Sanso Amanosato

"We returned to Sanso Amanosato after a fantastic stay in 2022, this time together with Mrs. KI-NRT's mother. We booked two rooms - both were 67m² Suites just like last time. I won't go into detail on the property, since I covered it in detail in my earlier review. The GM was still the same wonderful gentleman, the executive chef was also the same person, much to our relief - food (along with service) is this ryokan's calling card, and stability is critically important to ensure continued culinary excellence. From talking to the chef, it appears that he's intending to be there for life. Once again, our dinner did not disappoint. The Winter Yellowtail (from Himi, Toyama) marinated with Lemon Juice and Olive Oil, was sublime. Ditto for the Kumano Beef Chateaubriand grilled in Binchotan Charcoal from Kishu, as well as every other dish that was served. What made everything all the more remarkable was the fact that no dish was a repeat from 2022 - it was all new, all novel and all elegantly presented and meticulously prepared. They also have menus in both Japanese and English, so it's easy to follow along as they bring out serving after umami-infused serving. Service was, once again, professional, warm and courteous. We can tell that all staff members took great pride in their work and in being there. Sanso Amanosato is only 60 minutes by car from Osaka, serves amazing cuisine, and offers Onsen (hot springs) baths (although it's not in the room, but rather via private family baths that can be freely used upon availability, which is the vast majority of the time as they have 3 of them for 8 total groups of guests per day.) It's a wonderful way to spend an enchanting time in a convenient ryokan that nonetheless feels a world apart from modern Japanese civilization. We look forward to returning at different time of year to experience different seasonal cuisine."

Koyasan Shukubo Sainanin

Saimonin

"The facilities were clean, and the monks were very polite. I injured my foot and they kindly gave me three band-aids. I'm so grateful for their kindness. The talk after the morning sutra chanting was also very good. And the Shojin Ryori (devotional cuisine) was delicious. It would have been even better if there were room instructions and Wi-Fi information inside the room."

Koyasan Shukubo Fugenin

"The room was located in a stunning and truly beautiful temple. The person who welcomed us was incredibly kind and, the next morning, gave us a full tour of the temple and its different areas. The room was a bit cold in January but amazing, and the public baths were not always very convenient, but the hot onsen at the end of the day, along with the friendliness and authentic atmosphere, made the experience truly wonderful."

Koyasan Syukubo Zofukuin

"I stayed here June 6th and 7th 2024 I have stayed at dozens of places in Japan over three months, from temples to hotels, guest houses, and hostels. I am not some person who has only stayed at top hotels then got upset when not knowing what to expect elsewhwere. This was the worst experience BY FAR. There is an extremely rude monk running the place. ***** bath only, which is not listed on the reservation sites. To make matters worse, it is only open for four hours a day in the evening. Want a morning shower or bath? Too bad, it is only open 4 hours in the evening. Want a clean bath? Too bad. There was a giant millipede swimming around in the bath. When I tried to show the monk and didnt take my slippers off in the right place of the bathroom he yelled at me. SHOES HERE NOW! I tried to say look please there is a huge bug (in Japanese) and he yelled again SHOES HERE NOW! NOW! I have no idea how such a rude person became Buddhist, he clearly does not follow his own religion. In every Japanese accommodation there is at bare minimum communal hot water for tea and a microwave. Not here though. When I asked about it the monk acted like I was crazy and gave me an attitude. He left the office at 3:30 and disappeared despite a 5pm closing time. Need info? Too bad."

Koyasan Syukubo Kumagaiji

Koyasan Shukubo Daimyououin

Koyasan Shukubo Muryoko-IN

"All the monks/nuns that worked at the shukubo were so helpful and welcoming! The food both dinner and breakfast was delicious and presented so nicely. We loved getting involved with the morning service as well. This was definitely a highlight of our trip to Japan!"