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About Koyasan
Shukubo (Temple Lodging)
There are a total of 117 temples in Koyasan, of which 52 are what is known as shukubo, temples that offer overnight lodging. Each of these historical shukubo has its own individuality, where you can breathe in the air of Japan’s traditional culture.
Main Gate- This is the entrance to a shukubo. Each shukubo has a different style and stateliness, and different tastes that reflect its role and the era in which it was built.
Main Hall (Hondo)- This is the heart of the shukubo, where the main Buddhist statue is enshrined. If you stay overnight, you can take part in a traditional training ritual where the head priest will chant a sutra here.
Garden- The gardens are where each shukubo expresses its moments of relaxation. Koyasan has shukubo with gardens that have felt the touch of some of Japan’s greatest master gardeners.
Fusuma Paintings- In historical shukubo there are many fusuma (paper-covered doors) which have been painted in ages past by some of the most famous artists in Japanese history.
Bath- Shukubo offer large public baths where you can experience the bathing culture of Japan. Soaking in a bath can wash all the weariness of the journey from you.
Rooms and facilities- The rooms offer a traditional Japanese atmosphere with tatami mats and fusuma doors, while also being equipped with air-conditioning to allow you to relax and enjoy yourself.
Shojin ryori - traditional vegetarian fare- This is the traditional cuisine of the monks, done according to Buddhist precepts. The meals are purely vegetarian, with no meat or fish used.
