高野山 宿坊 宝城院 -Koyasan Shukubo Hojoin-

Location, staff, rooms, peace and quiet, food, onsen, cleanliness.

The onsen could be open and available longer than from 16:30-21:00.

This is an experience not to be missed in Koyasan - staying at a temple at one of Japan's holiest places, participating in morning prayers, and enjoying a phenomenal vegan meal. The temple dates back over 800 years, with the current structure being around 300 years old (if I understood correctly) and one of only 3 that were not destroyed by major fires in the 19th and 20th centuries that claimed most of Koyasan's oldest buildings. For being a working temple (*not a hotel*), the arrangements were as flexible as I could have asked for. There is a monk who previously worked advertising in NYC(!), so my limited Japanese was no problem. There is an onsite bath (hours are limited... but temple!) which was wonderful, the room was ryokan-level comfortable and even had air conditioning. Also, they offered to let me store my bagged bike in my room - I declined because I thought that would be too disruptive and the offered covered parking/storage area was perfectly fine. Some tea and a snack were offered when I checked in (check-in was slightly more flexible than I expected, but again - working temple!). The grounds are incredible - a rock garden and composed garden that rival anything in Kyoto, and the facilities themselves are all well maintained - as befitting a working temple.

There are inconveniences in staying at a working temple. If you don't like to be inconvenienced, the answer is simple - don't stay here and leave the experience to those who will appreciate it. There was nothing I didn't like about my experience.

The property was very easy to get to from the main street, and was placed in a beautiful environment sorrounded by the forest, and other stunning temples. The temple inside was very easy to navigate and was very clean. The staff were pleasant and were extremely flexible with check out times. The staffmember who made our stay very memorable, was “Kio”. He was very nice, had a lot of stories to tell, and also offered Zen Massage for us at a low price. In the basement there was a bath area, which was gender-split, and included showers as well as a relaxing warm spa-like pool. It was very relaxing. The food was super interesting, and fun to eat!

The location gave us an opportunity to explore a mountainous rural area of Japan along with an adventurous travel journey. We took a train, a cable car and a bus to get there. The temple was as expected. The building is historic and authentic with a zen type experience. The chef did an excellent job preparing the meals.

We would have loved to learn more about Buddhism, including mediation and gaining some knowledge behind different practises. More interaction with the host/monks would have enhanced our experience. We did not use the baths as they were 42 degrees Celsius (107.6F), which is dangerously hot. If you are not a vegetarian, like my husband, the meals are challenging.