Sekishoin

For someone new to Japan and being in beautiful Koyasan, it is OK. I visited with a European tour group and it was sold to us as the "temple experience" Accomodation is basic but each with own bathroom. The food is preset in a large room and eaten together with everyone staying there. Setting out the food so far in advance and letting it get stone cold did not impress many. The food I did not mind but if you can serve hot tea then the miso could have been at least warm as after all this is for tourists and not a spiritual retreat. In the rooms you would not expect luxury but it was basic - maybe that was the point? Like all traditional Japanese structures, it is very cold in the colder months but there was a very efficient heater in each room. The stay was included in our package so I do not know the price but our guide said it is not cheap. The morning buddhist chant was very moving however watching it with 50 or so others made it a spectacle rather than feel you are witnessing temple life. The welcome speech with comments about foreigners physical attributes was a bit strange but you´d only pick that up speaking Japanese. For our group it was the only chance they had to sleep on futon and eat on tatami mats. I am sure the monks probably don´t enjoy having their temple invaded by so many foreigners and having to serve them so it is a difficult one to get the right balance. The location is superb with a main street and various temples to visit within walking distance.

This is a simple lodging, with clean and basic facilities. The food is vegetarian, beautifully prepared and there is enough to eat. We had a room with private shower and WC, it was spacious and clean, with a small TV, kettle and extra power sockets. In the bathroom there is a hairdryer and toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shower gel and shampoo are all provided. The beds are sleeping mats on the floor, the bedding is fluffy and warm. There is a heater in the room too. Plus traditional style PJ's and a short warm bed jacket are there to use. You're required to remove your shoes on arrival and if you want them, there are slippers to use. Meals are served in a communal hall, either sitting on the floor or on small collapsible stools. Extra portions of rice are offered, and tea too. The food is filling, maybe unusual - but it's part of the experience. Being able to watch the monks at prayer was a privilege. For an extra charge you can take part in the Goma fire ceremony -1000 yen to write your prayer or wish on a small wood baton which the monks will bless and pray over. There are rooms over 3 floors with lift or stair access. The garden area will probably be gorgeous as the summer progresses, but that was a little neglected while we were there. It's a peaceful and extraordinary experience which I'm really glad to have done.

The facilities, the cleanliness and the bath were great, I felt like the food was ruining everything. Despite being seated on time, the meal was cold, the amount was small, and the contents were like a chilled 500 yen lunch box. I felt restless in the same hall as the group guests. It reminded me that food is important.