It would be impossible, as a tourist, to have a true monastery experience in an overnight stay, but the beautiful monastery and lovely monks gave us an inkling of what being a monk means. Sleeping and eating on the floor is less comfortable but essential for that experience. Beautiful monastery within walking distance of temples and Okunoin cemetery. Well worth staying overnight to appreciate Koyasan more fully.

Stayed in April 2024

Breakfast was very good delicious vegetarian food

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing. It was all good.

A fascinating experience. The rules and strict timetable were surprisingly comforting. The food was lovely and the morning ceremony was quite mesmerising. Watching snow fall over the garden from our room was a bonus. Highly recommend a garden view room.

Stayed in November 2023

-

Very beautiful and organized accommodation. Room spacious and clean. Very attentive staff. Great meals (breakfast and dinner) carefully prepared.

Stayed in November 2023

Nothing

Beautiful setting and so peaceful. Privilege to be invited to the morning ceremony. Dinner was something that we will remember for ever

Stayed in November 2023

the mattress- the worst we have had! We appreciate this is a monastery and its frugal living, but this was not budget accomodation.We did stay in quite a few traditional Japanese lodges, and the futons generally were quite comfortable. This isn't a 'dont like', but the village has just two cafe/bar/restaraunts open after 7 so dont expect any 'night life' in Koyasan.

Both meals ( breakfast and dinner) were vegetarian, adequate and beautifully presented. We were the only guests, so had a most peaceful few days. The new onson was just superb thanks- no expense spared here. We were quite centrally locates, bus at the entry. The opportunity to join the monks in morning devotions was most appreciated on the first morning.

Stayed in October 2023

The lack of any explanation or translation of the Buddhist morning ceremony and some general background information about the temple.

The welcome we received and the tranquility of the surroundings

Stayed in October 2023

No negatives ok

Good location, helpful and polite attendants, wonderful Monastery stay experience.

Stayed in October 2023

My stay at this hotel in Koyasan, managed by monks, was an unforgettable experience. The monks' hospitality and guidance throughout our stay were exceptional. The private dining in a traditional Japanese setting was exquisite, and the onsen was a relaxing highlight. Participating in the morning prayer provided a unique spiritual connection. The monks' parting gift added a personal touch to our departure. If you seek a remarkable and culturally rich stay in Koyasan, I highly recommend this hotel.

Stayed in September 2023

The futons were not very comfortable. Too thin.

Stayed in July 2023

There is nothing I didn’t like about the property, although I think travellers should be aware of the following: - There are no locks in the rooms; I personally didn’t feel unsafe but some people may feel uncomfortable about it - The meals are traditional Japanese (including breakfast). Temples only serve vegetarian meals. - the monks will tell you when the service will start in the morning. It’s very early in the day, so it’s respectful to be on time and not disturb the prayers. - in general, please remember that this is a temple and not a hotel or a tourist attraction. You should be respectful of the place, and (in my view) gets some info about Japanese culture before coming here. It will be an experience you will value in for a lifetime, if you come with the right mindset :)

This temple really feels magical. The monks were very welcoming and professional. I liked how the temple is not commercial at all, and feels like a very local experience. The rooms are big and comfortable. As a solo female traveller I overall felt safe. The meals (dinner and breakfast) are typical Japanese vegetarian courses, served in very beautiful rooms. The service in the early morning was very interesting and insightful. I appreciated that there were both Japanese visitors and foreign visitors and the monks gave us an explanation in English.

Stayed in August 2023

Nothing!

The monks were so welcoming and friendly.

Stayed in August 2023

Nothing that I don't like. Happy with everything. It was pleasant stay

Very flexible to accommodate requests. Room very spacious n comfortable. Kind of them upgrade us to garden view room with no extra charge and make my long hours travel day. My mum very enjoys the meals(dinner n bfast). Lastly, I truly enjoy it to keep the temple no too commercial. I stay in another temple less than 6months ago, very commercial. Too business oriented. Please Ryusenin continue to classic culture, do not turn it too commercial. Thank you.

Stayed in June 2023

I was a bit uncomfortable not having locks on our door.

It was our first time staying in a temple and it was truly an experience. The temple itself was like a maze, there were so many turns we had to do before reaching our room haha but we got the hang of it quickly. The halfboard they offered was phenomenal, the best vegetarian food we have ever had! The 6am ceremony was very interesting to watch and see in person where it really shows the dedication the monks have. Location wise, it was near the bus stop and was around a 25 minute walk to the cemetery which was one of the main reasons why we wanted to go to Koyasan.

Stayed in April 2023

All good

Authentic experience with a balance between a working temple and tourism. The morning service was definitely once in a life time

Stayed in May 2023

We had a very nice stay. Dinner and breakfast was good and the onsen was perfect. Very good place to stay when coming to Koyasan. Room was warm and nice.

Stayed in April 2023

The experience was magnificent. The monks were caring. The food was very good (especially if you're vegetarian traveling Japan) and the morning service unforgettable. Would return here.

Stayed in May 2023

What a memorable stay and experience. The garden is gorgeous, the monks are incredibly nice and the food was delightful. We also enjoyed the morning ceremony. We only stayed for one night yet we will always cherish this memory. Thank you!

Stayed in April 2023

The food was outstanding, even by Japanese standards. The room was big and quiet like you'd expect in a Ryokan in Koya-San. Pretty garden and beautiful morning ceremony.

Stayed in March 2023

Nothing, everything was perfect!!!

Very welcoming monks Very close to the bus station and at a walking distance from the temples (careful, you must be back to the ryokan by 5pm) Dinner and breakfast (vegetarian) are delicious and served directly in the room The room was cosy and traditional, with comfortable futons, and yukatas are available There is a large hot tub, similar to an onsen to be shared with the other guests, this is where you shower too (you must be comfortable with nudity) We attended the morning ceremony, a unique moment

Stayed in April 2023

Nothing.

Our room was spacious with a view of the garden. The vegan meals were fantastic.

Stayed in April 2023

Hopefully they can include English translations for the temple rules, English translators sometimes mistranslate. Regardless, it was a wonderful experience!

Location is walking distance to main streets for restaurants, shops and bus stops. Whole experience was amazing, really remind me this was a Temple Stay and not a Ryokan. The monks were really patient and understanding for foreigners, tried their best to share their beliefs and traditions. Vegetarian Dinner and Breakfast was also great, simple but flavorful! Tatami room was as expected and more :) Shared bathroom/sento (?), was a first/good experience. Lastly, mornings prayer at 6am, should not be missed. Would highly recommend staying here for an Temple stay experience!

Stayed in March 2023

Morning Ceramony, Onsen, Good Japanese Dinner, Nice garden.

Stayed in March 2023

It was a bit cold in the room

The experience was amazing 😍

Stayed in March 2023