Most of the people visiting Mount Koya enjoy the experience of staying in a Buddhist temple, a type of accommodation called shukubo. It is a unique experience that allows us to live for a day the routine of the monks, and enjoy specific ceremonies and food. So it is totally recommended, although we must also say that it is very different and eye-opening.

Day 1

Shukubo in Koyasan

The routine is usually similar in the various temples that offer accommodation. Upon arrival, you are escorted to a Japanese-style room, where you will have some time to do some meditation or relaxation practice or sightseeing in the mountain complex. Thus, you can make time until you are served in the room an all-vegetarian early dinner, a style of cuisine called “shojin ryori” that is typical of Mount Koya. Since you are in a temple, it is usual to drink tea or water with your dinner, although in some temples you can order soft drinks or even beer, although it usually is quite expensive, so we do not recommend it.

After dinner, you can do some of the meditation practices, take a bath in their baths or onsen, or take a walk around the temple complex. Many people recommend walking the two kilometers of the Sando route to Okunoin Cemetery at night because you can breathe a special atmosphere. If you do this, we recommend you to bring flashlights, since some parts of the road are not very bright.

Day 2

The second day begins at 4:45 a.m. when the monks wake us up so that you can accompany them in their morning prayers, an impressive ceremony called Otsutome in which sutras are recited, incense burned, and a central bonfire is lit. It's a very intense two hours, actually. In the end, you return to the room where they will have picked up the futons and served a traditional breakfast again totally vegetarian.

And this is precisely what we were referring to when we say that the experience of sleeping in a Buddhist temple is a "shocking" experience that some people may find even harsh, especially because of the type of food. In Koyasan there is not much, although there are some cafes and small restaurants, besides a few souvenir shops, so if you usually don't fit vegetarian food much, you can always buy some things to eat in Osaka, before you leave, and carry them in the suitcase. Just in case.