Ekoin Temple 恵光院

Area
Wakayama
Access and surrounding information
Access and surrounding information
A Sacred Place for Unique and Valuable Experiences at a Lodging in Mt. Koya
Ekoin, located on Mt. Koya, a sacred site of Shingon esoteric Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai in the early Heian period, is a temple where you can experience history and nature. The five types of guest rooms, based on Japanese-style designs, combine tradition with modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Meals feature beautifully presented, nutritious vegetarian cuisine that continues the long-standing traditions of Mt. Koya. Unique shukubo experiences includes a morning service ("gongyo") and goma prayers, which guests are invited to take part as they please. Escape everyday life and spend a special moment surrounded by the serene nature of Koyasan.

Guest Room

Suite Room "Gachirin"

The largest guest lodging suite in Mt. Koya, opened in March 2022. The 100 square meter guest room is a luxurious special room with a spacious bedroom, semi-open-air bath, and garden. Relax and enjoy the history and tradition of Mt. Koya.

High-Class Japanese Room with a View of the Garden

A 10 tatami Japanese-style room where you can enjoy the seasonal garden scenery from the veranda. The water area is a relaxing space with wood grain, but is equipped with the latest equipment, and in the spacious bathroom with cypress walls, you can enjoy a bath while looking out at the garden from the window.

"Regular Japanese-style room" where you can spend a relaxing time

A "regular Japanese-style room" with a size of 8 to 12 tatami mats, offering a relaxing Japanese atmosphere. Although there is no bath or toilet attached, you can use the hospital's large public bath, communal toilet, and washroom area. The rooms are decorated with calligraphy and paintings, and you can spend time thinking about the ancient "Pilgrimage to Koya."

Cuisine

A gentle meal that looks beautiful and touches your heart and soul

At the lodgings, they serve banquet dishes called "Furumairyori," which are served after monks' ceremonies. Dinner and breakfast are delivered to each guest room, so you can enjoy them at your leisure without worrying about your surroundings. If you are staying with 4 or more people, meals will be prepared in a separate room.

You can also make a reservation for just lunch to be served in a room at the temple.

At Ekoin, you can also make reservations for lunch only. When visiting Mt. Koya, why not enjoy Buddhist vegetarian cuisine in a quiet temple room? For lunch, you can choose from four different types of dishes. After your meal, you can tour inside the temple and its garden.

Enjoy the vegetarian cuisine of Mt. Koya, which has a long history

Koyasan's vegetarian cuisine has been passed down to the present day using the five methods, five flavors, and five colors of Dish methods. It uses plenty of vegetables, seaweed, beans, wild plants, etc., and does not contain the "fishy smell" of meat or fish, so even vegetarians can enjoy it. Let's enjoy a meal that is kind to the mind and body.

Facility

Morning service held within the main hall

Within the main hall, located halfway up the mountain, a morning service is held daily at 7:00 A.M. The voices of monks chanting sutras resonate before the Amida Nyorai (Buddha). Guests staying at the temple are welcome to join and experience this unique tradition of a shukubo.

Goma prayer at Bishamondo (Gomakito)

At Bishamon-do, the Goma Fire Ritual begins immediately after the morning service in the main hall. Hotel guests are welcome to participate. This sacred ritual involves burning offerings as a symbolic act, with the rising smoke and aroma carrying prayers and wishes to the Buddha. Watching the flames in silence evokes a sense of solemnity and reverence.

Ajikan Experience at the Meditation Hall

At the meditation hall you can experience Ajikan, a meditation method of esoteric Buddhism, for about 40 minutes starting at 4:30 p.m. The monks will provide careful guidance, so even first-timers can feel at ease. Take a break from your busy daily life and enjoy some relaxing time.

Location

A beautiful garden where you can admire wildflowers and wild birds

Guests can relax and enjoy the serene Japanese garden from their shukubo guest room at Ekoin. The garden features seasonal flowers such as rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and rare wild plants, with many birds adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the calm beauty of traditional Japanese scenery.

A Shukubo Temple Lodging in Historic Mt. Koya

Mount Koya, located in a mountain basin surrounded by peaks approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, is a sacred place for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai about 1,200 years ago. The lodge is located a short walk from Ichi-no-bashi Bridge, which leads to Okunoin.

Information

Ekoin Temple
Wakayama

  • Address
    497 Koyasan, Koya Town, Ito County, Wakayama
    View map

    Access

    Car: Approximately 80 minutes from Kishiwada Izumi IC on the Hanwa Expressway Bus: From Namba Station on the Nankai Electric Railway Koya Line, take the Nankai Bus bound for Okunoin and get off at the "Karikayado-mae" stop, then walk for about 2 minutes.
  • TEL
    +81-736-56-2514
    Please inform the staff that you found us through "Tabiiro".
  • FAX
    +81-736-56-2891
  • Official Website
  • SNS
  • Check In/Out
    check-in
    2:00P.M.
    Last check-in: 7:00 P.M.
    check out
    10:00A.M.
  • Basic fee
    Please visit our homepage for more details.
  • Bath information
    Large bath, shower booth *There are rooms with semi-open-air baths and rooms with bathtubs.
  • Staying Plan
    Please visit our homepage for more details.
  • Room with Open-Air Bath
  • Private Bath
  • Open-Air Bath
  • Non-Smoking Room
  • In-Room Dining
  • Spa
  • Pets Allowed
  • Under 20 Rooms
  • Solo Travelers Welcome
  • Gourmet Cuisine
  • Unique Architecture
  • Accessible
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Hot Spring
  • Natural Hot Spring
  • Public Bath
  • Free Shuttle
  • Childcare Facility
  • 5 min from Station
  • No Children Under 12
  • Golf Course
  • High-Speed Internet
  • Room Service