Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Images: Alison Binney

Staying at a Buddhist temple in Koyasan

Alison Binney · Posted on

A disciple of Kōbō-Daishi – the  founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of the most revered persons in the religious history of Japan – built the Eko-in Buddhist temple in the Kansai region of Japan almost 1200 years ago.

All the guest rooms are Japanese-style and guests are invited to a meditation session and Goma fire ritual every morning.

The minute you walk through the gates into this ‘guesthouse’ you are completely immersed in the history and tranquility.

Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Images: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Images: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Images: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Images: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Images: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Images: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney
Eko-in buddhist temple and guesthouse at Koyasan, in the Kansai region of Japan. Image: Alison Binney