Koyasan-stay– category –

What was most appreciated was the consideration of the priests working at the shukubo. When we arrived at the shukubo, we were guided to the room and tea was served. While we were drinking tea, the shukubo staff gave us some recent information on Mount Koya.

It was founded by Priest Kobo and was once a residence of the former Emperor Shirakawa. They serve shojin vegetarian cuisine. They conduct religious services early in the morning. Also, there are many cultural assets, including the sliding door picture painted by Ikeno Taiga.

Syojoshinin is located by the entrance of the approach to the back of the temple. It has a very nice appearance. In the morning service, they chant a sutra with unique tones, which was very interesting. After the service, they let us see a hidden Buddha image. They say that it is a privilege for the shukubo guests only.

The garden is said to be made of Enshu Kobori. It is the oldest Tsuru-Kame type garden (whose pond has two islands; one for a turtle and the other for a crane) on Mount Koya. The menu includes Mount Koya's special shojin vegetarian cuisine, Iroha plates unique to Hozen-in and sesame tofu, their specialty.

This shukubo features a full-fledged morning service and quiet time because they do not have TVs in the guestrooms. The head priest gave his lecture in English. There was also a nun who had a good command of English. It seems that they are used to foreign visitors.

Tahoto tower, a national treasure, is one of the three treasure towers in Japan. Much old, historical architecture, including Kyozo (an important cultural asset), Shisha-Myojin-sha and Kyaku-den can be found here. When it comes to architecture, it is the best among the many shukubo lodgings on Mount Koya.

They serve authentic shojin vegetarian foods consisting mainly of mountain foods, including sesame tofu, a specialty of Mount Koya. If you make a reservation, you can eat a special plate. Also, the beautiful vermilion-lacquered Fugenin Shikyakumon　in the Shikyaku-hirakaramon style is an important cultural asset.

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.

In the long history of this shukubo. There are four gardens including a stone garden with a moss arrangement and a garden with a pond, etc. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery. People traveling alone or traveling with a pet can be accommodated. They have facilities for handling wheel chairs.