Ren'gejo-in Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging)

If you like experiencing solitude, temple living with just enough modern amenities, nature, and accommodating monks, then this place is for you. I was there in December. Yes, it was snowing and cold, even with space heaters, but that’s totally expected. I even enjoyed the slight discomfort of the cold temperatures. The beauty and serenity this place offered absolutely outweighed the small inconveniences. The evening meditation and morning chanting services were great ways to begin and end the day. The meals were beautifully presented and served on time. I would certainly love to return during the winter again when there are fewer people in town. Oh, the room I stayed in had a beautiful view of the garden. I spent one afternoon just staring out the window because it was just outstanding view. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

We were excited for an authentic and peaceful experience, but unfortunately, it fell short in several ways. We participated in a meditation session, expecting some guidance, but there was little to no explanation—everything was primarily in Japanese, making it difficult to follow. It felt more like we were just sitting in silence rather than truly engaging in a meditative practice. The food was very good, showcasing traditional Buddhist cuisine, but the portions were quite small, leaving us unsatisfied. As for the accommodations, the lack of privacy was surprising. The walls were essentially thin paper screens, meaning we could hear everything from the neighboring rooms. On top of that, the futons were extremely thin and uncomfortable, making it hard to get a good night’s sleep.

I stayed in Rengejo-in 3 nights, I found it by chance. I read the reviews here after booking and was a little stressed to find something old and inauthentic… but the reality was totally different. I loved my stay here. A true monastery experience in a Buddhist temple. It’s true that the rules are very strict (it’s a temple): 6 am chanting meditation + teaching from master monk (optional), 7 am breakfast, 5 pm meditation + teaching from master monk (optional), 6 pm dinner, 6:30 pm Onsen opening, 9 pm silence … so if you want to do it your way don’t come. It’s true that the rooms are authentic Japanese rooms with futon, tea, Japanese pillow, rice paper walls, antic paintings on the sliding doors … if you want a standard hotel with concierge and beds and western atmosphere don’t come. The food was delicious, vegetarian and sooo well presented. According to the price you payed for the room you’ll have different options. The basic one is really good and filling. The morning chanting in the meditation hall is really powerful. Meditation practice is explained briefly and you have detailed info in your room. Onsen is really clean and good. Really warm. The service is at the same time impressive and invisible. There tens of people setting the lunch, aligning the slippers, cleaning … but you often see nobody.

Awesome place. Very quiet. It makes me feel so peaceful and relaxed Food is delicious though the service could be improved The garden within temple is beautiful I highly recommend staying multiple nights in Koyasan. One night is definitely not enough

The only downside is that they ask you to leave shoes outside and if you stay in winter, they will become super cold in the morning. Other than that, everything is great. Dinner is awesome, even though I normally don't like tofu.

I stayed at Rengejoin temple for a week and its the best trip in years. Everything’s so simple, yet make me feel great. The room, the food, people, daily routine, and the vibe are all what I miss when back to the city. Already plan for the come back

Complete and utter letdown. This is billed and marketed as a higher end stay but for what you get it’s a major disappointment. Some lowlights: - room had no natural light or outside facing windows. - rooms are separated via literal paper. No joke, it’s wooden slates holding paper together. You can and will hear everything your neighbors say and do as well as everyone walking through the hallway - automatic lights are triggered in the hallway when someone walks to the bathroom. These completely illuminate a room so if you’re sensitive to light then good luck - very, very cold. Be prepared to walk around in a winter jacket. Rooms have space heaters but only last three hours as they’re powered by kerosene - no drinking water in the rooms. You have to buy water from a vending machine which interestingly also sells beer. Make of that what you will. - mattress is paper thin - provided pillow is even thinner and ridiculously small. The threadbare towels provided offer more support than the joke of a pillow on the mattress There’s also no connection between the folks running the temple and the experience. You participate in mediation with a representative but no explanation for what is happening or opportunity to learn more. So if you’re looking for a Buddhist experience or wishing to learn more you won’t get it here. The insanely strict schedule really leaves no opportunity to interact with people onsite. If you’re comfortable with an overpriced stay in a barebones, severely lacking space then go for it. Otherwise consider staying somewhere else in the region. The outside grounds are indeed beautiful but that’s about it for positives.

We stayed one night, we had a huge very nice room with private bath.Good modern amenities ( although there was no hot water in the morning) Not all rooms have private bath, you have to request, or else you have to go to common area. Very strict with meals as they are extremely punctual ie: 7-7:30 pm, if you are late you miss dinner. Same goes for breakfast, Good Vegetarian meal served, Meditation times offered, no large wheeled luggage allowed, ( as it would ruin the floor) they are stored in the front when checking in. You can only take to your room what you can carry. An experience-