Koyasan Sekishoin

Location: 571 Koyasan, Ito-gun, Koya, Wakayama, 648-0211, Koya, JP

Star Rating: 2 Stars

Property Type: Ryokans

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Instructions: The front desk is open daily from 9 AM - 6 PM. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.

Amenities & Facilities

• Free WiFi
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Designated smoking area
• Elevator
• Safe-deposit box at front desk
• Multilingual staff
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Assistive listening devices available
• Free self parking
• Shared microwave
• Shared refrigerator

Rooms Available

• Japanese-Style Room with Private Bathroom

  This room features tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Some rooms have free Wi-Fi access. A private bathroom is included.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Alarm clock
  • Electric kettle
  • Bidet
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Upper floors accessible by elevator
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Adapted bath
  • Chocolate or cookies
  • Trash cans
  • Cots
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Pajamas
  • Yukata
  • Socket near the bed
  • Adapter
  • Feather pillow
  • Accessible by lift
  • Smoke alarm
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Key access
  • Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
  • Air purifiers
  • Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation

Guest Reviews

• lainglesa69 (6/5): Do not expect ryokan level accomodation but OK for an experience - For someone new to Japan and being in beautiful Koyasan, it is OK. I visited with a European tour group and it was sold to us as the "temple experience" Accomodation is basic but each with own bathroom. The food is preset in a large room and eaten together with everyone staying there. Setting out the food so far in advance and letting it get stone cold did not impress many. The food I did not mind but if you can serve hot tea then the miso could have been at least warm as after all this is for tourists and not a spiritual retreat. In the rooms you would not expect luxury but it was basic - maybe that was the point? Like all traditional Japanese structures, it is very cold in the colder months but there was a very efficient heater in each room. The stay was included in our package so I do not know the price but our guide said it is not cheap. The morning buddhist chant was very moving however watching it with 50 or so others made it a spectacle rather than feel you are witnessing temple life. The welcome speech with comments about foreigners physical attributes was a bit strange but you´d only pick that up speaking Japanese. For our group it was the only chance they had to sleep on futon and eat on tatami mats. I am sure the monks probably don´t enjoy having their temple invaded by so many foreigners and having to serve them so it is a difficult one to get the right balance. The location is superb with a main street and various temples to visit within walking distance.
• gailk311 (8/5): A very different experience - This is a simple lodging, with clean and basic facilities. The food is vegetarian, beautifully prepared and there is enough to eat. We had a room with private shower and WC, it was spacious and clean, with a small TV, kettle and extra power sockets. In the bathroom there is a hairdryer and toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shower gel and shampoo are all provided. The beds are sleeping mats on the floor, the bedding is fluffy and warm. There is a heater in the room too. Plus traditional style PJ's and a short warm bed jacket are there to use. You're required to remove your shoes on arrival and if you want them, there are slippers to use. Meals are served in a communal hall, either sitting on the floor or on small collapsible stools. Extra portions of rice are offered, and tea too. The food is filling, maybe unusual - but it's part of the experience. Being able to watch the monks at prayer was a privilege. For an extra charge you can take part in the Goma fire ceremony -1000 yen to write your prayer or wish on a small wood baton which the monks will bless and pray over. There are rooms over 3 floors with lift or stair access. The garden area will probably be gorgeous as the summer progresses, but that was a little neglected while we were there. It's a peaceful and extraordinary experience which I'm really glad to have done.
• katie5_sydney (2/5): Overbooked - Terrible temple. Chosen for location and I booked a private bathroom. I arrived and was told they had overbooked. I was taken to a temple at the opposite end of the town with only communal bathrooms. Was only refunded a small amount after complaining to the new temple.
