Koyasan Shojin Ryori Temple Dining Experience

The Koyasan Shukubo Association coordinates temple-lodging bookings across roughly 50 participating temples on Koyasan, the mountain-top center of Shingon Buddhism in Wakayama, and this experience pairs an overnight stay with shojin ryori, the Buddhist vegetarian cuisine served at the temples. The dinner course is centered on gomadofu, a sesame tofu unique to Koyasan, alongside seasonal vegetables prepared without meat, fish, or strong alliums such as garlic and onion. Guests stay in a tatami guest room at the assigned temple and are invited to attend the temple's morning prayer service before a second shojin ryori meal at breakfast. Included in the price are the overnight tatami accommodation, the dinner and breakfast courses, and access to the morning service; personal expenses and transport to Koyasan are not included. Group sizes vary by temple, meals are served in Japanese-style dining rooms with limited English signage, and vegetarian and vegan needs are naturally accommodated by the shojin ryori format itself.