Koyasan Syukubo Zofukuin

位置相當好，出門就是公交站，主要景點都離得很近

We didn’t expect it’s not a hostel but Buddhist temple) it was a nice experience to live here. It’s very clean inside and rooms look like typical Japanese minkas inside. The place is very picturesque around and it’s easy to get there.

It’s worth noting that this is not a normal hotel but a traditional pilgrim’s lodging, so it is expected that you sleep on a mat on the floor and the facilities are relatively basic. You are staying here for the experience. The property was clean with onsen (hot bath) provided and our room had its own toilet/sink. Our only complaint is that they no longer serve food and we were not notified of this despite this being part of our booking, however we found a restaurant for dinner walking distance away and had a delicious meal.

I stayed here June 6th and 7th 2024 I have stayed at dozens of places in Japan over three months, from temples to hotels, guest houses, and hostels. I am not some person who has only stayed at top hotels then got upset when not knowing what to expect elsewhwere. This was the worst experience BY FAR. There is an extremely rude monk running the place. ***** bath only, which is not listed on the reservation sites. To make matters worse, it is only open for four hours a day in the evening. Want a morning shower or bath? Too bad, it is only open 4 hours in the evening. Want a clean bath? Too bad. There was a giant millipede swimming around in the bath. When I tried to show the monk and didnt take my slippers off in the right place of the bathroom he yelled at me. SHOES HERE NOW! I tried to say look please there is a huge bug (in Japanese) and he yelled again SHOES HERE NOW! NOW! I have no idea how such a rude person became Buddhist, he clearly does not follow his own religion. In every Japanese accommodation there is at bare minimum communal hot water for tea and a microwave. Not here though. When I asked about it the monk acted like I was crazy and gave me an attitude. He left the office at 3:30 and disappeared despite a 5pm closing time. Need info? Too bad.

Experience 10/10. Hotel stay 8/10.

Very practical temple. Bus stop and parking in front of it, in the middle of Koyasan. Futons are convenient and the room has its own bathroom. The Onsen are clean and proper. Check in between 3 and 5 pm. Monks would wait for your evening excursions. No dining or breakfast. Only negative point is that the pillows are made of wood or seeds, very tough…