Shukubo Temple Koyasan
Experience monastic life in a sacred mountain retreat, sleeping in ancient temples and walking through mystical cemeteries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage
Shukubo Temple Koyasan
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience monastic life in a sacred mountain retreat, sleeping in ancient temples and walking through mystical cemeteries.
"An experience every traveler to Japan must try."
🎯 Book Shukubo in Advance
Temple stays fill up fast! Book your shukubo accommodation months ahead, especially for popular temples. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on temple grounds and through Okunoin cemetery. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Okunoin Cemetery
Koyasan
Walk through Japan's largest cemetery, a mystical path lined with ancient cedar trees and moss-covered tombstones.
Shukubo Temple Stay
Various temples across Koyasan
Experience monastic life by staying overnight in a Buddhist temple, complete with vegetarian meals and morning prayers.
Goma Fire Ceremony
Sainanin Temple (and others)
Witness a powerful esoteric Buddhist ritual where monks chant and burn wooden sticks to purify desires.
Kongobuji Temple
Koyasan
Explore the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, featuring stunning screen paintings and Japan's largest rock garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity: Book Your Shukubo Early
Prepare for a Spiritual Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Shukubo in Advance
Temple stays fill up fast! Book your shukubo accommodation months ahead, especially for popular temples. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on temple grounds and through Okunoin cemetery. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download maps of Koyasan and surrounding areas before you go. :iphone:
🧘♀️ Embrace the Silence
Koyasan is a place of peace. Be mindful of noise levels, especially during prayers and in shared spaces.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Shukubo in Advance
Temple stays fill up fast! Book your shukubo accommodation months ahead, especially for popular temples. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on temple grounds and through Okunoin cemetery. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download maps of Koyasan and surrounding areas before you go. :iphone:
🧘♀️ Embrace the Silence
Koyasan is a place of peace. Be mindful of noise levels, especially during prayers and in shared spaces.
🍵 Try the Temple Meals
Vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori) is part of the experience, even if it's not to everyone's taste.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Koyasan for its unique spiritual atmosphere and the unforgettable experience of staying in a shukubo. The serene beauty of Okunoin Cemetery and the welcoming nature of the monks are frequently highlighted. While some find the vegetarian meals an acquired taste, the overall experience is highly recommended for its tranquility and cultural immersion.
"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."
Sofia Gkazepi
"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."
Charbel
"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."
Giacomo Frigerio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route from Osaka to Koyasan involves taking the Nankai Line from Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station, followed by a scenic cable car ride up to Koyasan. The entire journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. +2
Yes, Koyasan is a popular day trip destination from Osaka, though many recommend staying overnight to fully experience the shukubo. The travel time makes it feasible for a long day. +1
The Koyasan World Heritage Ticket offers unlimited travel on Nankai Railways lines to Koyasan and on local buses within Koyasan for 2 or 3 days, making it a convenient option for exploring the area.
While driving is possible, parking can be limited and expensive. Public transport, especially the Nankai Line and cable car, is highly recommended for a smoother experience.
Once in Koyasan, the best way to get around is by foot or by using the local Nankai Rinkan Bus service, which connects major sights like Okunoin Cemetery and Kongobuji Temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Temple stays, known as shukubo, are highly sought after and often book up months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. It's best to book as early as possible.
Prices for shukubo stays vary depending on the temple and the room type, but generally range from ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 per person per night, often including dinner and breakfast.
While many areas like Okunoin Cemetery are free to explore, specific temples such as Kongobuji Temple have separate entrance fees for their main halls and gardens.
A typical shukubo stay includes accommodation in a simple tatami room, vegetarian Buddhist meals (dinner and breakfast), and the opportunity to participate in morning prayers.
Yes, Koyasan can be visited as a day trip from Osaka, but staying overnight in a shukubo offers a much deeper and more immersive cultural and spiritual experience.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Shukubo means 'temple lodging.' Expect a serene, minimalist experience with tatami mat rooms, shared bathrooms, and a chance to participate in monastic life, including early morning prayers and vegetarian meals.
