Plan to arrive by mid-afternoon since check-in starts at 15:00, and the monks will show you around the grounds and garden before dinner.
At a Glance
The public bath is built from 500-year-old Koya-maki wood, a type of podocarpus native to Mount Koya, making it one of the oldest wooden bathing structures in Japan.
The temple's main deity, Namikiri Fudo Myoo, was carved by Kobo Daishi himself from sacred sandalwood and is said to have saved him from drowning by calming violent waves during his return from China.
This temple offers goshuin, but we don't have photos yet. Be the first to share yours!
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Plan to arrive by mid-afternoon since check-in starts at 15:00, and the monks will show you around the grounds and garden before dinner.
Book your temple stay well in advance, especially if you want to participate in the morning ceremony, as Nan-in has only 25 guest rooms and visitors report sometimes being the only guests on-site.
Request shakyo (sutra copying) in advance if you want to participate in this meditative practice in the tea ceremony room, as it requires a reservation and offers a hands-on way to engage with Buddhist spiritual practice during your stay.
Stand in the center of the main hall beneath the Roaring Dragon ceiling painting and clap your hands to hear the distinctive echo that gives the dragon its name.
Bring comfortable clothes you can easily change out of, as you'll want to soak in the onsen-style bath house after exploring the temple grounds, and the monks actively encourage guests to use this facility.
If you're not vegetarian, don't skip the shojin (Buddhist vegetarian) meals, as reviewers consistently praise them as amazing and exquisite, featuring seasonal ingredients, sesame tofu, and Koya-tofu prepared using centuries-old recipes passed down through the priesthood. The meals are included with your stay and are a core part of the temple experience.
The divine spirits venerated at this sacred place
Seasonal celebrations and special occasions
Not confirmed
Koya, Wakayama Prefecture
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What this place is believed to grant
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Arrive by mid-afternoon: check-in begins at 3 p.m., and the monks may show you the grounds and garden before dinner. Book well ahead, particularly for the morning ceremony, as Nan-in has only 25 guest rooms.
Reserve shakyo, or sutra copying, in advance. In the tea room, it offers a quiet, hands-on practice. In the main hall, stand beneath the Roaring Dragon ceiling painting and clap to hear its distinctive echo.
Bring clothes that are easy to change out of so you can use the onsen-style bath after exploring. Stay for the included shojin meals, even if you usually eat meat. Seasonal dishes such as sesame tofu and Koya-tofu are a highlight.
CGChristopher Gillespie left a review
Pleasant grounds. Helpful and kind
Within 300 m Within 600 m
Discount passes that cover getting here and around.
Required in addition to the base fare unless that direction's reserved seat is included in your ticket. The World Heritage upgrade covers outward Koya only.
Buy passFor visitors who need several bus rides without an existing bus-inclusive ticket.
Buy passOptional sightseeing train. Check its operating calendar and reserve a specific departure. Dining plans are separate products with different inclusions.
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