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Summary of reviewsNestled in the serene and historically rich setting of Koyasan, 'Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin' offers an exceptional monastery lodging experience celebrated for its remarkable location, delectable vegetarian cuisine and traditional yet comfortable accommodations.
Situated in a peaceful area, Saizenin's strategic location allows guests to easily explore Koyasan's spiritual heart, including prominent sites like the Konpon Daito Pagoda and Danjo Garan, all within walking distance. This positioning allows visitors to immerse themselves fully in the tranquil, monastic atmosphere, making it an excellent starting point for discovering Koyasan's serene charm.
The breakfast and dinner experiences at Saizenin are often highlighted as unique and integral aspects of the stay. Guests consistently praise the simple, healthy traditional Japanese breakfasts and exceptional vegetarian dinners. These meals, renowned for their delicious flavors and beautiful presentation, provide a feast for both the eyes and palate, contributing significantly to the cultural immersion and overall enjoyment of the stay.
The rooms at Saizenin are well-regarded for their spaciousness, traditional aesthetics and beautiful garden views. Guests appreciate the clean, comfortable accommodations, enhanced by features like futon mattresses, private onsens, showers and baths. The overall ambiance aligns perfectly with the traditional temple environment, offering a unique and authentic experience.
Impeccable cleanliness and well-maintained facilities further elevate the experience at Saizenin. Guests frequently commend the spotless condition of both private rooms and shared spaces, including the communal baths. This high standard of cleanliness complements the serene and authentic atmosphere of the property.
The exceptional service provided by the staff is another standout feature. Guests praise the friendliness, warmth and professionalism of both the monks and lay staff. Their willingness to go the extra mile and proficiency in English ensure a smooth and welcoming stay for international visitors.
While some guests noted minor areas for improvement, such as the thickness of the futon mattresses and room temperatures, the overall sentiment remains highly positive. The combination of strategic location, exquisite vegetarian cuisine, traditional and comfortable accommodations and outstanding hospitality makes 'Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin' a perfect choice for travelers seeking a serene, spiritual and culturally enriching experience in Koyasan. Show more
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Small Ryokan
Located in the sacred Koyasan area, this ryokan offers simple accommodations surrounded by mountains and temples. It was originally developed as lodging for pilgrims and conducts Buddhist services every morning that guests can attend, offering a culturally immersive experience.
Ryokan for Honeymoon
Ryokan with Parking
3-Star Ryokan
Room Types
Japanese-Style Superior RoomFeatures tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding.
Bathroom and toilets are shared with other guests.
The room has a door lock.
Japanese-Style Standard Twin RoomFeatures tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding.
Bathroom and toilets are shared with other guests.
The room does not have a door lock.
Japanese-Style Superior Room with Private ToiletLocated upstairs. Features tatami (woven-straw) flooring, traditional futon bedding and a private toilet.
Japanese-Style Standard Room with Garden ViewRooms located on the ground floor or upstairs (Guests cannot choose. Subject to availability).
Features tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding.
Japanese-Style Superior Room with Pond View and Private ToiletFeatures tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding.
Japanese-Style Deluxe Room with Private Bath and ToiletThe triple room provides air conditioning, tatami, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The triple room features a tea and coffee maker, a safe deposit box, yukata, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 3 futons.
Japanese-Style Deluxe Family Room with Private Shower and ToiletThe family room has a shared bathroom, air conditioning, tatami, as well as a seating area with a flat-screen TV. The family room offers a tea and coffee maker, a safe deposit box, yukata, heating, as well as a TV. The unit has 2 beds and 4 futons.
Japanese-Style Standard Quadruple RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this quadruple room includes a shared bathroom with slippers. The quadruple room features air conditioning, tatami, a tea and coffee maker, a safe deposit box and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 4 futons.
Junior SuiteThis spacious suite includes 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. This suite is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV, tatami, a tea and coffee maker and a safe deposit box. The unit has 5 futons.
