Hotel heating and cold rooms in winter
You are used to warm nights, and a chilly hotel room is a real worry.
Hotels, ryokan and rooms
Preparing for a temple stay in Japan
You like the idea of a quiet night at a temple and wonder what it asks of you.
A temple stay is a quiet night in a Buddhist temple, with vegetarian dinner, a futon bed and an early morning chance to join prayers. Prepare for three things: the food, the early start and the cold.
What is a temple stay (shukubo)?
A shukubo is lodging inside a temple. Koyasan has 51 lodges offering the experience, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) 1.
Rooms are usually Japanese-style, with a futon on tatami flooring, and restrooms are generally shared 2. Some temples have rooms with private bathrooms, so ask when you book.
What will you eat?
Meals are shojin ryori, Buddhist cuisine. JNTO says it uses no meat, fish, dairy or egg products, and room prices typically include dinner and breakfast 3. At Koyasan, every meal is also free of green onion, garlic and other stimulants, and vegan-friendly versions are available 1.
Vegetarian food helps many travellers, but it is not the same as halal certification. Mirin and cooking sake may still appear in cooking, so tell the temple your dietary needs in writing.
What happens in the early morning?
Guests can join early morning devotions called gongyo, and the style depends on the temple’s Buddhist sect 2. The start time differs by temple, so ask when you book.
Plan an early night. Wear warm layers, sit quietly and follow the monks. Disturb the monks as little as possible, since they are carrying out daily training 2.
How cold are the rooms?
Koyasan is situated 800 metres above sea level 4. Evenings are cooler than in a city, so warm clothing matters.
Heating and bedding differ by temple, and no official standard exists that we could find, so we ask each one.
Pack thermal underwear, thick socks and a warm layer for the prayer hall. Read the heating and cold rooms guide for more.
What should you check before booking?
Ask the temple these questions.
- What time is dinner, the morning prayer and check-in?
- Is the bathroom private or shared, and when can you bathe?
- How is the room heated, and is extra bedding available?
- Can the meal match your dietary needs?
- Is payment cash only?
Some temples accept only cash 2. Alcohol rules also differ, from permitted as a medicinal drink to strictly forbidden 5.
Is a temple stay right for your group?
A temple stay suits return visitors, couples and curious older children who enjoy quiet. It is a harder fit for small children who cannot sit still, or for guests who want a private bath and late evenings.
For ideas about the town itself, read Koyasan temple stay planning and Koyasan overnight or skip. Our Koyasan page gives the wider picture.
What should Malaysian travellers remember?
Pack warm, ask about food in writing and book well ahead, since JNTO advises booking Koyasan lodges well in advance 1. Keep a day bag small, because rooms are simple and floor space is limited.
If you are unsure, send us your dates and we check the details with the temple.
If you are thinking of a temple night at Koyasan, send us your dates, the group and any dietary needs. We check the rooms, meals and cold with the temple before you commit.
Keep planning
Koyasan, planned around your family
A mountain temple stay sounds calm and a little unfamiliar, and you want it to go smoothly.
Shukubo, the temple lodging
You like the idea of a quiet night in a temple but wonder what it is really like.
Koyasan: temple stay or skip
A night in a mountain temple sounds special, but will the cold and the food suit you?
Koyasan temple lodging: what to expect
You like the idea of a mountain temple night and want to know what it is really like.
Shojin ryori, temple vegetarian meals
You want the temple meal experience, and you want to know what is actually on the tray.
Questions travellers ask
What is a shukubo?
A shukubo is lodging inside a Buddhist temple. At Koyasan, the Japan National Tourism Organization counts 51 lodges offering it. You sleep on a futon on tatami, eat temple meals and may join early morning prayers. It is a quiet cultural stay, closer to a simple inn than a hotel.
Is temple food suitable for vegetarians and Muslim travellers?
The meals contain no meat or fish, so vegetarians and many vegans do well. Muslim travellers should still ask about stock, mirin and cooking sake before booking, since shojin ryori is vegetarian but not certified halal. We send your dietary notes to the temple in writing.
How cold are temple rooms in winter?
Koyasan sits 800 metres above sea level, so evenings are colder than in cities. Heating differs by temple and we found no official standard, so ask each one. Bring thermal underwear, socks and a warm layer for the early prayer hall.
Do I have to join the morning prayers?
Joining is a choice, not a requirement. JNTO says guests can join early morning devotions, and the style depends on the temple's sect. Join at least once if you can, sit quietly and follow the monks. If your group includes elders or young children, sit near the entrance.
Sources
Figures are checked against these sources and dated so you can see how current they are.
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Koyasan Shukuboaccessed 2026-10-20
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Overnight stay at a templeaccessed 2026-10-20
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Overnight stay at a templeaccessed 2026-10-20
- Koyasan Tourist Association, Kongobuji temple guideaccessed 2026-10-20
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Overnight stay at a templeaccessed 2026-10-20
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