Kumagai-ji Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging)

8.8
Excellent
(157 reviews)

501 Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan

+81 736-56-2119

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Hotel Description

Kumagai-ji Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging) is a serene retreat located at 501 Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan. This tranquil hotel offers a unique blend of Buddhist tradition and comfort, providing guests with a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Koyasan. Surrounded by spiritual landmarks and ancient temples, this lodging is an ideal base for those seeking to experience the deep cultural and religious significance of the area. The hotel is nestled in a picturesque setting, with towering trees and peaceful surroundings that create a soothing atmosphere for all visitors. Kumagai-ji Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging) is perfectly situated for guests to explore the historical and spiritual sites nearby, including Kongobu-ji and the famous Okuno-in, the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

The rooms at Kumagai-ji Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging) offer a simple yet comfortable environment, reflecting the tranquility of the surroundings. Though the hotel does not feature extensive luxury amenities, the peaceful ambiance and traditional Buddhist atmosphere make it a perfect place to unwind. Guests can enjoy basic but comfortable accommodations, with thoughtful touches that create a calm and contemplative space.

Among the amenities offered at the hotel are parking, a restaurant serving traditional meals, and Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay connected while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. While the hotel does not have a fitness center, spa, pool, or hot tub, its focus on providing a quiet and spiritual atmosphere makes it ideal for those looking for rest and reflection.

Accessibility is one of the hotel's strengths, with nearby public transport options such as Karukayado-mae, just a 2-minute walk away. Major airports like Osaka Kansai International Airport are within an hour's drive, making the hotel convenient for travelers. Additionally, the hotel is located close to several top tourist attractions, including Kongobu-ji Okuno-in, Kongobu-ji, and Eko-in Temple, all offering guests the opportunity to explore the rich Buddhist heritage of Koyasan.

Nearby, visitors can enjoy a range of dining options, including the traditional Japanese dishes served at the hotel's own restaurant. After a day of exploration, guests can return to the quiet comfort of Kumagai-ji Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging) to relax and reflect. With its peaceful ambiance, rich history, and close proximity to key cultural landmarks, this hotel is an ideal choice for pilgrims and those seeking a spiritual retreat.

Come and experience the tranquility and deep cultural roots of Koyasan at Kumagai-ji Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging), where every detail is designed to offer you a serene and unforgettable stay.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Located in the heart of Koyasan, close to key Buddhist landmarks

2. Traditional Buddhist accommodations offering a serene and contemplative environment

3. Conveniently located with easy access to Koyasan's famous temples and shrines

4. Simple rooms with a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and reflection

5. Restaurant serving authentic Japanese meals, enhancing the cultural experience


8.6 Excellent

Location rating

Top sights

Kongobu-ji Okuno-in
8 min
Kongobu-ji
6 min
Kongobu-ji Danjo Garan (Elevated Precinct)
4 min
Eko-in Temple (Pilgrim's Lodging)
1 min
Koyasan Reihokan Museum
4 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in14:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating8.6
Nearest airportOsaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Travel time to airport1 hr 25 min

Location

501 Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan

Airports:

Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport)

Taxi: 2 hr 2 min

Transit: 2 hr 37 min

Tokushima Airport

Taxi: 3 hr 26 min

Transit: 5 hr 35 min

Kobe Airport

Taxi: 2 hr 15 min

Transit: 3 hr 20 min

Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Taxi: 1 hr 25 min

Transit: 2 hr 55 min

Transit:

Gokurakubashi Station

Taxi: 18 min

Walking: 1 hr 6 min

Karukayado-mae

Walking: 2 min

Kii-Kamiya Station

Taxi: 18 min

Walking: 1 hr 31 min

Ichinohashi-guchi

Walking: 1 min

Senjuin-bashi

Walking: 10 min


Nearby locations

8.6

Excellent Location

Top Attractions


Amenities and Facilities

Parking & transportation

Parking

Food & drink

Restaurant

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

7.6

5 reviews

Wonderful
3
Excellent
0
Good
1
Below Average
0
Not Good
1
Cover Image for Alexandre Skander

