Temple stay in Koyasan

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Koyasan
Duration:
2 days / 1 night (flexible)
Price:
From £ 249.- per adult (excluding flights)
From £225per child (up to 11 years)
Kids' Ages:
This experience is suitable for older kids & teens
Highlights:
✓ Visit one of the holiest regions of Japan
✓ Stay overnight in a Buddhist temple
✓ Experience a magical Buddhist prayer ceremony

Day 1 – Sacred Mount Koyasan & Temple Stay

High in the mountains lies Koyasan, the spiritual home of Shingon Buddhism which follows centuries-old traditions. You’ll learn more about the monks that live the simple Shingon Buddhist life by staying overnight in a temple. This trip is perfect for families with teenagers who want to step away from the buzz of the big cities and experience the peace, calm and spirituality of temple life.

You’ll be welcomed by the monks who will explain the customs of the Shukubo (temple). You’ll sleep in the traditional way, on futons laid out on tatami mats. The bathroom and onsen are shared with other guests. In the afternoon, you can explore the temple where you stay. There are other temples nearby that you can visit or wander through the atmospheric Okunoin Cemetery, with its mossy statues and towering cedar trees. In the evening, enjoy a delicious vegetarian dinner served in your room. We can also arrange a guided walk to help bring the stories of this unique place to life.

Day 2 – Morning rituals & departure

Rise early and join the monks for their morning ritual — a magical experience to share as a family. Afterwards, you’ll be served a vegetarian breakfast of dishes like tofu cake, miso soup, and bamboo-carrot salad. Before heading off to your next stop, you’ll have time to visit more temples or wander once more through the cemetery.