• johannasN5151PY (2/5): Rude reception, nothing possible. - At arrival treated like a dog by one of the employees. Screaming and nothing was possible. In the monastery a leaflet that the employees can be rude. One of them certainly is. Good and clean rooms and the monks are friendly. Good food and the location is perfect. Next to the most beautiful graveyard I have ever seen. Book a tour in advance. Mostly fully booked.
• 335rikt (8/5): A Truly Unique Cultural Experience - This was such an interesting and enjoyable experience. The rooms have you sleeping on a mat on the floor, so if that doesn't sound appealing, don't go. We slept very well on those mats and if you need a little more padding, try using a couple of pillows they use a seats in the room. There's a terrace; ours overlooked the garden from the main floor and the garden is not bad. Quite peaceful. There are vending machines! But if you want beer, go across the street to the convenience store - and those beers are very inexpensive. The supper and breakfast are vegan. Lots of tofu and rice as you are seated on the floor (some opted for little stools). I can't say it was the best food I've ever eaten but there was good variety and it gave me insight into the life of a monk. It's an easy walk to the Okunoin Cemetery, which is massive and well worth a visit. The onsen (public bath) is excellent, offering both indoor and outdoor options. We attended a religious service early in the morning and some of the attendees were offering up prayers written on a piece of wood. The monks prayed for those needs and then burned the pieces of wood during the service. If you attend the service, for the love of God be respectful; turn your cell phone off and don't take photos.
• Jakal4060 (10/5): Peace and tranquility - Recently had an overnight stay and what a lovely tranquil environment Our room and ensuite were clean and comfortable with heating for the chilly night so we were cosy warm. The meals were great. The staff were very helpful. Such a shame that the big groups were so loud at meals etc and did not adhere to the simple rules such as photography of monks at the morning ceremony. So disrespectful.
• terrill03 (6/5): Know before you go.. - Based on my experience I would assign this 3.5 bubbles if that were an option, and expect that room assignment for this temple lodging is a good predictor of the rating it receives. We were part of a tour group. all guests were to have private room with ensuite. As rooms were assigned many ended up with shared bathrooms or adjacent private bathroom. As the tour manager worked to sort this all out we all ended up looking at a lot of vacant rooms. Some rooms here are lovely, with window views onto the garden, or patio doors with chairs onto a small balcony. Others not so much - the first room we and some of fellow travellers were assigned was down a long corridor then outside and then back into another section - not sure it was an annex but it felt like one.. The rooms were "called tea-rooms" windowless, lacking an ensuite, some with shared bath, and a smell of mothballs (not saying was mothballs it did smell like one). Fortunately we were all re-assigned so that at minimum everyone had an ensuite - some did get very nice rooms - others still windowless, still a little pad-lock for the door, we didn't bother because our room was separated only by a sliding shoji screen - between us and the guest next door - this of course doesn't lock - happily our neighbours were as respectful of our privacy as we were of there's. so not an issue - but be aware. Sleeping arrangements are all Japanese style on tatami and futon with a comfy duvet. The ensuite bathrooms were modernized, good water-pressure (shower only) and a hairdryer - thankfully. The room amenities include wifi, a TV, kettle, an a safe - an older style combination lock (we never bothered with). Dinner and breakfast was vegan and actually quite good, seating on a tatami mat, with a little stool for guests available for any guest with difficulty sitting on the floor. There was also an opportunity for guests to observe monks at prayer early the next morning. The thing to remember is this is temple lodging not a hotel per se, and that Koyansan is a special place to visit - but do try and get confirmation of exactly what type of room you will be assigned.
• gecko4321 (10/5): A truly special experience - Not just somewhere to stay but a truly special experience. The temple is located right beside the Okunoin cemetery, a very atmospheric place for walks especially in the early morning or late afternoon. The meals were amazingly good, always tasty and filling, and attending the morning ceremony before breakfast was a great experience. The monks and other workers at the temple were always polite and friendly, and made us feel very welcome in this special place. Our 2 nights at Sekishoin was definitely the highlight of our 3-week holiday in Japan.
