Saizen-in Shojin Ryori

Saizen-in is a smaller, more budget-friendly shukubo temple lodging on Koyasan that serves an authentic shojin ryori course to its overnight guests, following the same Buddhist vegetarian precepts -- no meat, fish, or allium vegetables -- observed across the mountain's temple restaurants. The course centers on gomadofu, simmered mountain vegetables gathered from the surrounding area, and pickled Koyasan vegetables, offering a genuine temple meal at a lower price point than some of Koyasan's larger shukubo. Dining takes place in the temple's tatami dining rooms, with the same quiet, contemplative atmosphere found across Koyasan lodging, and guests are welcome to attend the temple's morning prayer service before breakfast. No alcohol is served. As with other Koyasan shukubo, the shojin ryori dinner and breakfast are bundled with an overnight stay and reserved through the Koyasan Shukubo Association rather than sold as standalone meals, so travelers wanting the experience need to book lodging in advance, particularly during busy seasons.