Koyasan Syukubo Kumagaiji

One-of-a-kind experience Had a wonderful stay and very interesting meals served by our hosts. The place is sparkling clean and the ambience is very relaxing.

We made our way to Koyasan with our small group of 5 plus our guide, via a maze of trains, busy stations and platforms, a furnicular up the mountain and finally a bus to our temple stay. It was cold weather, even though it’s April. There were still a number of cherry trees blossoming- so pretty. The temple was attractive and comfortable ( if you count sleeping on the floor, sitting on the floor for meals comfortable!). Our room was heated but the rest of the temple was not so it was cool walking to the onsen and the meal room. Our room had the futon, pillows ( very uncomfortable), a low table, small TV, wifi, hanging space. Our evening meal and breakfast were traditional Japanese vegetarian and interesting food. We purchased sake for a very reasonable price with the evening meal. Beer was also available. The onsen was a good cultural experience ( and even better because I was there alone!) Our accommodation was very close to the Okunoin cemetery which is an absolute must see.

I don’t want to sound cliché but I can not recommend this place highly enough. Please go and please stay here. Every bit of it was wonderful, the dining experience, the garden, the onsens, the waterfall and the staff: exceptionally beautiful and enthusiastically helpful people.

Place needs a major update. It’s extremely dated. The whole point is to experience life with the monks but it’s pretty hard to take if you are used to western amenities. Also, the monks do their best, but several are lacking customer service skills, and they have a lot of rules to follow.