• Scenic799556 (2/5): Good place to go if you want to experience e suffering - Bare and cold with arcane bathrooms No explanation of tradition for foreigners. No interaction with hotel staff or monks. Not the educational experience we were looking for. Better choices available near by
• Saito (6/5): - 奥之院に近くて良かった
• 18tsvetomirb (2/5): Expensive hotel presented as temple - If a temple charges more than 200 usd per night for a basic room it’s a hotel, isn’t it? So for this price I expect at least clean room and warm food. Don’t recommend this place. It’s not a temple, it’s a money machine. There is nothing religious in this place. Everything is about money.
• GeoTrunk (10/5): An ablsutely amazing place to stay - This is a very special place! You stay in monastery in excellent rooms with a very friendly and helpful staff. When you arrive you are welcomed in the chapel (I think that is what it is comparable to) and introduced to the place. You are also invited to join the morning service (which is a must to experience!) Rooms are excellent: You sleep on a futon on the floor under a nice, warm and heavy quit to keep you warm through the night (It was cold when we were there - so bring warm socks and a sweatshirt). An absolutely recommendable place!
• KING CHEONG (10/5): - 給我們的通告是早上7點有儀式，我們準時7點到，但儀式已完了！
• Nazim (8/5): Très bien sauf la cérémonie du matin - Très bon séjour, cadre et emplacement idéalement pour visiter la ville. Calme revigorant, seul bémol, la cérémonie du matin à 7h n’est pas expliqué en dehors du japonais. L’établissement en lui même ainsi que les repas sont très bien.
• Atsuko (10/5): - 清潔でご飯も美味しく、お勧めです。
• Tomoko (10/5): あたたかいもてなしに、お寺らしい雰囲気 - 古い建物ですが、広い和室には昔ながらのこたつがセットしてあり、寝巻きは、はだけて寒い浴衣ではなく、誰もが着やすい作務衣でした。風呂やトイレは部屋にもあり、ベランダから美しい庭に降りられました。布団は羽布団で清潔で暖かくて心地良く、朝までぐっすり眠りました。 寒い時期で、夕飯時間より遅れて到着したにもかかわらず、広い和室を石油ストーブで温めてくださり、椅子とテーブルは座りやすく、夕飯が終わるまで、お寺の方がそっと別室で片付けを待っていてくれました。 朝夕のメニューは、翌日泊まった有名な宿坊よりずっと美味くて量もバラエティもあり、大変に満足しました。 共同の中風呂に入りましたが、夜中じゅういつでも入ることができ、熱くて快適かつ清潔でした。 朝の勤行では、秘蔵の仏像見学など派手なモノはありませんでしたが、丁寧にお坊さんがお寺の大切にしているものをひとつひとつ説明してくださいました。 快適にもてなそうという気持ちと、素朴なお寺らしさとが感じられて、大変気に入りました。 今度は、ぜひ、家族で宿泊したいです。また外国からのお客様も、是非、お連れしたいと思いました。
• ??? (8/5): - お部屋も浴槽もトイレや洗面所も、どこもかしこもとても綺麗で、本当に気持良く過ごさせて頂きました。ありがとうございました。
• Keiko (10/5): - 部屋も料理も満足しました。wifiはつながりませんでしたが　また泊まらせていただきたいと思いました。
• fuumiyatanif (10/5): A great experience - I loved this place, the food, the views, the overall spirit! I plan on returning at least once a year for several years in the future if possible. I live in Osaka so it is only 1.5 hrs for me to get there. My wife read some of the bad reviews from the past and was concerned. I was traveling alone and having lived on a boat and done camping and as a student of Zen, I figured I could adapt. There was no need. The People ( staff/monks/Abbot) were very nice, the room was clean and comfortable. The dinner was very tasty and filling. The garden was excellent, the room heater was hot ( I was there in Nov.) Go and enjoy, However, follow the rules and keep in mind this is not a modern upscale hotel. You are visiting someone's home and place of worship.
• JeongHun (10/5): - 전문 숙박시설과 같은 서비스는 아니지만, 깔끔하고 맛있는 식사가 있는 템플스테이를 체험할 수 있습니다. 일본어로 소통하는 것이 원만하나, 영어 안내문도 존재합니다. 내부 시설은 고풍스러우며, 기본적으로 아침식사가 나오지만, 주변 음식점들이 17시에 문을 닫기 때문에 숙박시에는 저녁식사도 추가하는 편이 좋습니다. 아침 예불에 참가 가능하니 체험해 보시길 바랍니다.
• HIROAKI (10/5): 快適に過ごせました。 - 快適に過ごせました。奥の院一の橋バス停に近く、初めて訪れても迷いません。これからの季節は気温がとても低いけど、暖房はガスファンヒーターで快適な部屋でした。チェックインの日は晴天だったので、傘を持参してなかったが、翌日はにわか雨だったが、傘を貸して下さった。本当に有難かったです。
• eur0peankiwi (8/5): Monastery stay - We stayed here for 1 night during the Japanese Obon holiday. The temple is huge, it has about 80 rooms, but only 5 were occupied when we were there. Its location is great, only a 3min walk to Okutoin cemetery. Our room was nice, even we got a free upgrade, so we had our toilet and bath inside. The food was all right, various tofu, vegetarian dishes and also had beer served. The only thing I didn't really get is the morning ceremony. We had to sit on benches, not on the floor. Maybe it is just me, but I didn't really get the feeling of it. Also the monks wore T-shirts and tracksuits during the day, it also didn't really help to get that 'special spiritual feeling'. Anyway, it was a decent stay, the place is nice, its garden is beautiful and the head monk is really helpful. Would stay here again.
• Emily (10/5): Great upgraded rooms and magical garden - It was nearly empty so we were upgraded. Usually I think there would be a lot of people. Rooms were excellent and service good. Food was simple but for the price I can’t complain.
