About Henjo Son-in Temple
Henjo Son-in Temple is a prestigious temple lodging located in the heart of Mount Koya. Nestled amidst the tranquil mountains, it welcomes pilgrims and guests with its traditional temple architecture and elegant Japanese-style spaces.
Features of the Temple Lodging
- Pure Japanese-style Guest Rooms: Traditional sukiya-style guest rooms offer a calming atmosphere to soothe mind and body.
- Spacious Public Bath: Relax and unwind from your pilgrimage in the large public bath overlooking nature.
- Beautiful Garden: The Japanese garden, displaying different expressions throughout the seasons, brings peace to the soul.
- Seasonal Shojin Ryori (Vegetarian Cuisine): Experience Buddhist food culture with a course meal of vegetarian cuisine using seasonal ingredients.
Points to Note During Your Visit
Morning Service Experience
Guests can participate in the morning service (gongyo) held from 6:00 AM. This is a precious experience to listen to Buddhist monks chanting up close and calm your mind in a solemn atmosphere. Sometimes, you may even have the opportunity to try copying the Heart Sutra.
Etiquette of Shojin Ryori (Vegetarian Buddhist Cuisine)
Shojin Ryori is not merely a meal, but an integral part of spiritual practice. It is made using only plant-based ingredients such as vegetables, tofu, and sesame seeds, without meat or fish. Before the meal, the “Five Contemplations” are recited, and the food is consumed with a grateful heart.
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
- Main Hall: A solemn space where the principal image is enshrined, allowing for quiet prayer.
- Gardens: Beautiful gardens expressing the spirit of Zen, including dry landscape gardens and pond gardens.
- Treasures: You may be able to view historically valuable cultural artifacts such as temple treasures and Buddhist statues.
Benefits and Faith
Main Benefits
Henjo-son-in is believed to offer the following benefits:
- Purification of Mind and Body: The tranquil environment and spiritual practice purify the mind, freeing one from daily worries.
- Academic Success: Henjo means “to shine everywhere,” and it is believed that one will be bestowed with the light of wisdom.
- Family Safety: Through ancestral rites and prayers, one can pray for the peace and well-being of their family.
- Protection from Evil and Good Fortune: As the entire Koyasan area is considered a sacred place, it is believed to offer protection from evil and good fortune.
Etiquette for Visiting the Temple
- Bow at the Temple Gate: Before entering the temple grounds, join your hands in prayer and bow.
- Purify at the Water Basin: Purify your left hand, right hand, and mouth in that order.
- Pray at the Main Hall: Place your offering in the offering box, and pray quietly with your hands joined in prayer.
- Goshuin (Temple Seal): You can receive a Goshuin as proof of your visit (for a fee).
Access Information
Access by Train and Bus
From Osaka:
- From Nankai Electric Railway “Namba Station” to Nankai Koya Line “Gokurakubashi Station” by limited express train (approx. 90 minutes)
- From Gokurakubashi Station to “Koyasan Station” by Koyasan Cable Car (approx. 5 minutes)
- From Koyasan Station to Senjuinbashi bus stop (approx. 10 minutes) by Nankai Rinkan Bus (approx. 3 minutes walk)
From Kyoto:
- From JR Kyoto Station, take the limited express train to Hashimoto Station, then transfer to the Nankai Koya Line.
- Travel time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Access by Car
- Approximately 2 hours from Osaka city via the Hanwa Expressway and Keina-wa Expressway
- There is parking within Koyasan, but it is crowded during peak seasons, so the use of public transportation is recommended.
- Car navigation setting: Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
Distance from Major Nearby Spots
- Kongobu-ji Temple: Approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Danjo Garan: Approximately 10 minutes on foot
- Okunoin: Approximately 15 minutes by bus
Accommodation Information
Reservation Method
- Reservations can be made by phone or through the official website.
- Early reservations are necessary during peak seasons (Golden Week, Obon, Autumn Foliage Season).
- The basic plan includes 1 night’s stay with 2 meals.
Notes on Staying
- Check-in: 15:00-17:00 (approx.)
- Check-out: 9:00 (approx.)
- There may be a curfew (20:00-21:00 (approx.))
- As this is a temple, please refrain from loud conversations and drinking alcohol.
- Participation in the morning service is optional, but recommended.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Koyasan has many other sights to see:
- Kongobu-ji Temple: The head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect
- Danjo Garan: The sacred site first opened by Kobo Daishi
- Okunoin: Home to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, with approximately 200,000 tombstones
- Reihokan: A museum exhibiting the temple treasures of Koyasan
Enjoy a pilgrimage to Koyasan, visiting these spots from Henjo-son-in Temple as your base.
