About Hokiin Temple Lodging
Hokiin Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple lodging located on Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. Mount Koya has 117 temples, 52 of which offer lodging to general visitors. Among them, Hokiin Temple is known for preserving history and tradition while providing a comfortable accommodation environment for modern visitors.
History and Origins of Hokiin Temple
Throughout the long history of Mount Koya, Hokiin Temple has welcomed many monks and pilgrims. The beauty of its temple architecture and well-maintained gardens provide visitors with tranquility and peace. Historic Buddhist statues are enshrined in the main hall, where daily services are performed.
Experiences at the Temple Lodging
Morning Service Experience
At Hokiin Temple, morning services (services) are held in the main hall starting around 6:00 AM. Guests are welcome to participate freely and begin their day with the monks through chanting of sutras and the Heart Sutra.
Morning Service Schedule:
- Start Time: 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM (Varies seasonally)
- Duration: Approximately 30-40 minutes
- Content: Chanting of sutras, Heart Sutra, Dedication of Merit
- Participation: Free participation (No prior registration required)
The sound of chanting resonating in the tranquil main hall offers a special experience away from everyday life. Even first-timers can participate with confidence, as the monks will guide you carefully.
Shojin Ryori (Vegetarian Cuisine)
Hokiin’s Shojin Ryori is traditional Buddhist cuisine that uses no meat or fish, instead utilizing seasonal vegetables, tofu, and yuba (tofu skin).
Features of Shojin Ryori (Vegetarian Buddhist Cuisine):
- Dinner: Kaiseki-style vegetarian cuisine using seasonal ingredients (8-10 dishes)
- Breakfast: Japanese breakfast centered on rice, miso soup, and pickles
- Nutritionally balanced based on the five tastes, five colors, and five cooking methods
- Local Koyasan sesame tofu is a must-try specialty
Shojin Ryori is not simply vegetarianism, but a form of spiritual practice that teaches gratitude for ingredients and respect for life. Carefully prepared dishes are said to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and have a purifying effect on mind and body.
Guest Rooms and Facilities
The guest rooms at the temple lodging are based on traditional Japanese-style rooms.
- Room Type: 6-12 tatami mat Japanese-style rooms
- Facilities: TV, air conditioning/heating, yukata (Japanese robe), toiletries
- Bathroom: Shared bath (gender-separated by time of day)
- Wi-Fi: Available in the lobby area
Unlike typical hotels, a simple and clean space is provided. You can spend time reflecting on yourself in a tranquil environment.
Points to Note When Visiting a Temple
Guidelines for Visiting a Temple Lodging
Temple lodgings are not tourist facilities, but active temples. Please observe the following manners when visiting.
Basic Manners:
- Dress Code: Avoid revealing clothing and wear modest attire.
- Voice Tone: Speak quietly in the main hall and corridors.
- Photography: Please check in advance before taking photos inside the main hall or of Buddha statues.
- Drinking and Smoking: Smoking is prohibited on the premises in principle; please drink alcohol sparingly.
- Bedtime: Prepare for bed by 9 PM to 10 PM (strictly observe lights out).
Recommended Itinerary
Day 1 (After Check-in):
- Around 3 PM: Check-in, relax in your room.
- 4 PM to 5 PM: Explore nearby temples (Kongōbu-ji Temple, Danjō Garan, etc.).
- 6 PM: Shojin Ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) dinner.
- 7 PM to 9 PM: Bath, free time (sutra copying experience may be available).
Next Day:
- 6 AM: Participate in morning service.
- 7 AM to 8 AM: Shojin Ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) breakfast.
- Morning: Visit to Okunoin
- 10:00 AM: Check-out
Nearby Attractions
Within walking distance of Hokiin Temple are several major pilgrimage sites in Koyasan.
- Kongobu-ji Temple (5-10 minute walk): Head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect
- Danjo Garan (10-15 minute walk): Konpon Daito pagoda, Kondo hall, etc.
- Okunoin (by bus): Mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, approximately 2km from Ichinohashi Bridge
- Reihokan Museum (10 minute walk): Treasure trove of Buddhist art
Benefits and Faith
Benefits of Staying at Hokiin Temple
Staying at a temple lodging in Koyasan is said to bring the following benefits:
Purification of Mind and Body:
Through morning prayers and vegetarian meals, you can detach yourself from daily worries and purify your mind and body. Morning chanting, in particular, is said to calm the mind and bring new insights.
Good Fortune & Protection from Evil:
Spending a night at Mount Koya, a sacred site associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai, is believed to bring protection from evil and good fortune.
Health & Longevity:
Shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) is gentle on the body and is expected to have detoxifying effects. It also serves as a prayer for good health through food.
Academic Achievement & Wisdom:
Deepening one’s studies at this sacred site of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism is believed to open one’s eyes to wisdom.
About Goshuin (Temple Stamps)
You can also receive a Goshuin at Hokiin Temple (usually 300-500 yen). Guests staying overnight can request one at the front desk or temple office after morning prayers or upon check-out. Please remember to bring your Goshuincho (stamp book).
Access Information
Access by Train and Bus
From Osaka:
- Nankai Electric Railway Namba Station → Nankai Koya Line “Gokurakubashi Station” (approx. 90 minutes by express train)
- Gokurakubashi Station → Nankai Koyasan Cable Car “Koyasan Station” (5 minutes)
- Koyasan Station → Nankai Rinkan Bus “Senjuinbashi” or “Kongobuji-mae” (approx. 10 minutes)
- 3-5 minute walk from the bus stop
From Kyoto:
- JR Kyoto Station → JR Shin-Osaka Station → Nankai Namba Station (approx. 3 hours)
Estimated Travel Time:
- From Osaka: Approx. 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
- From Kyoto: Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
- From Nagoya: Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes
Access by Car
From Osaka:
- Hanwa Expressway “Wakayama IC” → Via National Route 24 and 480 → Koyasan (approx. 2 hours)
Parking:
- Dedicated parking available for temple lodgings (advance confirmation required)
- Public parking within Koyasan is also available (fee applies)
Notes:
- Snow and ice are possible during winter (December to March)
- Studded tires or chains are mandatory
- Drive carefully as the road is mountainous
Getting around Koyasan
Nankai Rinkan Buses circulate within Koyasan.
- 1-day pass: Adults 830 yen, Children 420 yen
- Major spots are also accessible on foot (approx. 15-20 minutes)
- Rental bicycles are also available (electric assist available)
Reservation Method and Accommodation Fees
Reservation Method
Reservations for Hokiin can be made using the following method.
- Telephone Reservations: Call the temple directly (Japanese language support available)
- Temple Lodging Reservation Websites: Jalan, Rakuten Travel, etc.
- Koyasan Temple Lodging Association: Via their official website
Confirmation Items When Booking:
- Check-in time (usually 3 PM – 5 PM)
- Meal availability (vegetarian dinner and breakfast)
- Allergy accommodations
- Morning service time
Estimated Accommodation Rates
- 1 night with 2 meals: 9,000 yen – 15,000 yen (per person)
- Room only: 6,000 yen – 8,000 yen
- Child rates: 70-80% of adult rates
*Rates vary depending on the season, number of people, and room type.
Summary
Hokiin Temple Lodging is a valuable accommodation where you can experience the traditional Buddhist culture of Koyasan. Through morning services, vegetarian meals, and a stay in a tranquil environment, you can spend a special time away from everyday life. This is perfect for those seeking a refreshing and invigorating experience that cannot be found through sightseeing alone. When visiting Koyasan, please consider staying at the Hokiin temple lodging.