• Patricia (10/5): Wonderful stay - Was a wonderful stay at Sekisho-in. Room was very clean, spacious and comfortable. Food was very good and we were made to feel very welcome. The temple was a lovely experience and the town of Koyasan is just so beautiful.
• Earl (10/5): - Arrived in late Feb. Wonderful experience. Cold but heaters in room worked well.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The amenities exceeded expectations. The room was larger than expected. We had a four futon room with three futons setup. It would have been a bit tight with four. The room had a living area, a sleeping area, a garden viewing area, and a balcony. We did not opt for the private bathroom. We may have stayed during a slow night (Early Jan) because we still had the shared public bath to ourselves after dinner, and we enjoyed a nice soak. I saw an older review saying there are no hair dryers. They have hair dryers now. The dinner and breakfast was good as well. If you're not used to Japanese vegetarian dishes, you might find the food lacking. It's a lot of radishes, bamboo shoots, seaweed/kelp, tofu, squash, rice, and mochi. Most of it is served cold with unlimited warm rice and hot tea. I thought it was quite good. The morning ceremony was a great experience. The monks will encourage you to do the incense offering. A booklet in your room will explain what to do. Read and research beforehand as it's not explained during the ceremony. Overall, I'm glad we stayed here. It was a good experience. I did not get to interact with the monks. I wish I was able to do this to learn more about Koyasan; however, I understand most of them do not speak English.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Interesting experience in a temple! Location is convenient!
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Nice reasonably priced place to stay in Koyasan. Location - perfect -close to okunoin cemetery and temples. Room - sufficient futon setup with a low table with kettle and tea. Heater in room - heats up fast - good because the common areas are outside temperature. Don't run heater all night, but not needed just spark up in the morning and instant heat. Like camping :-) Arrival - checked in at ~12 noon . They were organized and ready for us - excellent. Little english spoken - but not a problem - we got all the info we needed for the temple stay. Amenities - lots of shared bathroom /washup areas. We used the hot bath rooms to clean up/soak/warm up - it was great! (onsen like) There are two mens and two ladies bath/onsen rooms. Very nice. Honour system coffee machine for morning. Food - very creative and tasty vegetarian dinner 5:30 (extra fee booked with room - do it - it's a good experience) Breaky was at ~7:15 -7:30 after morning service - which was also good to do (6:50AM). NOTE . I booked the dinner after the original booking via email - but they had not record of it - or lost in translation. We were able to book dinner as we arrived at 11:45. dinner bookings taken until 12 noon of same day. Best to book at hotel booking time. FYI - We left right after breakfast to catch a 8:11 AM bus right outside the temple to get back to Tokyo that same day. Easy (but multiple) transit back to Osaka then Tokyo
• Christopher (10/5): Wonderful Experience - Amazing atmospheric place to stay. This is not just a place to stay but a wonderful experience.
• L (6/5): - Temple stay experience wasn't really immersive since there were many other tourists so the experience didn't feel personalised. Wished that the service was warmer. The food for both dinner and breakfast were mediocre. Dishes that are supposed to be hot/warm (e.g. tempura) were already cold by the time guests arrived at the dining hall (there are preset dining hours). I stayed in the new hall which is a long walk in but the facilities are new and WiFi was surprisingly strong. Heater in room! Best thing to have since Koyasan can get really cold. No hairdryer provided.
• A- (8/5): - I enjoyed it very much. Air conditioner was broken, but I just moved the futon to the room with a heater. Garden is beautiful. Dinner was good. Breakfast was simple. Bathroom attached to the room was so new and clean. Great alone bath time. I came in a bit late, but they had my dinner still waiting for me. I'm glad I stayed here.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Great monastery food. Appreciated opportunity to be part of morning ceremony. Very good onsen. Location very good - near cemetery & a short distance from centre of town.
• Verified traveler (8/5): Koyasan was amazing, the stay was ok - The good: - good location on main road and close to the main attraction - included breakfast was ok - room had a nice balcony and view The bad: - the welcome was very cold, we didn't feel like they were very happy that we were staying there - little English spoken by staff
