Happyfella

For one night, I'd rather not stay in a Temple--no offense to Japanese tradition, but I don't want to attend a service, certainly not one at 6 a.m. Nor do I want to eat a vegetarian dinner, though bless those who do. Are there alternative accommodations in the town, like a hotel, within walking distance of the temples, cemetery (Okuno-in) and monasteries? If I were to stay in a hotel, do I need a car to access hotel upon arriving; once in town, would like to drop off a carry-on bag, and then visit the sites and after site seeing, and maybe eating, return to "hotel."? Would rather not rent car, but prefer to travel from Kyoto by train. Am frustrated trying to get a lay of the land, so to speak. Have spent as much time trying to "figure out" Koya-San--with no luck so far--than almost the rest of a three-week trip. Need help, people. Thanks in advance.

Mara

Interesting question - I haven't found any other lodging except temple lodging in Koyasan after searching quite a few sites. The closest I found would be a hotel/inn in Wakayama.

I stayed two nights in a Koyasan temple back in 2009, I think. I am not a vegetarian but I found the food quite good. And I also got up for the 5:30 or maybe it was 6:00 am service - the temple where I stayed did the fire ceremony.

To me the whole idea of visiting Koyasan included the temple experience. So if you are not interested in staying over maybe you should just contemplate a day trip.....

kja

I agree with Mara on all counts: I don't know of non-temple lodging on Koya-san; part of the delight of visiting Koya-san is discovering how incredibly flavorful vegetarian cuisine can be; and even though I am not a morning person, I found it a privilege to attend a morning ceremony -- which, BTW, might not be required (it depends on the temple).

I think it is too far to go for a day trip -- JMO -- and I found the scenery absolutely stunning, so I was pleased that I could use public transportation.

BUT if we all traveled for the same reasons or in the same way, life would be rather boring IMO, so if you aren't interested, there's really no reason that you should go.

BTW, many of us REALLY appreciate it when you link your threads when you feel compelled to start a new one, so I'm going to do that again. Other posts =
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...l-in-osaka.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-hiroshima.cfm
And yet another new one:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...to-as-base.cfm

Happyfella

Thank you, Mara and kja, for taking the time to respond--and a thoughtful responses they are. Mara, I just may choose the Wakayama option, for there is a bus from Koya-san to Wakayama, on the day I would be there, and, I believe, it is an hour and a half ride--at the end of which I could eat some delicious seafood, for which Wakayama seems to be known. (I'm an expert on it, having just read their internet page-just joking.)

If I were to opt for this, would there be a facility or place where I could store my carry-on bag while I toured Koya-san? (Obviously it would be a nuisance to wheel it around.) I have no compunction leaving my bag with someone whom I've determined--by my instincts--is trustworthy; and, if it were not offensive--and I can't imagine it would be--I would offer the person a small tip for the favor, say a shopkeeper.

Having said all that, I might opt for staying in a temple in Koya-san, eat the vegetarian dinner--though I'd have some back-up snacks, just in case; and attend the 6:30 a.m. service the following day. (Who knows, maybe I'll want to become a Buddhist and devote my life to attracting people to Koya-san temples. I'm joking. I'm not joking when I say I'm sure I'd appreciate the ceremony, I just don't fancy a night of about 4 hours sleep. I don't sleep much in such circumstances. That's probably too much info.)

Yes, kja, I expect to find the scenery stunning, both going to and in Kayo-san, and also a unforgettable ambience. While I've never stayed in a Buddhist Temple, I have observed Buddhist monks in Tibet (though of course they were Tibetan Buddhists)and in Vietnam and Laos.

Kja, even though I have used the Fodor Forum for trips to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Central Europe--I'm always impressed with the quality of the people one finds on the site (I cite you and Mara to prove my point) and their perceptive and helpful responses--I did not realize the etiquette of linking my threads, so thank you for bringing that to my attention, and for doing it.

Well, partners, thanks again. I'll let you know what transpires, for I usually write a brief follow-up post on my trips. Best, RC

kja

"I would offer the person a small tip"

Do NOT tip in Japan! Seriously!

