Koyasan Syukubou Fudouin

The garden view from the room really completed the stay. The rooms were roomy and comfortable, and we even had a private bathtub in our bathroom, which was a bonus. The food was a standout. I’d tried Shojin Ryori four times on this trip, and this was probably the best. Staying in a temple and having Shojin Ryori for both dinner and breakfast made for such a unique experience. Service was warm, efficient, and quick. I’d absolutely recommend it.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and the morning service was a peaceful part of our stay. It starts quite early and is optional. I went both mornings; there was chanting and meditation, with English wording to follow along. The setting felt very calming and suited to anyone wanting a quiet temple experience. My family and I spent two nights here. The lodging felt like a typical ryokan, and the vegetarian kaiseki meals were nicely prepared and presented. It isn’t the cheapest stay for what’s included, but each person can decide what this kind of experience is worth to them. We drove up the mountain in early November and got caught in a sudden snowstorm without winter tires. Check the forecast or be ready for a very slippery drive.

The meals were a fun surprise for me as someone who isn’t vegetarian. There were lots of interesting little bites to try, and the service had real care and attention to detail. The temple grounds were lovely, and we were glad we’d timed our visit for the fall colors. We really enjoyed the cultural experience here. One of the best places we saw during our days in Keyosan.

The room had plenty of heaters, which mattered because it gets quite cold. A lovely traditional stay in Koyasan, with tatami mats and futons, and the Shojin Ryori was excellent.