Koyasan Special Head Temple Shojoshin-in

We loved it there! The food was amazing - so umami! And the temple was so beautiful! The view from our room was just what you need for the perfect japanese afternoon tea experience. The person that greeted us was extremely nice and was speaking perfect English. I took a bath around 19:30 and was all alone in the sento, which was so dreamy relaxing. Higly recommend a visit 😊

Shojoshin-in is one of the oldest temples on Mount Kōya, with origins traditionally traced back to the early period of Kōyasan’s development, shortly after its founding by Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) in the 9th century. What distinguishes Shojoshin-in from many other temples on Kōyasan is its strong focus on esoteric ritual, especially the goma fire ceremony (goma kuyo), which remains a central and regularly performed practice here. Historically, temples like Shojoshin-in played an important role in performing goma rites for personal vows, protection, healing, and memorial services, both for monks and lay followers. The temple later gained recognition as a Special Head Temple (tokubetsu honzan), a status granted only to selected institutions that preserve important ritual lineages and doctrinal traditions within Shingon Buddhism. Architecturally, the compound reflects functional monastic design rather than monumental display. The main hall and subsidiary buildings are restrained, emphasizing symmetry, clean lines, and ritual clarity. Interiors are intentionally sober, reinforcing the contemplative character of the temple and the seriousness of its ceremonies. The goma fire ritual you attended is rooted in esoteric Shingon cosmology, where fire symbolizes the wisdom of the Buddha that burns away ignorance and attachments. Wooden prayer tablets (gomagi) inscribed with wishes are offered to the fire, transforming personal intentions into ritual action. Shojoshin-in is particularly known for maintaining a clear, orthodox goma style, without theatrical embellishment.

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 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.

The temple is located at the end of the main road, right next to the Okonuin cemetery, which I recommend seeing in the evening when they turn on all the lights. The room was spacious and neat, on the third floor, with a balcony overlooking Carp Lake. The room had everything you need: air conditioning, a sink, two/three comfortable futons, and a table with the necessities for making traditional tea. The bathroom is shared but clean; there are several on each floor. There are also two typical Japanese bathrooms, where you can shower, and hot water tubs, where you can lay and relax. Unfortunately, they are only open from 4 to 9 p.m., so it is not possible to take a shower in the morning. In the morning you can wake up early to follow the prayer. In addition, the monks, at the end of it, will be kind and accompany you around the temple showing the history of their religion. They speak English quite well. I highly recommend the Goma ceremony (fire ceremony) at 1 p.m. A unique experience. I tried the typical breakfast but it was not for me. On the other hand, it is the typical monks' breakfast, without meat or fish, and it is also an interesting experience.

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.

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.

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.