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Very fast check in and out. Comfortable
• Verified traveler (10/5): - This was a real experience, definitely worth the trip.
• Ovidiu (8/5): - Interactive meal service and prayer.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - This is a monastery run by monks not a hotel. They gave us two huge adjacent rooms, which was much appreciated. The location is great as it is a few minutes by foot from the cemetery, which made it easy to go to both the evening walk and the 6:00 am offering ritual and be back by the 7:00 am chanting at the monastery. We enjoyed our stay very much - the simpler monastic setting and the relative remoteness of Koyasan was a welcome deviation from the hurried and over stimulating experience of Tokyo and the other big cities we visited
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great experience, try it! - Great stay, everything I expected and more. Tremendous experience, recommend to all
• Verified traveler (4/5): - The outside of the property looked impressive and it ws nice to take part in the mediation in the morning
• T-Meaux (10/5): - Having the chance to stay as guest with Buddhist monks and priests in their temple is priceless. The accommodation is way beyond what I would have expected. The friendly hosts made a private memorial ceremony possible. It was an amazing experience and I will return. Thank you very much!
• Verified traveler (10/5): Nice and cosy temple stay - The room is excellent big, clean and in an authentic japanese style. I had view to the japanese garden, and I could hear the beautiful songs of the birds.Loved the morning meditation.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Koyasan - Very surprised having such a large room with balcony and mountain garden view. Futon beds on Tatami are thick and comfortable. Half board vegetarian food was plenty and free coffee supplied too. The location is just a few steps away from Ichi No bashi bus stop (the beginning of 2 km Forrest walk to Okunoin 奧の院) Monks and staffs are friendly and helpful.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Loved living in a temple, the food was really good. They explained what each of the items on the plate were prior to the guests starting to eat. It is not a buffet style, you get a preset vegan meal and that’s what you eat. The showers are open and not separated. I really wish we had some information on the morning ceremony they did, even in the form of a pamphlet to inform us of the what and why it is being done. Even a small history lesson prior to the ceremony or at dinner would be great addition!
• Keith (8/5): - Beautiful old temple that we enjoyed staying in very much.
• Kel (10/5): - Very unique experience. Highly recommended. The accmodaruons are very basic compared to western standards but the atmosphere is wonderful and participating in the morning prayer was the highlight of our trip to Japan. The location is also excellent as it is very close to the Okuinoin.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - This is a Buddhist Temple so pretty much everything is unique. We had a room with a private bath. The room was huge. The meal provided by the monks was pretty in appearance and very delicious. The atmosphere of the temple is very serene. Would recommend for rejuvenation and to reconnect spiritually.
• Talia (10/5): Would stay again - Lovely temple stay w excellent vegetarian monk meals and can participate in religious service before breakfast. Lots of guests here but you only run into them at meals and ceremony. V convenient location can walk to all sites and bus stop is just a few feet away. not as elaborate or picturesque as some other temples, but it gave us everything we needed and wanted
• MICHAEL (10/5): Great location, Very Good WIFI, Claen & comfortabl - The Monks were kind. Clean & comfrtable room with a view of the garden. Great location within walking distance to shrines, temples and Japan's largest cemetery, restaurants. At bus stop 9 on bus 9 from the cable car station.
• Katherine (10/5): - This was by far the highlight of my trip! I had a wonderful experience here. Everyone was very accommodating. It was so special to see the monks prayer service in the morning. The one thing I would note is that this is a true monastery. So if you book this know that the accommodations are basic, as described on the website, the reason you go here is for the experience. I would definitely recommend!!
• Frederick (10/5): - Great time
