Become Part of a Temple

From tourist to temple lodger: Experience Koyasan life like a monk

In the lush, misty Kii mountains of Wakayama prefecture stands the awe-inspiring Buddhist temple site of Koyasan, founded over 1,000 years ago.

Koyasan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important spiritual locations in Japan. Long a draw for worshipers, Koyasan has since unveiled an even more enlightening experience in the shape of its popular temple lodging option.

For a stay of one or more nights, you can live just like the full-time monks who serve guests and prepare meals. Enjoy the subtle simplicity of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), served to overnight guests in the evening and again the following morning.　You can also meditate and pray with the monks at the morning ceremony, which usually starts around 6:00 a.m.

Contribution to Sustainability

Koyasan, a key location in Japanese Buddhist history, is home to centuries of tradition surrounded by nature. Here you can experience a day in the life of a Buddhist monk. Spend a night with the temple’s traditional pilgrim lodge, called shukubo in Japanese, and participate in early morning prayer and meditation sessions throughout the day.