Koyasan Special Head Temple Shojoshin-in

A unique experience. Location is remote but the nature it's beautiful. If you choose to stay there be ready for long walks in nature and serenity. We stayed in the temple for one night and we got to experience the morning prayer. Dinner and breakfast were included, but not quite to my taste. Everything else was wonderful and everyone there was friendly.

Really peaceful, clean, and welcoming. My partner and I came here based on reviews I’d seen online, and we weren’t disappointed. We were welcomed by a staff member, who checked us in and explained the schedule and various etiquette. Was totally impressed by the vegetarian dinner. There was so much food - we could barely finish! The monks who served us were extremely friendly and kind. They made it a delight to stay. The temple itself is beautiful and very well maintained. We chose this spot because it’s so close to Okonuin Cemetery - just a few steps away for an evening or early morning walk. We regrettably missed the morning prayer because we showed up right at 630am. I would recommend getting downstairs for prayer at around 625am. Highly recommended.

This place was incredible. I want to visit again. The monks are such wonderous people to behold. The vegetarian food was amazing and I enjoyed every bite. It may not seem like a lot but when you are finished I felt satiated and nourished. I highly recommend staying here a few nights. When we stayed we joined in on the meditation with the monks as well as the fire ceremony. I also enjoyed the public bath which switched in the morning so that you got to enjoy both baths. The area around here is so incredibly resistant with spirituality and nature. I adore it. I loved staying here - please just come here. It's an incredible place.

This old temple was our accommodation for 4 days 3 nights! Food served are fully vegan. We wished there were more activities to do in the temple itself. Public baths are only for 2pax and unfortunately opens only from 4PM-9PM. Thus, no morning showers allowed. However, it’s really quiet and if you want to experience a real monk lifestyle, this would be a great place! Okunoin is just next door and everywhere is walkable in Koyasan. Rooms are very big and we got the one overlooking the mountain and pond!

An experience every traveler to Japan must try. The place is one of the oldest temples in Koya just on the door of the cemetery. The monks are very friendly and welcoming and will do a tour of the temples for you while explaining it’s history. The vegetarian dinner and breakfast were very delicious. In the morning you will be asked to participate to a Buddhist prayer with the temple’s monks. Overall a very good experience that is highly recommended.

5/5 review for this experience and 2 night stay In Shojoshin - in Temple. Beautiful accommodation, life changing morning rituals of meditation with the Monks and traditional Japanse food provided. Thank you so much all the way from Australia ☺️

Such a great experience. Some highlights ... morning prayer at 6.30 am. Amazing breakfast at 7.30. Very tasty dinner at 5.50 pm. It is all worth it. Very serene environment where you come to rest. One thing.... there is absolutely nothing to do in the evening... but since morning prayer starts at 6.30 you better go to better early... their onset is also very nice and room big and pretty comfortable. This is true ryokan hospitality... reception and monks are very friendly... experience well worth it.

A beautiful, traditional experience. THIS IS NOT A HOTEL, a lot of reviews don’t appreciate that this is a working monastery, you can’t turn up late for meals or meditation and expect them to cater to you. That said, the monks were incredibly welcoming, the food was all delicious, the morning meditation was beautiful, and I slept like a baby warm in the futon. The only downsides is that being a traditional Japanese room, the walls were literally paper and my neighbours weren’t the most quiet. Also, don’t underestimate how cold it is in Koyasan in general! 20 degrees in Osaka is easily 13 or less in Koyasan so make sure to bring something warm!! You’ll want it during mealtimes especially. The rooms had a heater and tea/a sweet to warm you up too!

We stayed here one night. The monks speak enough English to get by. The temple is lovely, the food is delicious, and the location - right next to Okunoin - is amazing. Ask for a garden view when you check in. Peayers are early in the morning but worth seeing! We booked online through Japan Guest Houses and everything worked out fine. Honestly I suspect most of the temples here are very nice and this one is no exception! Mt. Koya was the highlight of our trip to Japan and I would encourage anyone who is interested in old Japanese culture or nature to go. Okunoin is unreal.

If you want an absolutely esquisite Japanese experience then this accommodation is for you. The temple is very clean, well maintained, situated closest to the Okunoin cemetary, serves super delicious vegetarian Japanese meal and has an onsen. Though we were not sure if it was a natutal hotspring. Nevertheless it was a perfect relaxation experience especially after a long journey and days of walking in the city. We were very fortunate that we had the top floor room (33) with the garden and pond view. In our room we also have the tea and table set with the yukata for the full experience. I know I already mentioned how good their meal was especially the dinner. It was japanese portioning but there were a whole lot. It left me and my husband very full and surprised considering it was vegetarian. Dont expect breakfast to be as huge but it was delicious too. They do conduct a buddhist morning prayer here at 0630 where guests are. It was very interesting with a lot of chanting. It was lengthy but not overly. The head monk who spoke english allowed us to take pictures and go in the temple only after the prayer. Truly I cant even emphasize how enjoyable this temple is but so as premises. Since it is at the edge of the main attraction (cemetery) we were able to do a day and night walks easily. As for the location, it is easy. The bus stop (10) to and from Koyasan station is also just steps away. Though we were here only overnight, our stay and experience was defintely a memorable one. You must come!

My family and I stayed two nights at Shojoshin-in. Our room was large and comfortable, with a balcony overlooking the beautiful courtyard. Our room was on the third floor - there was a small room with a sink in the room, with a shared toilet down the hall. The wonderful Japanese-style bathroom on the first floor had a tiled and drained bathing area and a large hinoki soaking tub. Meals were served by the monks, and were vegetarian Shojin-ryori cuisine, beautifully presented and delicious. Shojoshin-in is a beautiful and comfortable temple literally next door to the 1,200 year old Okunoin Cemetery. Everything about our stay was wonderful. Koyasan was well worth the effort it took to get there. I would love to visit again.