高野山 宿坊 恵光院 -Koyasan Shukubo Ekoin Temple-

If you want an immersive experience of Shingon Buddhism and the traditions/practices of those who live in the temples (and enjoy it in style), Ekoin is a great choice. Guna, the monk who translated for us and helped us navigate things, was knowledgeable and humorous. He made sure to connect us to all the great experiences (meditation, morning ceremony, goma ceremony) the temple offered. We stayed during the candle celebration in August, and the spot was so convenient for seeing the cemetery. The breakfast and dinner served in the room were lovely! We only stayed one night and were sad we couldn't fit 2 or 3 more into our schedule.

The mid-range rooms have a shared bathroom, which was inconvenient but expected.

Really wonderful location, amazing (vegan) meals, impeccable room and super helpful and engaging monks - you were made to feel very welcome

- Wonderful temple and gardens - Nice and helpful staff - Very hot Onsen - Meditation session, morning service, fire rituals all sensational - Perfectly located (walking distance to main KoyaSan temple but also very close to Okunoin) - recommend visiting after sunset, it’s absolutely stunning and there is almost no one, saw a fox and two flying squirrels

- Feels like it’s a bit too much of a tourist factory, lacks a bit authenticity - Onsen could be designed in a better way, it does not look neither beautiful nor traditional

Dinner and breakfast exellent.

Door to the rooms incredibly squeaky. I was woke up by people from another room because of that. Also thin walls, you can hear people talking. Not good when you try to go to sleep.