Mount Koya is a great location for those looking to experience a traditional monastery stay and enjoy the tranquility of the area, where Shingon Buddhism was created over 2,000 years ago.
The Ekoin is an inviting monastery, welcoming of couples, friends and families alike. Here, there is the opportunity to stay in a traditional room, enjoy vegan meals, participate in a meditation lesson and watch the morning prayer and fire ritual.
OUR OPINION:
The Buddhist monks and staff are friendly and beyond respectful. The morning Buddhist chants and meditation room are what make this a special, authentic place to stay.
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who's been there
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Japan specialists
- 617-223-4705
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Photos of Ekoin
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![Ekoin view]()
Ekoin view -
![Ekoin, Mount Koya]()
Ekoin, Mount Koya -
![Ekoin Entrance, Mount Koya, Japan]()
Ekoin Entrance, Mount Koya, Japan -
![View from Ekoin meditation room]()
View from Ekoin meditation room -
![Ekoin entrance]()
Ekoin entrance
Rooms
The rooms at the Ekoin monastery are of a minimalist, yet authentic Japanese style, with decor such as tatami matt floors, futon mattress and traditional pillow. The majority of rooms have shared bathroom facilities.
Location
Ekoin is located on the main road in the Mount Koya region making it a perfect location for visiting the Okunoin cemetery and other shrines and attractions. From the cable car station there is a bus stop for Karukayadomae, which is just a short distance from the entrance.
Food and drink
Breakfast and dinner are inclusive as part of a stay at Ekoin, and are of Buddhist vegan cuisine known as Syojin Ryori. Meals are served to guests' bedrooms each morning and evening.
Facilities and activities
When staying at Ekoin, guests can partake in morning services, group meditation or the Goma fire ritual. In the evening there is an optional guided cemetery walk to learn more about the historical and spiritual significance of the monastery.
Nearby there are great hiking options to take in the beautiful surroundings of Koya-san Eko-in.
Tour ideas in Mount Koya
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Ekoin as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.
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![Souji-in Shukubo, Mount Koya, Mount Koya]()
Souji-in Shukubo
Mount Koya
Mount Koya and nearby places
- Nara 55 kilometers away
- Osaka 56 kilometers away
- Kyoto 91 kilometers away
- Tokushima 98 kilometers away
- Takamatsu 143 kilometers away
- Iya Valley 146 kilometers away
- Naoshima 151 kilometers away
- Kurashiki 173 kilometers away
- Kinosaki Onsen 173 kilometers away
- Tottori 190 kilometers away