoleum, built in 1643 by the third Tokugawa shogun lemitsu, is a significant historical site enshrining the first two Tokugawa shoguns. The mausoleum features two identical buildings adorned with intricate carvings, lacquerwork, and gold and silver leaf from the early Edo period. Although small in size, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's Sengoku Period.
令和五年六月二十二日(木)~二十四日(土)にかけて弘法大師御誕生千二百五十年記念の法会期間の参拝で金剛峯寺(高野山)を訪問しました、壇上伽藍の各堂宇で各御本尊の御開帳がされています。
徳川家霊台も霊舎(たまや)の山門の柵が開けられていて、霊舎の敷地の中に入って間近で参拝することができました。
徳川家霊台は寛永二十年(1643年)に、徳川幕府第三代将軍徳川家光公によって創建された霊舎で、向かって右側の鳥居の有る方が初代将軍徳川家康公(神様である東照大権現のため)、左側に第二代将軍徳川秀忠公が祀られています。
霊舎には細かな彩色や彫刻が施されています、また金の飾り金具が使われなど豪華な造りとなっていて、江戸時代の代表的な霊廟建築で国の重要文化財に指定されています。
かっては高野聖方の代表寺院で徳川家の菩提寺、宿坊でもあった大徳院の境内に建っていたが大徳院は明治時代に他の寺院と合併して廃寺となっている、現在徳川家霊台は高野山真言宗大本山の金剛峯寺に属しています。
大徳院の前身のお寺は徳川家の先祖にあたる松平家の菩提寺として、室町時代に蓮華院と名乗っていたが文禄三年(1594年)に大徳院の院号が与えられて改称した
(Translated by Google)
From June 22nd (Thursday) to 24th (Saturday), 2023, we visited Kongobu-ji Temple (Koyasan) during the memorial service for the 1250th anniversary of the birth of Kobo Daishi. , Each Gohonzon is unveiled in each hall of the Danjo Garan.
In the Tokugawa Family Mausoleum, the fence at the main gate of the mausoleum was opened, so we were able to enter the grounds of the mausoleum and worship up close.
The Tokugawa Family Mausoleum was built in 1643 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Tosho Daigongen), the second shogun Tokugawa Hidetada is enshrined on the left.
The mausoleum is decorated with fine coloring and carvings, and has a luxurious structure such as the use of gold ornamental metal fittings. increase.
It used to stand on the grounds of Daitoku-in, which was once the representative temple of Koya Seiho, the family temple of the Tokugawa family, and a temple lodging. The platform belongs to Kongobu-ji Temple, the head temple of Koyasan Shingon sect.
The predecessor temple of Daitoku-in was the family temple of the Matsudaira family, the ancestor of the Tokugawa family, and was called Renge-in in the Muromachi period, but was renamed Daitoku-in in 1594.
???? — Google review
拝観料200円。
御朱印目当てなら良いかも。
奥まで行って少しがっかり。
細工は細かいが豪華絢爛さは無い。
(Translated by Google)
Admission fee is 200 yen.
It might be good if you're looking for a red stamp.
I went to the back and was a little disappointed.
The workmanship is fine, but there is no gorgeousness.
shinji (???) — Google review
As other reviews mention, the place is appropriately priced. Incredibly detailed carvings to admire. If you are a history nerd then you will love it! Very small as it has only 2 structures so don't expect a lot more to see.
Itzel Guzman — Google review
徳川家康、秀忠の霊廟、東照宮のように絢爛豪華を期待していると?ん?
しかし!細工は細かいですね。
(Translated by Google)
You expect Tokugawa Ieyasu and Hidetada's mausoleum to be as gorgeous as Toshogu? yeah?
but! The details are fine.
yosi katou — Google review
Ornately carved and colorful but appropriately priced at only 200 yen. Takes about 5 to 10 minutes to view the entire thing. If you want Tokugawa history head to Nikko but if you have extra time it's worth a half hour of your really into the history of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Shan Baker — Google review
Not that grat comparing with the rest of spots in Koyasan, but it's easy access with the bus to the cablecar station.
Jordi Sanchez — Google review
Closed today (17/08) due to a fallen tree.
MrTana — Google review
These shrines are decorated with very refined wooden carvings. The first two Tokugawa shoguns are worshiped there.
Fujio Kawakami — Google review
The grounds are very small and it won't take you long to visit the mausoleum, but it's part of an interesting and crucial piece of history so those interested in the Sengoku Period should definitely stop by.
Amelia Johnson — Google review
Go in and see two very nice looking small buildings. Other than nice exterior design there isn't much to see. But only 200 yen per person so its okay.
Roey Kostika — Google review
For all the prominence of the surrounding religious sites in Kouya-san, I was surprised at how small and relatively obscure this site is. After a small fee, you can approach two small but ornately embellished wood structures. The finishings are masterful but a heavy patina obscures the details.