7 Best Accommodations in Koyasan for Solo Travelers in Wakayama

If you are busy every day, you will be tired both physically and mentally. In such a case, go on a trip alone and spend a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Especially if you want to rest your mind... then we recommend staying at a "shukubo" where you can face yourself in a quiet space. Recently, the number of temple lodgings where tourists can easily stay has been increasing.

source:Contribution of anonymity

For beginners who are new to lodging, we recommend the lodging at Mt. Koya, a world heritage site in Wakayama. The place of training that Kobo Daishi Kukai opened 1,200 years ago is surprisingly easy to access and is still visited by many tourists. There are many well-equipped lodgings, so even if you are alone, you can stay there with peace of mind. You can also experience simple training, so it's perfect for facing yourself. This time, we will introduce recommended lodgings in Koyasan.

source:

Soji-in Temple is located right next to the main spots of Koyasan, such as the Danjo Garan in front of the gate and Kongobu-ji Temple, the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism. It is a temple lodging with a history that has continued since the Heian period. There is an elevator and air conditioning in the hall, and barrier-free correspondence is also possible. You can stay comfortably like ryokan, so even those who are new to shukubo can feel at ease.

All 13 rooms are Japanese-style rooms that are relaxing. We recommend the detached "Sakura Room." It is a room with two rooms, 10 tatami mats and 6 tatami mats, and has a toilet, bath, and floor heating, so you can rest assured even in the cold winter. Not only can you enjoy the view of the garden, but the cherry blossom paintings on the sliding doors inside the room also make you feel festive.

source:

meal will have a monthly vegetarian kaiseki that does not use any meat or fish. You can enjoy the gentle taste that makes use of the flavor of the seasonal ingredients. Each dish is elaborate, so you can enjoy it with your eyes. This specialty is a special sesame pot made with white miso. It will soothe you from inside your body when you are tired.

source:

Guests are free to participate in the morning rituals. If you get up a little early and spend a peaceful time in the clean air of the morning, you can start the day with a clear mind. You can also experience sutra copying and Buddha copying.

source:

There is a splendid white wisteria tree over 1000 years old in the precincts. The beautiful wisteria, which is also called "Toro wisteria", is in full bloom in early summer, and many people visit the shrine just to see it. It's a good idea to visit at the right time.

source:

"Fudoin" is an old temple founded in 906, and it is a temple related to the imperial family with the tomb of "Bifukumonin" who was the empress of Emperor Toba. This temple lodging is located a little further back from the main street, so it has a quiet and calm atmosphere.

source:

The room is a Japanese-style room with a calm atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a garden view or a detached room, you can spend a quiet time in a tasteful room. Toilets, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and facilities are also available.

source:

meal will be served inside the study hall, which is designated as a cultural property by Wakayama. As it is a temple connected to the imperial family, the interior has a calm and elegant interior. You'll want to take a closer look at the beautiful fusuma paintings, railings, and hanging scrolls.

source:

Our carefully selected Shojin cuisine is an assortment of excellent dishes that incorporate seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy the crunchy texture of the tempura, which is fried as soon as the guests are seated. Satisfy both your heart and stomach with the refined cuisine that is said to be just like a traditional Japanese restaurant.

source:

Shukubo Fudoin offers a variety of training experiences, but we recommend the morning practice. Listening to the precious stories in the beautiful main hall in the clear air, your heart may melt away. After work, you can experience ``Ajikan,'' a meditation unique to Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.

source:

“Ichijoin Temple Lodging” is a historic temple that has been around since the Heian period, located about a 5-minute walk from “Kongobu-ji”. Inside the lodging, there are many works of art, such as fusuma paintings and mandalas of the Kano school, representative of the Edo period. You can freely walk around the museum, so why not take a stroll as if you were in an art museum? The corridor-style garden, which is about 1,500 tsubo, is also a must-see.

source:

A simple and neat Japanese-style room that can accommodate one person. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxing. In winter, a kotatsu is provided, so you can relax.

source:

meal are in-room dining which is great for traveling alone. You can relax without worrying about other people. In spring, you can enjoy mountain vegetable dishes that make you feel the sprouts of life, and in summer, you can enjoy beautiful dishes with a refreshing feeling, and vegetarian dishes that match the season.

source:

At “Ichijoin Temple Lodging”, in addition to the morning devotional, you can experience copying sutras, tracing Buddha images, and the meditation method “Asokukan”. The breathing method of "Ashikan" is said to have the effect of adjusting the autonomic nerves and calming the mind. It's perfect for getting your mind right.

