“Unique experience, but be aware of some compromises”

This was a different kind of staying compared to the others I had in Japan. While rating this, it's easier to forget this is not an hotel but a religious place that was rearranged as a lodging, so we shouldn't rate it according to our usual standards. Of course the experience was unique on its own. The temple is beautiful, and the chance of taking part to the morning prayers added great value to my stay.

“Truly amazing experience!”

“Amazing experience”

It was a very pleasant experience, we never slept before in a temple and this was something different. The views from our room were amazing. The staff was very nice with us and the rooms, the place was clean and tidy and the Onsen or bath was a great surprise.

ceremony

Great location and very friendly staff. Great to have dinner and breakfast included. Loved the use of the Yukata (summer kimono) while there

Beautiful place, staff was very helpful

“Good experience”

Very spiritual and authentic experience, everybody was really nice and we had the bus and shop really close

Traditional and spiritual experience. Delicious meals. Very peaceful surroundings and gardens, and traditional on-site onsen.

“Genuine & True Temple Experience”

Location, overall genuine and real experience, checked-in early, witnessing and participating a ceremony in AM. Price vs. other temple stays in area is very reasonable.

Fantastic experience

“Authentic experience, delightful cuisine.”

Authentic temple experience, delightful vegetarian cuisine, beautiful scenery, traditional Japanese style room and onsen bath. Can experience morning service too.

“Great temple stay near key attractions”

It's great to experience living in a temple accommodation and the location is great very close to key attractions like Kongobuji and not too far from Okuno-in. Experience the morning prayers was very unique and special. The breakfast and dinner was great. Good to try the Shojin Ryori.

“A breath taking journey and amazing place”

“An intimate and quiet Buddhist monastery in otherworldly Koyasan”

Sainan-in is an otherworldly Buddhist monastery, and staying there is one of the highlights of my month long trip to Japan, if not the best highlight. Peace, kindness, beauty, good food, quiet and small place. It is spartan in parts (no heating except in your room and in the dining room, and that is hard in December in Koyasan) but it is par for the course when staying in a monastery. For my second night (of a 2 nights stay), I was the only guest there (few tourists because of the cold weather in December) and I was given a lovely room on the ground floor with a direct view of the Japanese garden, and I had not even asked for it! The connection with the garden helped me relax and meditate in my bedroom. Do stay for two nights: Koyasan is a place like no other and you need that time (and more) to appreciate it fully. Sainan-in also has an onsen and as the temperature dropped to below zero while I was there, I was SO glad to soak in it one evening. Staying in winter means it feels cold unless you are in your heated room...but it was simply magical to visit Oku-no-in (the cemetery among centuries old cedars) and temples on the day the first snow appeared, I will never forget it.

“Not about luxury, all about the experience (memorable)”

The place is so peaceful, totally worth it for the experience!!!! I loved that they have a public bath area, so you can try something similar to an onsen, and they’re tattoo-friendly, so no worries. The rooms have heaters and the blankets are enough to keep you warm, but since it’s at the top of a mountain, definitely bring extra layers. It was really special to experience the morning rituals and slow down a little in such a calm city. Go explore! And don’t miss staying here. They were also very nice about keeping our luggage for a few hours after check-out so we could explore the area a bit more. We almost paid 3x the price somewhere else because we were worried after a few reviews, but this temple stay is absolutely worth it.

Location, Quiet, Authenticity, Tatami mat rooms, Heaters provided, Breakfast and dinner

“Peaceful and quiet”

Exactly what we were hoping for in a stay within a spiritual town. Really enjoyed the early morning meditation and prayer ceremony.

“Incredible experience, wouldn't miss it for the world!”

This was an incredible experience, staff were kind and helpful, the accomodation was stunning and the prayer, meditation and fire ceremony in the morning were truly special. We loved the carefully prepared meals provided, and the quite surrounds and gardens. The beds were very hard so be prepared, otherwsie 10/10.

The feeling of peace, the silence, the very authentic structure, and the purification ceremony

“Budget friendly one night “light immersion” into Japanese monks life…”