Koyasan Shukubo Sainanin

This was a different kind of staying compared to the others I had in Japan. While rating this, it's easier to forget this is not an hotel but a religious place that was rearranged as a lodging, so we shouldn't rate it according to our usual standards. Of course the experience was unique on its own. The temple is beautiful, and the chance of taking part to the morning prayers added great value to my stay.

Given the nature of the place I don't mind if it's a bit outdated, not extremely clean or has strict times and houserules. Our room-neighbour was a weird guy very loud and of out of context, and since the walls are extremely thin, he ruined my sleep and part of the atmosphere. Dinner and breakfast were very far from my taste so I didn't really appreciate them, but I knew this in advance so I was okay with it. Price was high, and considering the above I didn't think it was entirely justified.

It was a very pleasant experience, we never slept before in a temple and this was something different. The views from our room were amazing. The staff was very nice with us and the rooms, the place was clean and tidy and the Onsen or bath was a great surprise.

Everything went very well, so we don't have anything bad to say. If I can say something that they can improve is maybe the food, as for westerners I think we are not used to the "jelly" food.

The spiritual experience: the prayer with the monk in this beautiful shrine.

Nothing

Wonderful scenery, beautiful food, room, onsen and ceremony.

No heating. just wasn't prepared for absolutely no heating except in room with smelly gas and dining room. We could see our breath in hallway and during ceremony. It was much colder than the other places in Japan that we were traveling too. We brought jackets that are good for fall weather. To bring a winter coat for one night is unrealistic for us. Had to double my bed mat and it still was very thin for me. Might have been fine for some people. Would have like more interaction with the monks, teaching more about the ceremony, answering questions.