Jokiin

75 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

06 Nov 2025

Daniel

Beautiful hotel, the monks attending are really nice, definitely go to the morning ceremony, it is worth it. This is near everything and very centric to all the landmarks nearby. The \"beds\" are pretty hard since its traditional, but its manageable for a night or two. Meals were really good, definitely don't skip them and take the chance to eat traditional monk meals.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2025

Mengran

The staff is very friendly!

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2025

Logan

This was one of THE best experiences I have ever had in all of my travels, including the two weeks in Japan. I struggled to decide which temple lodging to choose in Koyasan, and I am so glad I went with Joki-in. The check-in experience was wonderful, welcoming and helpful staff. They tour you through the entire property and help you adjust to temple life. Our room was bigger than every hotel we stayed in in Japan and a private bathroom (most the other temples do not have this) - sold!!! The garden, and bath, were so relaxing to enjoy. I actually had the bath to myself! The location is superb and the curfew is 10pm, which is great since most temples in Koyasan are 9pm! I found the food to be delicious and unique and sleeping on the floor extremely comfortable! I loved everything about this, just wish we could have done 2 nights here (but the price didn't allow for that!) If you aren't sure which temple to choose, choose this one!

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

09 May 2025

Patricia

Way overpriced for what it was. While the garden and the services were good, it’s not a working temple for monks. It’s more like an inn for tourists in a temple structure. The morning Buddhist service gave me the feeling that it was just catered for tourists. By all means check out Koyasan during the day but you would be better off staying outside the mountain for a fraction of the cost. There’s nothing extra zen about staying at this place.

8/10

Excellent

15 Sep 2024

Iris

Had a good one night stay here. I was worried it wouldn’t be enough time to see everything i wanted too, but it turned out to be perfect. You can drop off your luggage before and after you check in which is really nice. Highlights for me were the public bath, and morning ceremony.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2024

Andrew

Perfect!

My family had a truly amazing stay here. One of the best experiences of our trip through Japan. The temple and surrounding area is beautiful. The staff spoke excellent English and the vegetarian food was great. Get up for the morning prayers if you can.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2024

Tomy

An amazing experience once in a life time we got the private room with garden view. Everything about the place is magical.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

23 Apr 2024

Lee

Not worth the money.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2024

vitor

very good and frendly stay

Business Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2024

Johannes

Nice spiritual vibes.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Feb 2024

Izumi

案内してくれたスタッフは感じが良くて、お部屋も過ごしやすかった。晩御飯は、近くの花菱というところから仕出しをとっているとのことで、言う事なし。
朝の勤行の後で、住職さんが高野山の由来を説明して下さるなど、高野山のことをよく知らないで来た人たち(私！)も、居心地よく過ごせたのではないか。

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2024

Fiona

An enriching experience, one that I will never forget. The room was amazing, the setting was peaceful and the staff were lovely. I would recommend this temple stay to anyone who wants to reset and be at peace.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2024

Robert Arnaldo

Fantastic staff. Great food. Peaceful and tranquil. The public bath was super relaxing

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2024

Muhaimen

Very tranquil!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Nov 2023

Alison

A superb overnight stay in this lovely temple lodging. The food was fantastic, as was the care shown to us by the staff. A unique experience which we’ll treasure.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2023

Julie

Relaxing and magical stay

Absolutely wonderful stay. The food was amazing, the staff was so kind and helpful and the area around Koyasan was beautiful. It was one of our favorite places to visit.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Nov 2023

Andrew

Truly incredible. Amazing amenities, the food is great and close to all major sites. Highly recommend

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2023

Moira

cool place to stay. Staff was very supportive.

8/10

Excellent

19 Oct 2023

Donna

Very friendly staff and beautiful gardens

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2023

Trinh

A wonderful retreat and perfectly positioned to enjoy the surrounding around of Koyasan.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Aug 2023

Shay

Our

8/10

Excellent

29 Jun 2023

Lynn

Very attentive staff.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2023

Frederic

Great property! Staff was welcoming and friendly. The food was fresh and delicious. I would definitely recommend this accommodation to anyone visiting the area and wants great hospitality in an authentic temple.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2023