Standard Family RoomOffering free toiletries, this family room includes a shared bathroom with slippers. The air-conditioned family room offers a flat-screen TV, tatami, a tea and coffee maker and a safe deposit box. The unit offers 4 futons.
Guest Reviews
9.0
Excellent
Location
Situated in a picturesque and serene part of Koyasan, 'Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin' offers a strategic location for those wanting to explore the spiritual heart of this historic area. The temple lodging is perfectly positioned directly opposite prominent sites like the Konpon Daito Pagoda and Danjo Garan, making it an ideal starting point for visiting the major temples and other landmarks. Most attractions are within easy walking distance, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil, monastic atmosphere of Koyasan.
Guests appreciate the peaceful ambiance, noting that it's a quiet refuge from the bustle of city life, yet conveniently close to bus stops and central town amenities. The accommodation itself, styled as a traditional monastery, enhances the unique and authentic experience of staying in a temple. The surroundings are described as beautiful and steeped in a sense of tranquility, perfect for reflection and learning about monastic life.
One of the highlights for many is the perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion; the establishment is tucked away from the main roads, yet everything remains easily reachable on foot. This provides a serene escape while still being in the heart of Koyasan. The welcoming staff, excellent vegetarian meals and the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere contribute to a stay that is both restful and culturally enriching.
In summary, 'Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin' stands out for its impeccable location, situated amidst the majestic temples and natural beauty of Koyasan. This makes it an exceptional choice for travelers seeking to experience the quiet charm and spiritual richness of the area.
Breakfast
At '高野山 宿坊 西禅院 - Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin,' the breakfast experience is often highlighted as a unique and integral part of the stay. Guests are treated to simple and healthy traditional Japanese breakfast, usually served after the serene morning prayers with the monks. The communal dining experience, often on tatami mats, adds to the authenticity and charm. Many reviewers find the vegetarian meals, including breakfast, not only delicious but also plentiful and tastefully presented.
However, some guests, especially Westerners, may find the flavors a bit challenging with complaints about the saltiness and the absence of common Western breakfast items like coffee. Despite this, the overall sentiment is highly positive with praises for the quality and variety of the food. The breakfast is described as substantial enough for most, although a few noted it could be light.
The experience of participating in morning prayers and then enjoying the meticulously prepared meals makes the stay at Saizenin a memorable cultural immersion. The breakfast, described as exquisite, fantastic and delicious, aligns well with the temple’s tranquil and authentic atmosphere.
Dinner
Dining at Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin is a delightful experience that guests rave about. The monastery serves exceptional vegetarian meals that are both delicious and beautifully presented, often described as a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The dinners and breakfasts are served in traditional Japanese style with dinner typically enjoyed in the guests' rooms adding a special touch of intimacy and comfort.
The vegetarian dinners are widely praised for their rich flavors and generous portions with many guests noting the care and attention to detail in each dish. The meals are considered a standout feature of the stay, offering a diverse and plentiful array of tastes that are often new and exciting to Western palates. Some guests note the food as one of the best meals they've had with items like sesame tofu receiving high acclaim.
The overall presentation and variety of the meals contribute to a unique and memorable dining experience with many guests remarking on the fine-tuned preparation and the remarkable range of ingredients used. The breakfasts, served in a common area, complement the dinner experience and are equally well-received.
While the food generally appeals to a broad range of tastes, it is acknowledged that the traditional Japanese vegetarian cuisine might require some adjustment for those less familiar with it. However, the overall reaction remains overwhelmingly positive with the dining experience at Saizenin often exceeding guests' expectations and contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment of their stay. The combination of exquisite food, serene atmosphere and the cultural immersion of the morning ceremonies makes dining at Saizenin a highlight for many visitors.
Rooms
The rooms at Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin are well-regarded for their spaciousness and traditional Japanese aesthetics. Many guests appreciated the beautiful views of Japanese gardens from their rooms, which added to a sense of calm and tranquility. The rooms are consistently described as clean, comfortable and well-decorated with facilities running smoothly and efficiently. Guests found the futon mattresses and duvets to be very comfortable and the addition of features like private onsens, showers and baths enhanced their stay. Several reviews highlighted the rooms as fitting the traditional temple environment perfectly, offering a unique sleeping experience.
