Jimyoin

As part of our tour of Japan, my family (myself, husband and two grown up children) decided to include a stay at the top of Mount Koya in a Buddhist Temple as one of our many experiences. The trip up to Mount Koya was time consuming (we came from Osaka) but when we reached Koya we were so pleased we had made the effort. It really is 'different' up there and we spent a long time in the huge cemetery before getting refreshments at a little cafe in the centre. We then walked around the many temples which again, were breathtaking and not too busy, before checking into Jimyo-in. The monks that checked us in was welcoming and showed us around, making it clear everything would close down at 9.00 pm (including the showers!). There were no showers allowed in the mornings. We were told our evening meal would be served downstairs at 6.00 pm and breakfast would be after morning prayers which start at 6.30 am. The rooms were very clean and as expected. The monk brought us up a tray of Japanese tea and a small cake. The rooms had effective air conditioning. We went for a little wander in the gardens although these were very small! There was one toilet and washbasin for our 'landing' which included the four of us and one other room. The evening meal was served in a dining room downstairs where we sat on cushions on the floor and were served several small Japanese dishes. We knew in advance the food would be vegetarian but it was good and we did not go hungry. We also had beer as an optional extra with our meal. When we went back upstairs our 'futon' style matresses had been laid out for us. The next morning we rose early to make the 6.30 prayers which I found quite restful and lasted half an hour. We then had breakfast in the same dining room. I had struggled with the Japanese concept of breakfast for the whole trip (lots of vegetables etc) and being veggie there was a lot of tofu, so not the best for us, but authentically Japanese. We then checked out quite early to make our way back to Osaka although last check out wasn't until 11.00 am. I would say that Jimyo-in offered what I expected from staying in a Budhhist monastery. In fact, I would say the offer was better than some of the 'homestay' style Inns we had stayed in. Clean and basic but comfortable with shared facilities and adequate food. The inclusion in prayers was a positive for us. If you are looking for luxury accommodation then do not choose to stay at a Buddhist monastery, but if you want to enjoy an authentic experience then this is a good choice.