source:

Ekoin is known as the family temple of Akechi Mitsuhide. It's in a good location, just 1-2 minutes from Ichinohashi, the approach to Okunoin, where Kobo Daishi's mausoleum is located, and is the starting point for night tours to Okunoin.

source:

For those who are new to shukubo, we recommend the advanced Japanese-style room, which was renovated in 2017. Many temple lodgings have shared baths and toilets, but this room has a bath and toilet. Sitting on the porch and looking at the garden leisurely will free you from worries and distractions and clear your mind.

source:

The meal is vegetarian cuisine with plenty of volume. There is also a gluten-free plan, which is attracting attention as a health food. If you are on a diet or are interested in a gluten-free diet, why not give it a try?

source:

Ekoin offers guests a free one-day training experience that even beginners can participate in. In addition to practicing ``Ajikan'' meditation in the dojo, participating in early morning gongyo and goma, you can also freely copy sutras in your room.

source:

`` Saizen-in-in'' is a temple with a long history, built right after Kobo Daishi opened Mt. Koya, and where Shinran Shonin practiced asceticism during the Kamakura period. Danjo Garan is right next to the lodging, making it a convenient location for touring Mt. Koya.

source:

The highlight of `` Saizen-in'' is the three gardens created by garden artist Mirei Shigemori. It is a famous garden that has been designated as a national registered monument. It is said that each garden represents the flow of water in Mt. Koya. You can view it from the hallway, study room, and tea room, so why not take your time to explore it during your stay?

source:

There are 15 guest rooms in total, including Japanese-style rooms and Japanese-Western style rooms. After check-in, enjoy tea and sweets and take a break. Let's spend a peaceful time surrounded by tranquility,

source:

In addition to standard Shojin ryori dishes such as koya tofu and sesame tofu, you can also enjoy creative cuisine that incorporates seasonal local ingredients. There is also a menu that goes well with hannyayu (alcohol), so it might be a good idea to have a drink♪

source:

In addition to experiences such as copying sutras and "Ajikan," there are many other programs available, such as making prayer beads and being guided by a monk to Mount Koya. Be sure to join in and make some memories of your trip.

source:

Henjoson-in is a temple with a long history, founded in 832 by Kobo Daishi. If you experience training at this place where Kobo Daishi himself practiced, it seems that you can purify your body and mind.

source:

The Japanese-style room in the new building is recommended for solo travelers. There is a toilet in the room, so it is safe for people who are new to shukubo. You can spend comfortably because each room has an air conditioning that can be adjusted.

source:

There are two large baths. The first floor is a 2,000-year-old ancient cypress, and the second floor is a bathtub made of Koyamaki. The men's and women's baths alternate daily. Stretch out and relax as you soak in the spacious tub. A medicinal bath is also available, and the hot water will gently heal your mind and body.

source:

Five types of training experiences are available, including sutra copying, Buddha copying, sand stepping, and a night tour of the Danjo Garan. "Osuna-fumi" is to step on the sand of Shikoku's 88 temples and receive blessings. This is the only place where you can experience the pilgrimage in just 10 minutes.

source:

Koyasan Kongosanmaiin-in was built during the Kamakura period by Masako Hojo to mourn her husband Minamoto no Yoritomo. Due to its high value as a historical building, it has been registered as a World Heritage Site. It is only here that you can have the valuable experience of staying in a World Heritage inn.

source:

The guest rooms are simple Japanese-style rooms. For those new to temple lodgings, we recommend a room with a toilet and sink. Enjoy some solitude in a quiet room, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

source:

The shojin ryori for dinner is authentic, with no meat, fish, eggs, or fragrant vegetables. Healthy and body-friendly menus such as koya tofu, white sesame tofu, and wild vegetables are lined up. In a world full of food, it's good to give your stomach a rest once in a while.

source:

The main attraction of Koyasan Kongosanmaiin is the Tahouto Pagoda, which is a national treasure. It is said to be the oldest building in existence on Mt. Koya, and inside is enshrined a hidden Buddha statue that is said to have been created by Unkei and is an important cultural property. You can also request a guide, so why not listen to the valuable stories and think about the history.

If you spend a quiet time away from your busy life and face yourself through the training experience, your body and mind will be healed and refreshed. There are many power spots in the surrounding area, including Danjogaran and Kongobu-ji Temple. Please spend a relaxing time alone at "Koyasan".