Sarah

We greatly appreciated the directions and communication from Jokiin to assist us getting there from Kyoto. The grounds were lovely but small. Room was adequate with more than we expected. We had use of the shared bathrooms but no one else was using them so basically had our own. Enjoyed the heated blanket table and the bedding provided was also very warm. The dinner and breakfast were very different for us but we tried everything. Closeby to local sights too and public transport was easy. Quite a few food options around if the vegan menu isn't what you're after though. Very lovely neighbourhood.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2023

devin

Absolutely amazing. The cuisine was superb. Stunning facilities and exceptional hospitality. Morning ceremony was special.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2022

Kurt

The dinner and breakfast is definitely recommended! Unique, delicious and completes the experience

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2022

Tony

- A convenient location to visit nearby temples and museums within walking distance or by bus.
- I enjoyed the traditional Japanese morning prayer service (starting at 6:30am).
- Nice vegetarian meal set (we ordered additional meal set as local shops and cafes close around 5pm)
- Look out for email confirmation from Jokiin - their check-in hour is quite short compared to commercial hotels

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Nov 2022

Christopher

Very tranquil atmosphere, the staff and monks were really accommodating and friendly, and the meals were delicious.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2022

John Paul

Excellent experience. The vegetarian shojin ryori is delicious. Our room was fantastic. The head monk reads the sutras every morning at 6:30 and allowed us to sit and listen. It is centrally located amongst all the main sites except Okunoin. 5 stars.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2020

Jules

The monks were fantastic. Very kind and helpful. They gave a tour of the temple and carried our bags to our room as well. Supper was large and well rounded, same with breakfast. The property itself is beautiful and centrally located near everything, so it is very easy to walk anywhere.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2020

Dave

Jokiin is a Buddhist temple and a shukubo for guests, so it doesn't really lend itself to a typical hotel rating. It's not very big, so it's relatively quiet and peaceful. The staff are friendly and helpful and speak good English and they explained everything very clearly. The food is plain, but all you need. Attending morning prayers was an unforgettable experience. We hope to return to Jokiin.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Clean, tidy and great garden view. We stayed in a suite with private bathroom. Staff are very friendly and tried their best to help.
Excellent.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Dec 2019

Woei Chyuan

Top Shukubo in Koyasan

This is my 4th time visiting Koyasan and Jokiin is certainly one of the best shukubo in Koyasan in terms of service and food! This is also one of the few shukubos in Koyasan that has real ensuite facility rooms.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Koyasan is an incredible place. The temple of Joklin is very special and morning service with monks was inspiring. But i was not impressed with general staff and services for guests.. it seemed to be all about the money.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

I'm glad I chose to stay in Jokiin. I was looking for a small and peaceful temple lodging and Jokiin was that and more. Staff are welcoming and helpful, especially Mie. The premises are well maintained. My room is lovely and comfortable. Food is delicious and prepared with care.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Oct 2019

Robert

Nice temple. Accommodation and meals as expected. Would recommend the experience.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Incredible place! Loved every bit of it! The food was fabulous & the location stunning.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Vegan meals were tasty and really interesting. Morning ceremony was amazing.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

The price we paid (14,000 Yen for 1 night, 2 futons in the room) was expensive, considering we had a shared bathroom and there was only 1 shower, to be shared among all the guests in the temple.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Fabulous visit. Excellent location, staff wonderful and amazing Koyasan!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Apr 2019

nice temple loging - great place to stay to experience koyasan

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Absolutely beautiful, and we had so much fun staying here! Hot bath was great, and snow in the morning on the courtyard garden was breathtaking.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2019

Chong Joo

Peaceful Experience

The location was great .
We booked the room with attached bathroom and that was a good experience. The common corridor is very cold. Snowing .Meals were good.
The wifi in the room not so good

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Good location and nice staff

Jokiin's location is good with Kongobuji Temple and Garan within sight and the bus stop right in front of the Temple. Okunoin Temple was about 20 min stroll away. One of the staff could speak fluent English so it was easy to communicate for check-in. Shared areas such as the toilets were very clean. Would highly recommend this shukubo.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2019

Darryl

Great stay

Stayed here for one night to experience staying in a shukubo and also the morning prayer. Before arriving, Jokiin contacted me about the directions which was very helpful since I didn't know the cable car wasn't running. Getting here was long like everyone says but it was easy, especially the bus fom Hashimoto Station to Daimon Minami where the station staff guide visitors who arrive. Finding Jokiin was easy as well. Check in was easy and everyone was friendly and spoke English. The whole complex is very nice and clean, as is the room. The photo of the room (garden view) makes it seem bigger than it actually is but the room was still spacious nevertheless (and we loved having a kotatsu). Didn't include the meals in our reservation but there's a Family Mart nearby to buy food. The morning prayer was at 6am and an interesting experience, too. Definitely recommended!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

