This might be the most unique experience I had in Japan… Welcome to Koyasan! 🇯🇵 ☸️ This mountain t

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This might be the most unique experience I had in Japan… Welcome to Koyasan! 🇯🇵 ☸️ This mountain t1:11

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Experience a unique temple stay in Koyasan, a sacred mountain town south of Osaka, where you can immerse yourself in Buddhist traditions, enjoy vegan Shojin-Ryori, and explore ancient cemeteries.

1 plan · 3 places · 5 experiences

Plan · 2 places · Koyasan, Japan

A Spiritual Journey in Koyasan

“Koyasan really forces you to slow down, be present, and honestly, it might have just been the most peaceful night I had in Japan. It's a very, very special place.”

Experience · 1 place
Staying at a working Buddhist temple
Instead of a hotel, you stay in a working Buddhist temple like Eko-in, which is over 1,000 years old. The service is amazing, and you sleep in traditional futon beds. You wake up before sunrise to the sound of monks chanting their morning prayers, which is incredibly peaceful and reflective. The monks are friendly, good-humored, and patient in teaching meditation and prayer.
1
Eko-in Temple
Buddhist temple · Koya
4.5 (797)Closed · opens tomorrow 8 AM
Simple rooms in a tranquil Buddhist property featuring a temple & a meditation hall.
Eko-in Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging), 497 Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan
Traditional futon bed — You sleep on traditional futon beds, which are laid out in your room. It's a simple yet comfortable way to experience a temple stay.
Shojin-Ryori dinner — A traditional Buddhist temple dinner, completely plant-based, seasonal, and locally sourced. Each dish is prepared with intention, offering a satisfying and mindful dining experience.
Shojin-Ryori breakfast — A simple yet delicious plant-based breakfast, served after the morning ceremonies. It continues the tradition of mindful and nourishing Shojin-Ryori cuisine.
Temple onsen — The temple's onsen (hot spring bath) provides a serene space to soak in silence and reflect, offering a relaxing end to the day.
Morning prayers — Participate in the monks' morning prayers, starting at 6:00 AM. It's a serene and spiritual way to begin the day, with the sound of chanting filling the temple.
Fire ceremony — Witness or participate in the fire ceremony, sitting alongside monks as flames rise and ancient chants resonate through the room. It's a powerful and memorable spiritual experience.
Experience · 1 place
Dining on Shojin-Ryori cuisine
Meals here are Shojin-Ryori, traditional Buddhist temple cuisine that is completely plant-based, seasonal, and locally sourced. Every dish has a purpose, nothing is wasted or rushed. What surprised me most wasn't what was missing, but how satisfying it felt. Simple ingredients treated with real intention make for a truly nourishing experience.
1
Eko-in Temple
Buddhist temple · Koya
4.5 (797)Closed · opens tomorrow 8 AM
Simple rooms in a tranquil Buddhist property featuring a temple & a meditation hall.
Eko-in Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging), 497 Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan
Traditional futon bed — You sleep on traditional futon beds, which are laid out in your room. It's a simple yet comfortable way to experience a temple stay.
Shojin-Ryori dinner — A traditional Buddhist temple dinner, completely plant-based, seasonal, and locally sourced. Each dish is prepared with intention, offering a satisfying and mindful dining experience.
Shojin-Ryori breakfast — A simple yet delicious plant-based breakfast, served after the morning ceremonies. It continues the tradition of mindful and nourishing Shojin-Ryori cuisine.
Temple onsen — The temple's onsen (hot spring bath) provides a serene space to soak in silence and reflect, offering a relaxing end to the day.
Morning prayers — Participate in the monks' morning prayers, starting at 6:00 AM. It's a serene and spiritual way to begin the day, with the sound of chanting filling the temple.
Fire ceremony — Witness or participate in the fire ceremony, sitting alongside monks as flames rise and ancient chants resonate through the room. It's a powerful and memorable spiritual experience.
Experience · 1 place
Exploring Koyasan Cemetery
The Koyasan Cemetery, with over 200,000 graves, is definitely a highlight. It's where the town's founder, the monk Kobo Daishi, is entombed. You might think it would be spooky, but it's incredibly peaceful and reflective, especially when toured at night.
2
Koyasan Cemetery
Koya
Creator's voice
A vast cemetery with over 200,000 graves, including that of the town's founder, Kobo Daishi. It's a significant highlight of Koyasan, offering a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, particularly during night tours.
Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Soaking in the temple onsen
After dinner, I headed down to the temple's onsen, soaking in the silence to reflect on the beautiful day I had. It's a perfect way to unwind and be present.
1
Eko-in Temple
Buddhist temple · Koya
4.5 (797)Closed · opens tomorrow 8 AM
Simple rooms in a tranquil Buddhist property featuring a temple & a meditation hall.
Eko-in Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging), 497 Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan
Traditional futon bed — You sleep on traditional futon beds, which are laid out in your room. It's a simple yet comfortable way to experience a temple stay.
Shojin-Ryori dinner — A traditional Buddhist temple dinner, completely plant-based, seasonal, and locally sourced. Each dish is prepared with intention, offering a satisfying and mindful dining experience.
Shojin-Ryori breakfast — A simple yet delicious plant-based breakfast, served after the morning ceremonies. It continues the tradition of mindful and nourishing Shojin-Ryori cuisine.
Temple onsen — The temple's onsen (hot spring bath) provides a serene space to soak in silence and reflect, offering a relaxing end to the day.
Morning prayers — Participate in the monks' morning prayers, starting at 6:00 AM. It's a serene and spiritual way to begin the day, with the sound of chanting filling the temple.
Fire ceremony — Witness or participate in the fire ceremony, sitting alongside monks as flames rise and ancient chants resonate through the room. It's a powerful and memorable spiritual experience.
Experience · 1 place
Morning prayers and fire ceremony
At 6:00 AM, you'll be back up for the morning prayers. Afterwards, the fire ceremony is an incredible experience where you sit shoulder to shoulder with monks as flames rise and chants fill the room. It's a powerful and immersive spiritual practice.
1
Eko-in Temple
Buddhist temple · Koya
4.5 (797)Closed · opens tomorrow 8 AM
Simple rooms in a tranquil Buddhist property featuring a temple & a meditation hall.
Eko-in Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging), 497 Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan
Traditional futon bed — You sleep on traditional futon beds, which are laid out in your room. It's a simple yet comfortable way to experience a temple stay.
Shojin-Ryori dinner — A traditional Buddhist temple dinner, completely plant-based, seasonal, and locally sourced. Each dish is prepared with intention, offering a satisfying and mindful dining experience.
Shojin-Ryori breakfast — A simple yet delicious plant-based breakfast, served after the morning ceremonies. It continues the tradition of mindful and nourishing Shojin-Ryori cuisine.
Temple onsen — The temple's onsen (hot spring bath) provides a serene space to soak in silence and reflect, offering a relaxing end to the day.
Morning prayers — Participate in the monks' morning prayers, starting at 6:00 AM. It's a serene and spiritual way to begin the day, with the sound of chanting filling the temple.
Fire ceremony — Witness or participate in the fire ceremony, sitting alongside monks as flames rise and ancient chants resonate through the room. It's a powerful and memorable spiritual experience.

Also in this video

3
Koyasan
Japanese inn · Koya
4.5
Creator's voice
A sacred mountain town located two hours south of Osaka, Koyasan is the 1,200-year-old birthplace and center of Shingon Buddhism. It's a place where life has barely changed, offering a unique opportunity to stay in working Buddhist temples and experience traditional practices.
Koyasan Saizen-in Temple, 154 Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0289, Japan

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