福智院 – Fukuchi-in

Although a bit on the pricey side, this place is an excellent (temple lodging) to spend the night on Mount Koya.  It’s located right next to a bus stop from which you can easily get anywhere else you want to go.

Visually, this temple lodging is spectacular.  The gardens are beautiful and the architecture is worth taking some time to appreciate.  As if that weren’t enough, this establishment is complete with onsen baths that are open 24 hours.

As with all , dinner and breakfast (included in the room rate) are vegetarian, but they both were not only exquisite but also quite filling.  You can choose (within reason) what time you would like your meals served, and the bedding is brought and laid out for you after dinner.

Even in cold months, with the warm over-coat provided by the staff to wear on top of the yukata, as well as the down comforters and space heater (or air conditioner unit in the larger rooms), one can sleep quite comfortably and warm.

This particular establishment is quite English and tourist-friendly as it often receives and is more than capable of accommodating groups of all kinds.  

Vital Information:

• Check-in: From 15:00; Check-out: Until 9:00

• From 8,610 yen per person per night; Accepts Credit Cards

• Fukuchi-in Website; Can also make reservation through JAPANiCAN

• 3 minutes from the Koya Keisatsu-mae bus stop