Kōya-san hotels and hostels
Kōya San Youth Hostel
This hostel is a friendly and comfortable budget choice if the prices at the temples are out of your range. It's closed for parts of December and January. Call ahead for reservations.
Henjōson In
Nice rooms and communal baths make this a good choice.
Haryō In
This temple is one of the cheaper shukubō and functions as a kokumin-shukusha (people's lodge).
Ekō In
One of the nicer temples in town, Ekō-in is run by a friendly bunch of young monks and the rooms look onto beautiful gardens.
Rengejō In
This lovely temple has superb rooms, many with garden views, fine painted fusuma (sliding doors) and interesting art on display. English is spoken here; sometimes explanation of Buddhist practices and meditation is available.
Temple Stays
There are more than 50 temples in Kōya-san offering shukubō. It's worth staying the night at a temple here, especially to try shōjin-ryōri (vegetarian food - no meat, fish, onions or garlic).
Shōjōshin In
Friendly spot.
Yōchi In
A simple, friendly and well-located temple.
Sōji In
At home with foreign guests, this temple has a lovely garden and some rooms with en suite baths. There is one barrier-free room with Western-style beds. The top rooms here are among the best in Kōya-san.
Fukuchi In
This fine temple has outdoor baths with onsen water and a lovely garden designed by the famous designer Shigemori Mirei.
Muryōkō In
A fine place with an interesting morning Buddhist ceremony.