Koyasan– category –

The Shojin cuisine served in the room was really delicious. Compared with the shukubo that I stayed at on the previous day, this place was larger in scale. In terms of accommodation facilities, it was more sophisticated. Only people who wished to participated in the morning service at the main hall from 6:30.

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.

This is the shukubo where Yukimura Sanada lived with his family. Sanada was a warrior who played an important role in the Battle in Sekigahara and Summer and Winter Battles in Osaka, which became turning points in Japanese history. During the meal, student priests from Koyasan High School and University wait on you.

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.

This shukubo is famous for a garden that is adjacent to the building. So, you are able to fully appreciate it even walking through the corridor. In a special room, Chikurin Yukaku-zu painted by Tanyu Kano is displayed. You are able to see this exquisite cultural asset up close.

This temple started when the mother of Priest Kobo lived in Jisonin at Kudoyama at the foot of Mount Koya and built a hut, which was later transferred to Mount Koya. So, this shukubo has such a long history. The Hokumen (faced north) Daishi statue, an important cultural asset, is worth seeing.

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).

Hojoin was founded about 870 years ago. This is a temple lodging located right next to the Danjo Garan (the central temple complex) at Koyasan. Dinner was buddhist vegetarian cuisine. I also experienced the morning memorial service and copying sutras.

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.

This shukubo features barrier-free construction. A wheel chair can be lead from the underground parking lot to the inside of the building by an elevator. Another big feature is the shojin vegetarian cuisine. Their creative and positive approach is to always introduce new things, not solely depending on existing items.