• Graeme (8/5): Great experience of temple life - From looking around town this was one of the smaller temples to stay in and perhaps didn't have the amenities some others may have. As you would expect from a Buddhist templet the accommodation was very basic but the reason you are staying there is for the experience. The monks were very friendly and helpful in showing me around, the morning service was enlightening and the breakfast prepared was surprisingly tasty for vegan fare. If you prefer to travel in style and comfort than maybe this place is not for you but if you are up for a real experience then I definitely recommend.
• Verified traveler (8/5): First time staying at a temple - This is the first time staying at a temple and I had a good experience here. This was the only place that had a private bathroom so that was great. When we checked in we were welcomed by a monk who gave us a free bracelet gift and escorted us to our room.The room didn't have a door instead it was a wooden frame with square holes which I found uncomfortable at first, but you can lock it and also lock our room door. We had our own balcony which was nice and leading out into their garden. We slept on futon and was glad they had a heater as it very cold there, it was icy cold in the morning so make sure you bring jackets.They provide some comfortable robes like ones the monks wear and you can wear it to the morning prayer (6.50am) and breakfast is served after which is vegetarian. I really enjoyed my first experience staying at a temple and Koyasan is amazing place to visit.
• Olivier (2/5): - Just Feels like a bad touristic attraction with monks cold as ice and noisy foreigners taking picture all over the place. I booked the private suite for 2 person. 200 Euro for a room without windows, what a great deal! I guess for this price shared room are a better option as I could hear other guest talking and snoring the whole night.. Also made me smile to see female employees among the monks. Even if they are limited to the kitchen! At the end, it was not that bad as we spent as less time as possible in this hotel and really appreciated walking around the temples by day and night.
• Tara (8/5): Unique stay in a temple - It was a very nice authentic experience in a temple. Getting to sit with the monks during their morning prayer ceremony is very nice. The temple is also in a great location in Koyasan.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great experience! - Amazing experience. Very sacred place where you get to see a morning prayer, have traditional breakfast and dinner (purchase separately) and the grounds are beautiful, the garden specifically. Highly recommend for a temple experience!
• Henck (8/5): Serene and unique - Very comfortable futon, beautiful views.
• Tim (8/5): - We thoroughly enjoyed our (family of 2 parents and a 9 year old child) stay. Koyasan is not cheap, but it is worth it.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Nice service and a peaceful place
• Verified traveler (4/5): - We stayed at Jokiin the night after and it was exceptional. it was the same price as Sekishoin. It is not worth the price for the room with the private bathroom which we had.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - 20metres from the bus stop, spacious tatami roo with futon bed, beautiful in summer because it's cooler 1000m up in the mountains, Buddhist style vegetarian breakfast was good to get you going, but a morning tea stop is recommended.
• Verified traveler (6/5): Traditional Temple Stay - Enjoyed the opportunity to try a traditonal buddhist monk dinner/breakfast. Very close to the cemetery, which is a must see in Koyasan. Unfortunately the beds/pillows were terribly uncomfortable and linen appeared to have not been cleaned in a long time finding stains and hairs...
• Verified traveler (10/5): Unique experience - The whole stay was absolutely stunning. From food to public bath, from private room to community activities (prayer and food) everything was amazing. We prefer to visit this temple over a ryokan bath house!
• Geri (8/5): Modest Lodgings, Beautiful Surroundings - We didn’t expect much from this shukubo stay - I mean, you’re staying with monks. The vegetarian food was eatable but not great, we couldn’t lock our room, bugs get into the room because of the screen windows, and the futons were barely futons - felt like we were sleeping on the floor. However, we had an amazing view of the Japanese garden from our room, and at night we sat on the wooden porch and drank beer while enjoying the scenery. It was so peaceful and serene. Sekishoin is also a great location because the main temple of Koya-San, Okunoin, is within walking distance. Overall, this experience is unlike any other and I do recommend it - just keep in mind what you’re signing up for. Only other complaint is that the check in and out time is wrong on Hotels.com. They wouldn’t let us check in until 2 and check out was at 10.

Photos