stay– category –

Jitokuan was founded around the 15th century. The room I stayed in was a Japanese-style room with two adjoining rooms, one 8 tatami mats and the other 6 tatami mats. In the main hall I was able to practice zazen and copy sutras. There was a painting of a dragon on the ceiling.

Syussekiji Temple was founded in 718. The main hall is built on the summit of Mount Izushi, which is 812 meters above sea level. There is a shukubo within the temple grounds. You can attend the morning prayer. If you wish to stay overnight, you must make a reservation by phone.

Mii-dera is an ancient temple with a history of over 1,300 years and is the head temple of the Tendaijimon sect. When I entered through the entrance, I found myself in a luxurious space. Although the lodging fees are high, the experience is truly fulfilling.

Jizoin Temple was founded in 756. The principal image is a large statue of Jizo Bodhisattva, measuring 358.6cm (11.77ft).The shukubo has three guest rooms. There are no meals provided, only lodging. You can do things like copying sutras, copying Buddha images, and making prayer beads.

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 is the head temple of the Zentsuji school of the Shingon sect. This is where Priest Kukai, Kobo-Daishi was born. The three-story brand new building is the shukubo. I had a ten tatami mat room all to myself. From 5:30, 15 priests lined up in the Mie-do hall. After the sermon, the priests chanted a sutra.

Mitsugonji Temple is located halfway up the mountain in Awa Ikeda. It was a little difficult to get to without a car. There was a youth hostel building on the left side of the main hall. If you stay here, you can experience goma (fire) prayer and meditation.

Aki-Kokubunji is a historic temple built before 750 AD. There is a lodging facility on the temple grounds. Guests can also try out zazen, copying sutras and goma fire rituals.

Chion-in is the head temple of Jodo-shu and is famous for the world’s largest wooden gate, the umbrella left by Jingoro Hidari and the nightingale corridor. At the shukubo, the morning service was more impressive than anything else. The shukubo itself is a modern reinforced concrete building.

Hoonji Temple was founded in 1721. Take a bus for about 20 minutes from Haibara Station, get off at the Ouda bus stop, and then walk for about 10 minutes to reach the temple. Morning services were held in the main hall from 7am. Chanting the sutras together with the head priest left me feeling refreshed.