The Buddhist vegetarian food (shojin ryori) for dinner and breakfast was quite good! They even carried my heavy suitcase for me.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

The staff were excellent. They were very polite and attentive to our needs. The building was also amazing.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Wonderful, but winter not the best time to go

Wonderful, amazing place. The only problem was that we were there in January (temps in the 20s) and the temple has no heating, only kerosene heaters in the room, and the fumes gave us a headache... I would go back in a heartbeat, but only in warmer months. The futons were nice and warm at night, and I wouldn't expect them to modify an 800-year-old building; it's just how it is. Koyasan (specifically, Okinoin) is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited in Japan.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Lovely and special temple stay

Our stay at Jokiin was lovely and serene. It's well located among the other temples and near shops and the bus stops from Koya station. We reserved a room with a private bathroom, which was very nice and modern. The vegetarian temple cuisine was lovely and delicious! We participated in the early morning ceremony, and that was very special. We went in November, so during the night time it was extremely cold in the building. Our room was kept warm by a gas heater. A trip like this is more about enjoying the serenity and getting insight into Buddhist practice than luxury and comfort, so we thought it was perfect!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Oct 2018

Julie

Lovely temple accommodation, with very helpful staff.
Food was good and plentiful. We had an ensuite bathroom which is worth paying extra for.
Koyasan is a great place to visit, but don’t expect anything to be open after 6pm.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2018

Chris

Great experience

I am very pleased with our stay at Jokiin. The staff took a lot of extra effort and care to make our stay a great experience. The meals are traditional Japanese vegetarian and are prepared with great care. We had the standard meal size and it was a lot of food. I would definite recommend Jokiin.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

Amazing time, would definitely stay again!

Amazing stay in Koyasan. The staff were helpful and most spoke at least some English. The food was amazing vegan cuisine; dinner is served in your room, while breakfast is in a shared space. They also take special requests like gluten-free. The public baths were a little small but quite warm and comfortable. Be sure to experience the morning chants at least once. The Wi-Fi was fine throughout most of the temple, though our room's router was having issues during our stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2018

Harm

Expect an authentic experience, but out of your comfort zone.
The food is different from what you are used to, but it adds to the whole feel of the stay.
Definitely expensive, but unique, so worth it.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

Excellent location, friendly staff and tasty meals make our stay an incredible one.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2018

Michael

Excellent stay!!

This was a really an excellent stay - highly recommended.

Family

8/10

Excellent

12 May 2018

Verified traveler

Great experience sleeping in a temple, I recommend you go early in the morning to the praying ceremony.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Amazing stay

Amazing and unique experience in peaceful and beautiful surroundings! I warmly recommend.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2018

mike

Jokiin is a one-of-a-kind experience that you will never forget. From the Japanese bath to the stunning six course vegan meal that looks more like art than dinner served in your room to the 6 am temple service. The staff was so helpful and willing to answer all our questions about the 300 year tradition of hosting guests here in unforgettable Koyasan, a historic mountaintop retreat and magical place of more than 200 temples and the most revered and scenic cemetery in Japan. One warning -- it can get really cold at night despite the portable heaters so be prepared for camping-like cold conditions. There are a lot of options for temple stays in Koyasan but Jokiin was fabulous, welcoming and perfectly located next to the Kongobuji temple and dozens of other shrines and temples that would have you running out of film in the pre-iPhone days. Highly recommended.

8/10

Excellent

10 Feb 2018

brooke

Incredible mountain lodging experience!

Traditional mountain temple lodging in Koyasan. Centrally located within easy walking distance of the amazing sites and sights of Koyasan. We were so impressed with the woman who checked us in, gave recommendations and a map of sites to visit, and ensured that we were comfortable throughout our stay, as well as the services provided by the monks.

Dinner and breakfast are prepared and served by the monks and the food was INCREDIBLE. Option to have dinner served to your room -- after which the monks prepare your futon beds. You may also attend morning meditations (0600 AM). Beds put away and delicious breakfast served to your room thereafter.

Of note, we were there during a very cold time of year and there is little insulation (common for this type of construction), so hallways to bathrooms were *very* cold and rooms a bit hard to heat, so consider this if planning a winter trip. Overall an amazing experience, I'd definitely recommend it!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Dec 2017

Marlon

Excellent location for temples viewing and museum

The room was so cold and feel like the place is empty, I guess not much guest at the time of stay. Location is very good, staff are polite. Yes, would definitely recommend this place.

