Kansai– category –

Chisyaku-in is the head mountain of the Chisan school of the Shingon sect. Morning service, about 50 to as many as 150 priests chanted the sutra loudly to the sound of Kei (a board like a percussion instrument), which produces a very refreshing atmosphere.

This shukubo belongs to Engyo-ji, an old temple founded by Priest Syoku in 966 and is also known as Enryakuji in the West. Shukubo Engyoji-Kaikan is located half way on the approach and you can participate in zazen, shakyo (copying sutra by hand) and a Buddhism sermon. Single person stay is also possible.

This shukubo belongs to Engyoji.It is famous as the place where the movie, "The Last Samurai" was shot. This shukubo, Myoko-in, is located half way on the side approach, and is suitable for a small group.

It was the precinct of Jyochi-in that became the temporary residence for Priest Kobo when he climbed Mount Koya for the first time. The building was nearly new in general, the main hall hasn`t changed. While many Buddha statues were watching, I participated in the morning service in a solemn atmosphere.

They serve shojin vegetarian cuisine. If you request it, sake will be served. You are able to participate in the morning service. They welcome people traveling alone.

The curfew is 22:00. There are many things to see, including a beautiful garden larger than 6,600 square meters and a carved wooden tiger made by Jingoro Hidari. Also being close to Oku-no-in, it is convenient to go worshipping. They serve Koya-tofu as well.

The baths are really the best, including a Japanese cypress bath that is said to be the largest on Mount Koya and an herb bath. They naturally serve shojin vegetarian cuisine. I participated in the morning service and listened to the sermon of the head priest, followed by osunafumi (stepping on sand).

It is a wooden temple with a calm atmosphere surrounded by a vast garden. The front garden of eight-leaf laurel was created by Osamu Mori, a famous gardener in the Modern Age. They served shojin vegetarian cuisine, which tasted very good. You can participate in the service, which starts at 7:00 in the morning.

Located in the center of Mount Koya, it is very convenient to walk around the city from this temple. What is surprising upon entering the shukubo is the beauty of the interior ornaments and the room itself. The meals are shojin vegetarian cuisine and you can have them in your room.

The temple was named after the fact that the bones of Tentokuin, the wife of Toshiie Maeda, a famous feudal warrior, were enshrined here. It has a Japanese garden designed by Enshu Kobori. You are able to appreciate this beautiful garden from the guest rooms made of Japanese cypress built in Shoin style.