"I just don't fancy a night of about 4 hours sleep"

Then don't go to bed late enough go sleep only 4 hours. It isn't like there's a lot to do after nightfall in Koya-san...."

kja

Let my try to put this differently: If bending your lifestyle into this experience is too hard, then just don't do it. It is, after all, your vacation -- and you certainly shouldn't be hurting for options in Japan! You have LOTS of other options -- pick those that suits your needs!

Kavey

I am not in the slightest bit religious, of any bent, but found my visit to Koya-san, including the temple stay, fascinating.

For me, it was about the culture and history. We absolutely loved the kaiseki ryori meal - for us it was another highlight of the experience, not an ordeal to get through. We also found it plenty filling, but then again, we liked and ate everything offered.

I agree that much of the attraction of a visit to Koya-san is a temple stay, so personally I would suggest not going if that element doesn't appeal, and it's OK that it doesn't - as others have said, we're all different!

Of course, there is Okuno-in, which is a beautiful place to see and walk through, but I'm just not sure that it merits all that travel just to see it alone and nothing else.

As for non-temple accommodations, I don't think there are many (if any), and independent eating establishments aren't easy to find either. We found just one single place open for lunch, a vegetarian place offering just one or two plates of the day.

Happyfella

Thanks, kja, I'll be sure not to tip--I read that in a guidebook but obviously forgot; but won't heretofore. NO TIPPING. And thanks to you and Kavey for your observations in general.

BUS FROM KOYA-SAN TO WAKAYAMA: I'm leaning towards this option, because I want to experience Okuno-in, and I like the idea of sleeping in a hotel that night (and eating in a restaurants, with a good book to keep me company, though I like to meet people so maybe I'll end up talking to someone in the restaurant). A grey nomad, I'm good on many things about traveling--and I've traveled the world alone, with my ex and male and female friends, with groups, you name it--but bus schedules are not my forte, though I'll devote some time in the near future to the bus and train options in Japan. I believe the express bus takes 90 minutes from Kaya-son to Wakayama. I'll be in Kaya-son on a Sunday. Whom might I ask online or tonight or tomorrow night call in Japan (a tourist office?) to confirm that there is a bus on Sundays in October from Koya-San to Wakayama; how long it takes; and what time are the last two buses from Kaya-son to Wakayama on an October Sunday?

RESTAURANTS IN WAKAYAMA: Generally speaking, fewer restaurants are open on Sundays than other days. Does that apply to Japan? Thanks, again, and best, RC.

kja

"Whom might I ask online or tonight or tomorrow night call in Japan (a tourist office?) to confirm that there is a bus on Sundays in October from Koya-San to Wakayama; how long it takes; and what time are the last two buses from Kaya-son to Wakayama on an October Sunday?"

I think you should be able to get some information on Jorudan.co.jp
http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/

If that doesn't work, you might consider using the japan-guide forum,
http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quedisplay.html

or JNTO
https://www.jnto.go.jp

Good luck!

Mara

Is there any reason you don't just take the train from Wakayama to Koyasan....it's about a two hour trip...
Check it out on hyperdia.com

someotherguy

You may need the www on front: www.hyperdia.com

The train route from Wakayama requires a change about half way in Hashimoto, which is also described as Koya-shita (-shita means below) and seems to be the closest place to Koya-san with a regular hotel. It's a Route-Inn, which is an OK chain of business hotels.

russ_in_LA

For me, the entire point of going to Koyasan was the temple stay, which we really enjoyed. Walking through Okuno-in at night was one of the highlights of our trip.

As others have said above, there is no obligation to go to the 6:30 a.m. service. I went, my husband did not. We were in bed by 10:00pm regardless, due to the time zone change.

As for the food, we are avowed carnivores, but found the food in our temple (Shojoshin-in, a great recommendation by kja, where I belive that Kavey also stayed) to be delicious and filling. Keep in mind that even if you skip the service, breakfast was at 7:30.

If you are interested in further details of our Koyasan trip, click on my name and look for the "First Time to Japan" trip report, where we describe it in detail. Have a great trip!

Kavey

Yes Russ, quite right, we stayed at Shojoshin-In for our 2012 trip. I was still nervous then about shared bathrooms so we booked the private hanare residence within the temple complex, it's a small standalone building with its own bathroom and toilets (multiple because it can be booked by a larger party as there are four rooms that can be created by the movable screens).