Families found the rooms accommodating with some noting that their family suites were large and very comfortable, featuring modern amenities like heating, air conditioning and private bathrooms. Despite a few mentions of outdated decor or small size, the overall sentiment is that the rooms are cozy and conform to expectations of traditional Japanese lodging. The provided kimonos, towels and toiletries were a nice touch. The friendly and helpful staff added to the positive experience, making the stay smooth and enjoyable for many guests.
For those seeking an authentic Japanese room experience with the bonus of serene garden views and traditional comforts, Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin seems to be an excellent choice. The blend of traditional aesthetics with practical amenities has left a lasting impression on its guests.
Beds
The accommodations at Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin feature traditional Japanese-style futon beds, which have consistently received praise for their comfort. Many guests described the futons as very comfortable with some calling them the comfiest Japanese-style rooms they have ever stayed in. The futons, complemented by tatami floors, offered an authentic and evocative experience, contributing to the overall ambiance of the spacious and charming rooms.
Despite these positive experiences, a few guests mentioned that the mattresses could have been thicker with some experiencing discomfort and tossing and turning throughout the night. Others noted that the room temperature was initially cold but eventually warmed up. Overall, though, the traditional-style bedding was generally seen as a comfortable and unique aspect of the stay, allowing guests to sleep soundly and making the experience memorable.
Cleanliness
高野山 宿坊 西禅院 - Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin - receives high praise for its impeccable cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Guests frequently commend the spotless condition of both private rooms and shared spaces. The bathrooms, though occasionally cold during winter nights, are consistently noted to be scrupulously clean and well-organized.
The overall property is described as beautiful, peaceful and wonderfully situated with a unique traditional structure that adds to the serene atmosphere. Common areas, including the communal baths, are exceptionally clean and provide a comfortable and relaxing stay. Accommodations are comfortable with futon beds ensuring warmth even in cold rooms and spacious rooms maintaining a quiet ambiance despite minor expected noises.
Staff at Saizenin are friendly and courteous, further enhancing the experience. The delicious vegetarian meals and the overall coordinated layout contribute to a pleasant and authentic stay, making it an ideal location for pilgrims and travelers alike seeking a clean, serene and spiritual retreat.
Staff
Nestled in the serene setting of Koyasan, Shukubo Saizenin offers guests not only an authentic temple lodging experience but also exceptional service, as indicated by numerous guest reviews. The staff at Saizenin are frequently praised for their remarkable friendliness, warmth and willingness to go the extra mile, ensuring each guest feels genuinely welcomed and comfortable. Their proficiency in English and detailed explanations about the facilities make the stay smooth and accessible for international visitors.
Guests appreciate the attentive and professional demeanor of both the monks and lay staff, who consistently exhibit an excellent level of hospitality. Many reviews highlight the staff's kindness, from providing help with broken adapters to carrying luggage and explaining how the stay will unfold, which often makes guests feel at home.
Many guests specifically mention the incredibly delicious Buddhist food, adding another layer of satisfaction to their stay. Whether it’s the warm reception, responsive assistance or the small gestures like offering tea and sweets upon arrival, the staff and monks at Shukubo Saizenin truly enhance the overall experience, making it a standout choice for anyone visiting Koyasan.
3 Star
高野山 宿坊 西禅院 offers an enchanting experience, especially highlighted by the memorable nighttime guided tour of the cemetery and the temple situated conveniently across from the monastery. Its prime location is ideal for exploring nearby Buddhist temples. As a standard monastery stay in Koyasan, it is comparable to other accommodations in the area. However, the price is considered high with some deeming it too expensive relative to other options available in Japan. Overall, many find the experience to be perfect, albeit with a premium price tag.
No, Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin.
No, Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin.