Setting: Koya Mountain
There is very little experience that can humble you like a local homestay. This is even more unique when you get the opportunity to be with the Buddhist monk Ks.
Throughout my time in Japan, I wanted to stay at as many local Ryokans as possible. In my research, I found beautiful Ryokans in Osaka, Kyoto and in the mountains.
One of the most distinctive experiences for me was my time with the Buddhist monks on Mount Koya.
Mount Koya is considered one of the most sacred places in Japan. It is a huge temple settlement, home to the headquarters of Koyasan Singhong School. I was walking around this town here and you can count the number of temples there!
Jofukuin Temple
I checked in Jofukuin Temple. It’s a mid-range Ryokan and there are cheaper options, but this really suits me.
The Buddhist temple is one of many religious buildings that offer homestays to guests in Wasan. I chose it because they are one of the cleanest ones and have a great reputation for serving great food. Plus, they have recently undergone renovations and the accommodation is basic but very welcoming.
The price is 10,800 yen Per person per night, including both breakfast and dinner.
A stay at Jofukuin includes both breakfast and dinner, all of which are strictly vegetarian (no meat or fish). Both meals were really tasty with more food than you’d ever finished. But before you know it, you sampled everything a bit! The food is served very traditionally, so if you’re new to Japanese culture, this is a great experience.
Read more: See Japan’s highlights in 7 days
Around Wayama
There are many more things around Wayama prefecture, especially if you have time. I was quite short so I spent the day exploring the Koya (where the lodge was) and many temples occupying this village on the mountains.
Koya is the headquarters of the Singong faction of Japanese Buddhism, and therefore there are many religious buildings to explore.
My highlights were Kongobuji, Danjō-Garan and Konpon Daito.
