Sojiin

Cannot say enough good things about this monastery. The food was top notch. So healthy and delicious. Our best meals in Japan (vegan food that will amaze you- and we are not even vegan)! The staff is so kind and welcoming. Do not miss the chanting ceremony in the morning. Loved the room with its traditional Japanese experience and garden view. Perfect location across the street from the temple complex. Don’t miss walking around it at night. Breathtakingly beautiful.

Mixes comfort with Japanese style. The staff very caring and the morning ceremony fill Buddhist gratuito al morning chanting. The food looks like work of art, though the tasting is complex and, although we are vegetarian, it was something very different.

Very expensive for a night stay and meager services/food offered

Two wonderful nights at Soujiin, Koyasan. Beautiful property in centre of town with an authentic traditional Japanese experience. Meals are traditional Japanese, & are all vegetarian. Highly recommended!!

Our stay at Sojiin was truly the most wonderful experience. We stayed for two nights with our 10-year-old son, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of life in a Buddhist temple—and it exceeded our expectations. We attended the morning prayer ceremony at 6am, which was a peaceful and moving way to start the day. In the afternoons, we joined a meditation session led by Patrick, and also took part in his insightful evening walk around the main temple complex. Patrick was outstanding—warm, humorous, and thought-provoking. He encouraged us to reflect deeply on aspects of our own lives, and made the experience accessible and engaging for all ages. Our son enjoyed it so much he insisted on attending a second session. The Buddhist vegan cuisine was superb—beautifully prepared, nourishing, and surprisingly varied. Each meal felt like an extension of the temple’s peaceful philosophy. The entire sacred area of Koyasan is fascinating, rich in history and spiritual meaning. We left feeling inspired, reflective, and incredibly grateful for our time at Sojiin.

This property is a monastery and has traditional Japanese style rooms. The futons were quite comfortable. Our room had a toilet and sink, but no shower or bath. There is an Onsen, however we did not use it. The meals were very good. It was a great experience overall. They do have a 9pm curfew. Koya is very quiet at night. There is a Family Mart in town, close to the hotel.

Peaceful, super comfortable, and one of the best meals I’ve ever had!

I would say this stay came off as a tourist trap. The monks were also not very nice. We were told to leave early from the morning ceremony because it had become “Japanese only”… paid a lot of money to be told you had to leave. There was no translator or someone to inform us about the ceremony like we had been told.

Excellent stay :)

Amazing service, best vegan food I’ve ever had, very flavourful. Definitely a unique experience I’d recommend staying in a temple lodging like this at least once.

First time staying in a Skukubo in Japan. The traditional Japanese ryokan style of the Sojin was great. Including tatami matts and sliding doors. The staff and monk service was very accomodating. They provided extra water when I asked for it, and made my bed while I was having dinner. Expecially the dining experience of the Buddhist monks cooking and serving their meals of Shojin Ryori. These were the best meals I have ever had!

Everything was great

The area around the property is so beautiful! I loved waking up in the morning & seeing the forest outside. My room was very clean and the front desk service very friendly. I really enjoyed the dinner & breakfast service (everything tasted amazing!~) and the morning meditation ceremony was memorable. Everyone at the temple are so kind and helpful.

I really enjoyed the morning ceremony and opportunity to learn more of the buddhist culture. Make sure to arrive on time for meals. Beautiful location and accommodation.

This was a wonderful traditional ryokan temple stay. The food was excellent. The onsen was tranquil. The room was spacious and futons very comfortable. The english speaking gentleman (who worked w the temple) was knowledgeable, passionate and eager to answer questions.

Really nice staff who explain the culture and history of Koyasan really well! I recommend booking with breakfast and dinner included as the food is amazing and unique and you won't find it anywhere else in Japan!

Beautiful place to stay in Kōyasan, the food is very good and the monks and staff are so kind and attentive. I recommend staying here for an authentic Buddhist temple experience. And don’t miss the morning prayer.

Sayaka San was wonderful, friendly, attentive and professional. She became our Japanese grand daughter.😏😆

food was excellent - like a gourmet kaiseki restaurant. great experience and beautiful surroundings. everything was top rate.

A wonderful experience. This is a Buddhist temple offering a 'luxury' retreat complete with a gourmet style vegetarian dinner and breakfast. If you have any interest in Buddhism this will for you. Lot's of great places to explore by foot. Went in December and the snow turned the place into a beautiful landscape. The town itself can be a little touristy but so is the Vatican! Highly recommended - but be respectful of the religious context of this location.