Family

8/10

Excellent

15 Oct 2017

Koala

Great experience

Would recommend staying a night in a temple in Koya-san for the experience. There are a lot of temples to chose from, not sure how this one compared to others, but it was fine. You get a very basic room (we stayed in one without a view, which means a very small and covered window) where you eat your evenings meal and breakfast and a futon bed is made up after dinner, where you sleep. The food is vegetarian and prepared by the monks - it's pretty good, but not as fancy as you'd get in a Royokan for example - do bear in mind this is quite basic accomodation or you might be disappointed, it's more about the experience. You can attend the chanting in the morning at 6am, which I'd recommend. Toilets and bathrooms are located outside of your room and are communal.Yakata's and slippers for outside the bedroom are provided.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2017

Verified traveler

Brilliant

Adorable staff, wonderful room, beautiful garden, excellent amenities... I highly recommend Jokiin.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2017

Verified traveler

Once in in a lifetime experience.

What an experience. We thought we'd stay for a night and experience traditional Buddhist culture. It was amazing. The food was all vegan and the temple and surroundings were stunning. Typical Japanese baths which are segregated and you have to go naked so you'll have to leave the British coyness at home! Make sure you get up at 6 am - once in a lifetime opportunity!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2017

Pontus

Best experience

We had the most amazing experience at Jokiin temple.
First of all we were greated so nicely and congratulated to our anniversary on arrival with a delishious dish accompanied by green tea, brought to our room by one of the monks. The temple and the grounds were so incredibly beautiful. Breathtaking gardens.
The room was large and had a view of one of the gardens and we found nothing but serenety.
Their public bath is not a hot spring but is very nice. And they have a handy walkway underground if it's too cold/rainy/snowy outside.
We attended the 6am ceremony with the monks and got a brief history of the temple and a tour of the temple by one of the monks.
The sights around are unbelievably beautiful and impossible to describe. Just so serene.
The whole experience was incredible and breathtaking. Will always remember it and will hopefully be back again on our next trip to Japan.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2017

Barbara

Great experience

What a lovely place in Koyason. We enjoyed the morning ceremony and the personal service. Very nice and helpful staff.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2017

Sandra

The best temple by far

This was the most pleasant, relaxing, tranquil and comfortable stay I had experienced. The temple is above comparison with others in the area making it feel a way of life rather than a tourist haunt. The hospitality was magnificent and just the right ammount of attention. Please, if you can, allow yourself this incredibly experience not to be forgotten.

8/10

Excellent

27 Nov 2016

Nischay

very clean and interaction with staff. Prompt and good dinner and breakfasts served.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Nov 2016

Kenneth

Serenity in Koya-san

Jokiin Temple is a wonderful place to stay and experience Buddhist culture and cuisine. The staff is friendly and helpful. The rooms are traditional Japanese style including the bedding. There's a modern public bath with soaking tub. Delicious vegetarian meals are a treat.

Family

4/10

Poor

20 Nov 2016

Ludmila

i do not recommend this hotel to anyone

Compare to other Koya hotels, this one is not very friendly, sounds proof and not well maintained

8/10

Excellent

19 Nov 2016

lincoln

Nice size room...that is a suite

Very good overall...can't make it to the morning service but i really try to get up befor 6am...that is the part I missed the most

8/10

Excellent

18 Oct 2016

Verified traveler

this is a temple

it is a temple, and the beds are tatami mats - it's traditional.
We didn't order breakfast or dinner when we reserved and couldn't add it on once we were there.
The staff and monks spoke English and were very nice. We were welcomed at the 6 am service. All restaurants seem to close by 6 pm, so get food before then.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2016

Wonderful Experience

This was one of the highlights on my trip to Japan. Wonderful hotel (temple) with amazing, friendly, and caring staff. One of the highlights of my trip to Japan. We were able to attend the Monk's morning ceremony which I would recommend. I would definitely stay here again.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2026

Sofia

So friendly and confortable place

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2026

Kyoko

初めての宿坊泊でしたが、部屋もグレードアップしていただきゆっくり楽しめました。

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2025

Ahmad

We had a room with private bathroom but there was a japanese bath which was very nice.
Very nice place and the monks were very nice and helpful.
In the morning they had a ceremony with the guests which was also very interesting