Alexandre Skander

1/5
Extremely mixed experience at this temple.The monks are not particularly pleasant, and seem almost annoyed by our presence. When we arrived, we met a monk who only spoke in Japanese. We said hello to him and he left, shouting in Japanese and slamming the door. The man at the front desk explained to us that he was the “big monk” and that he was upset because we had disrespected him, because we had said hello to him without “prostrating” to him. However, we had just arrived and did not yet know the rules and signs of respect. We were very embarrassed and sorry, but the receptionist reassured us by telling us that the great monk was someone very special who had a tendency to hit people, and added "don't worry it rarely happens, he hits us especially us.” Good atmosphere.While giving us a tour of the temple, this same man kindly asks us where my friend and I come from, and we answer Paris. He laughs and says that he’s already been there and didn’t really like it because there were “too many black people.” Racist remark which we would have done without, especially since the temple, even if it is in a remote place in Japan, remains extremely touristy, so a certain open-mindedness and intelligence would have been appreciated.Dinner was good (vegan) was served at 5:30 p.m., then there was a curfew at 9 p.m. We attended the ceremony at 6:30 a.m., without any explanation of the meaning or anything. I also find it a shame that no exchanges could take place during our stay. Especially when you paid €300 for the night, you expect a little more.Finally: no real shower. If you wish to shower, it is in the onsen (i.e. in the public bath, in the presence of other guests), and only from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.In short, a nice and original experience that I would recommend doing in another temple.

Cover Image for surferix1979

surferix1979

5/5
I would describe it as an authentic experience.I imagine that there are other places around where perhaps it is aimed at tourism, but in this place they let you witness their ceremonies, you are welcome to observe and you can if you want follow the mantras with the material they provide you (of course it is very fast and difficult to continue but it is worth trying) The monk was very very kind and smiling, something that caught my attention because in my mind they are serious, I was surprised that it is not like that, or at least not here!The rooms were comfortable, of course it is a futon but it is part of the experience.Let's remember that this place is not a luxury hotel and part of the experience is sleeping like they sleep, eating what they eat, bathing like they do.It is a Buddhist place and as part of that you have to expect austerity.The price can be considered high yes, but it includes food, breakfast and dinner.For me it was a great experience, especially the morning ceremony. It was a time of meditation for me in a unique environment.At the end of the meditation the monk very kindly explained to us with little English and with the help of a translator the objects and what the mantra meant.Do not expect a 100% explanation since they do not speak English, if that is what you are looking for then I recommend that you travel prepared and know how to speak Japanese so that those expectations are met.They let you into their daily lives, their routine. Don't even forget it. It is not part of a show for tourists.Thanks for everything.Gabriel 🇲🇽

Cover Image for 紀廣人

紀廣人

3/5
This temple is associated with Kumagai Naozane, who killed Taira Atsumori, a young samurai who was about the same age as his own child, and who later became a priest and held a memorial service for Atsumori.

Cover Image for Travis holmes

Travis holmes

5/5
We scheduled a night's stay at Kumagai-Ji in the pilgrims lodging. It was fantastic. We were provided traditional rooms and meals. The experience is unparalleled in its uniquness and culture. They also have onsen onsite! The rooms included futons, kotasu and space heaters. We were included in a morning service and fire ceremony. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It is the first story my 16 Y.O. tells when talking about our trip to Japan. The only reason a downgraded the location was for access to the downside was o ly by bus or a bit of a walk. For my 74 Y.O. mom, that was a stretch to walk. Otherwise the location is beautiful and centrally located between the townsite and the cemetery/temple site

Cover Image for Joenna Holmes

Joenna Holmes

5/5
It was getting chilly when we arrived, and the monks provided both kotatsu(heated tables) and space heaters for our group. The food was fantastic, but purely vegetarian so don't expect otherwise. The bathhouse was wonderful ' just the way to warm up on a cold day.

Room 5

Service 5

Location5