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Koyasan, Honshu
This large traditional Buddhist Temple is one of the oldest temples on Mount Koya (Koyasan) – built 3 years before Kongobuji Temple. Shojoshin-in has Japanese style guest rooms as well as a “Hanare” (private guest residence which has a private bath and toilet), Japanese style gardens and a pond. Shojoshin-in provides shared baths for both women and men, and “shojin-ryori” or Buddhist Monk vegetarian meals without meat or fish of any kind are served to the guests. The early morning service is followed by a short tour of the temple’s treasures (in Japanese). Shojoshin-in usually performs a fire ceremony at 13:00. It’s not everyday so please ask for it during check-in. This temple has a great location at the beginning of the tomb-lined pathway to Okunoin, making it convenient for your late-night stroll to the mausoleum. Originating as a thatched hut built by Kukai more than 1,150 years ago and once the second-largest temple in Koyasan after Kongobuji, today it boasts attractive 150-year-old buildings, including a large wooden structure with rooms overlooking a small garden and pond. In total there are 21 rooms at Shojoshin-in.
Calm place
This temple was lovely. We had a room facing the little garden and pond. Beautiful view and very calming. The room itself has a closed balcony, room itself with futon mattresses and a little corner with a sink. Theres a table and sitting area in the balcony where you can enjoy complimentary tea and snacks. The room also has a tv (we didn’t use this), an electric kettle, a heater, and the temple provides comfortable Japanese clothes. We were also provided with towels and toothbrushes. The toilets were further down the hallway, and the shower (with gender divided onsen) was downstairs. Onsen can be used, and door can be locked. The room was nice and warm with the heater, and the futon mattresses were very comfortable. However, the rest of the temple was quite cold. The location was ideal and staff very kind. The dinner and breakfast were really tasty and served in private rooms. The morning prayer was about an hour. The monk welcomed us in English after the prayer and told us that we were allowed to walk around and even take pictures. The stay was very calming and peaceful. A few notes for improvements would be – cleaner shower-room – warmer hallways and toilets – some form of conversation or talk by a monk. This could be arranged in collaboration with other temples so all guests could gather at one place and hear about a monk’s life etc. We loved the stay but missed some connection with the monks living there. Overall, we warmly recommend this temple and stay. It was our highlight of our trip in Japan.
Excellence
Spent a few nights here as I travelled around Japan solo. This was a highlight of my trip and I would definitely recommend. Everyone was lovely and inviting , meals were tasty and filling, the room was comfortable, and the prayers were very grounding. Love the small touches like putting hot water bottles under the sheets to ensure I stayed warm at night, and having time in the private bath. Hope to make it back some day.
By Suki
Shojoshin-in stay was fantastic
Shojoshin-in is a beutiful place where I spent 2 nights. The room was really nice and cosy. The food and the room where it has been served were fantastic. I also liked the morning prayer. I could have stayed longer!
By Alda
Amazing
This temple was beautiful. I have stayed in Koya-San before at another temple and this one was quite big in comparison but the staff went out of their way to make sure all guests felt welcome and special. We arrived late on our first day and they still served us dinner and warmed our bedrooms. The location was ideal and staff very kind. I highly recommend this temple for a special and authenticate experience.
By Lisa