Koyasan Temple Lodging (Shukubo)

Koyasan is one of Japan's best places to experience temple lodging, known as shukubo, offering a unique opportunity to stay in Buddhist temples. With over 50 temples welcoming guests, Koyasan offers a rare chance to experience the simple, peaceful lifestyle of Buddhist monks. Many temples here are used to foreign visitors and can be easily booked through sites like Booking.com or Agoda, or via the local tourist association by email or fax. The cost ranges from 10,000 to 40,000 yen per person per night, including meals.

The rooms at Koyasan temple lodgings are traditional Japanese-style, with tatami floors, sliding doors, and shared facilities. Guests enjoy a vegetarian shojin ryori meal, featuring local specialties such as konnyaku and yuba. Arriving by 17:00 is recommended to enjoy dinner and participate in morning prayers, which are followed by breakfast. Some temples also offer meditation sessions, and guests can explore the temple’s cultural treasures and enjoy gender-separated baths.