Koyasan Temple Stay
 

A number of Fodorites have praised Eko-in. I don't remember anyone mentioning Ichijo-in, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been mentioned. I was very pleased with Shojoshin-in, as have a number of other Fodorites.

We stayed in Eko-in for a couple of nights and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Food and location were excellent. Loved the early morning drumming services. Easy access to Okonuin ( do visit both night and day)

I agree about visiting Okuno-in twice -- my preference is dusk+ and in the day.

If you want to see Okunoin at night, be sure to check and see if the temple stay has a curfew or not - I found out too late that mine did, and I likely would have picked a different place had I known.

22.00 left us plenty of time after the (excellent ) evening meal for a post prandial stroll around part of Okonuin and a few other places around the temple. As far as I can recall, we wore the yukuta in our room and around the temple but not outside and not to the morning ceremony.

>> Ekoin does have a curfew of 22:00. Is this reasonable for an evening walk?

This depends on several factors.
1. How long you want to stay walking around Okunoin, obviously.
2. The location of your temple - mine was a 30 minute walk away - that cuts time down some. I reckon your time about half of that.
3. The time of year you visit - summertime has far later sunsets and less time in the dark.

As for wearing a yukata, you can do so whenever for casual wear. Many people wear it after taking a bath.The only rule is to fold the left side over the right. It's only done the other way when a dead body is dressed. You can wear it elsewhere in the halls or outside in any garden for a photo if you like.