Known as ‘shukubo’ in Japanese, temple lodgings often surround important temples throughout Japan. Intended to provide accommodation to pilgrims, most shukubo are open to guests of any faith or background, regardless of whether than are there on pilgrimage or visiting for other reasons.

Mount Koya is one of the most popular places to experience staying in a temple lodging with over fifty temples offering accommodation. Lodgings typically offer private Japanese-style rooms featuring tatami matting, sliding doors, on-floor futon bedding and shared bathrooms. Dinner is usually served around 17:30 to 18:00 with guests welcome to join morning prayers around 06:00 before enjoying breakfast around 07:00. Food is usually vegetarian, in-keeping with the diet of the resident monks. Information regarding accommodation in and around Mount Koya can be found through our ‘Koyasan (Mount Koya) Area’ hotel page.