We also stayed in the hanare at Shojoshin-in for our 2012 trip, which I picked because it was my first trip to Japan and I was nervous back then about the idea of shared bathrooms.

We both really enjoyed the vegetarian food we ate and loved the location of the temple for access to Okunuin. For us, it was Okunuin that was the highlight of our visit to Koyasan.

Btw I'm another Hotel Trusty alumni (if I can borrow that word from academia for a moment), we loved both our room and the location when we stayed there last April for 4 nights.

I’m sorry that MinnBeef was less enamored of Shojoshin-in, and the experience of Koya-san, than I (though I'm glad he agrees about Okuno-in). For some counterpoints from my experience:
• While the trip was long, I thought the scenery was stunning and well worth the time.
• I thought the sliding doors and screens of Kongobuji absolutely exquisite, and I enjoyed many other aspects of that temple, too.
• The Konpon Daito Pagoda of Garan is, IME, quite unusual in Japan.
• Some of the holdings of the Reiholkan Museum were, to my eye, a delight to see.
• I thought the meals at Shojoshin-in among the best I had anywhere in Japan – and I’m not a vegetarian!

Hi everyone!!!
Thank you for all your feedback, we have decided to take a chance and go to Koyasan.... We will be staying at Fudo In. I just cant seem to be able to miss Okunoin. I'll let you know about our experience!!!
Thank you so much for your help!

I hope you enjoy it!

I think that's a good choice. As long as you are already in the general area, you'll never know your own feelings without visiting yourself.

So we returned from Japan and I have to say Koya san was absolutely AMAZING.
Even though it was hard getting there because a storm had destructed a bridge I found the trip quite nice.
I found Okunoin beautiful and moving and the guided night tour was the best part of our whole trip.
The lights in the temple were mindblowing.

So, answering my own question, Koyasan is totally worth it.

Thank you everyone for your help

Thanks for reporting back! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it.

Yes, many thanks for the update. There are so many threads here posting questions and then we never get to hear the end of the story. So glad you were happy with your decision.

So pleased to hear you enjoyed the experience!