Must-sees include Okunoin Cemetery, Kongobuji Temple, the Goma fire ceremony, and experiencing a shukubo stay. The entire mountain offers a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
Koyasan offers a unique cultural experience that can be educational for families. However, the quiet atmosphere and early mornings might be challenging for very young children.
Be mindful of quiet hours, dress modestly, and follow instructions regarding shoe removal and bathing etiquette. Respect the monks' routines and the sacred nature of the site.
Photography is generally allowed in common areas and gardens, but often restricted inside temple halls and during ceremonies. Always check for signage or ask permission.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Shukubo typically serve 'shojin ryori,' which is traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine. It's often simple, healthy, and beautifully presented, focusing on seasonal ingredients.
Reviews are mixed. Some find the vegetarian meals delicious and a unique cultural experience, while others find them not to their taste. It's an integral part of the monastic experience.
Yes, there are a few restaurants and cafes in the main village area of Koyasan, offering a variety of Japanese dishes, though options are more limited than in larger cities.
While shojin ryori is inherently vegetarian, it may not always be strictly vegan or gluten-free. It's advisable to inform your temple accommodation of any dietary restrictions in advance.
Dinner is usually served in the early evening, around 6 PM, and breakfast is typically in the morning, often before or after the morning prayer service, around 7 AM.
📸 📸 Photography
Okunoin Cemetery, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light, Kongobuji Temple's rock garden, and the serene temple grounds offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Photography is often restricted inside the main temple buildings and sacred areas. Always look for signage or ask temple staff for permission before taking photos.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the most atmospheric light for Okunoin Cemetery, with fewer crowds and a mystical ambiance. Evening visits when lights are on are also popular.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in sacred sites and residential areas to maintain peace and respect. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for general sightseeing. A wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the scale of Okunoin, and a tripod can help with low-light shots in the cemetery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the visual aspects of Koyasan, like the ancient trees and tombstones in Okunoin, and the beautiful temple architecture. Engaging with the monks during tours can also be a memorable experience for older children. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as dining options outside of temple meals can be limited.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
+1Solo travelers will find the shukubo experience particularly rewarding, offering a safe and welcoming environment. The communal meals and prayer sessions provide opportunities to connect with other like-minded individuals. Exploring Okunoin Cemetery at your own pace, perhaps during the early morning or late evening, can be a deeply personal and moving experience.
📸 Photographers & Culture Enthusiasts
To capture the best shots, consider visiting Okunoin at dawn or dusk for soft, dramatic light. Be respectful of the sacred nature of the sites and always check for photography restrictions within temple buildings. The shukubo experience itself, from the minimalist rooms to the communal meals, offers a unique cultural insight that can be beautifully documented.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Heart of Shingon Buddhism
Visitors can explore numerous temples and sacred sites that dot the mountain. Kongobuji Temple serves as the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism and is renowned for its exquisite screen paintings and Japan's largest rock garden, Banryutei. The mountain is also home to Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery and a deeply spiritual place, where Kūkai is said to be in eternal meditation. Walking through its ancient cedar forest, lined with thousands of moss-covered tombstones and memorials, is a profound experience.
Experiencing Shukubo: Temple Lodging
+1When you stay at a shukubo, you can expect to sleep in a traditional tatami-matted room, often with futon bedding. Meals are typically shojin ryori, a refined vegetarian cuisine that adheres to Buddhist principles. A highlight for many is participating in the morning prayer service, an early start that offers a deeply moving spiritual experience. Some temples also offer Goma fire ceremonies, a powerful ritual involving chanting and the burning of wooden sticks, symbolizing the purification of desires.
+2While the accommodations are simple, the experience is rich. Shared bathrooms are common, and the atmosphere is one of tranquility and respect. It's an opportunity to disconnect, reflect, and gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and Buddhist philosophy. Booking in advance is highly recommended as shukubo are very popular.
Navigating Koyasan: Getting Around
Once you arrive in Koyasan, getting around is relatively straightforward. The Nankai Rinkan Bus service is the primary mode of public transport, connecting key attractions like Okunoin Cemetery, Kongobuji Temple, and the various shukubo lodgings. Many visitors also choose to explore on foot, which is highly recommended for soaking in the serene atmosphere and discovering hidden gems. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the temple grounds and the extensive Okunoin cemetery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit