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Sekisho-in twilight gate with stone pillars and lanternsSekisho-in main building exteriorTatami guest room at Sekisho-inShojin ryori vegetarian course at Sekisho-inSekisho-in garden landscapeSekisho-in main hall altarSekisho-in interior detail
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Mid-Range| Koyasan

Sekisho-in

赤松院

A 1,100-year-old Koyasan shukubo with a 1,500-tsubo garden, the closest temple lodging to Okunoin cemetery.

Staff speaksEnglish · 简中 · 日本語
SectShingon (真言宗)
from$95 /per night
Check Availability

Features

English FriendlyVegetarian MealsFree WiFiCredit Cards

Highlights

Closest Shukubo to Okunoin

Sekisho-in stands at the eastern edge of Koyasan, the closest shukubo to the Ichinohashi entrance of Okunoin cemetery. Guests can walk straight into the cedar avenues leading to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum.

1,500-Tsubo Strolling Garden

The temple grounds contain a vast 1,500-tsubo (about 5,000 m²) traditional strolling garden, considered one of the largest among Koyasan shukubo and praised for its forested, contemplative atmosphere.

Akamatsu and Hosokawa Family Temple

Originally founded in 923 as Yamamoto-bo, the temple was renamed Sekisho-in (Akamatsu-in) when Akamatsu Norimura took the tonsure here in the Muromachi period. It later served as the family temple of the Akamatsu, Hosokawa, and Arima clans.

About

Founded in 923 by the monk Seikai and originally called Yamamoto-bo, Sekisho-in was renamed in the Muromachi period after the warrior Akamatsu Norimura entered Buddhist orders here under the guidance of Imperial Prince Moriyoshi. It went on to serve as the bodaiji of the Akamatsu, Hosokawa, and Arima clans. Today Sekisho-in is one of the largest shukubo on Mt. Koya, with 62 guest rooms split between a dignified original temple wing and a newer guest wing whose facilities resemble a traditional inn. The grounds host a 1,500-tsubo (≈ 5,000 m²) circular strolling garden — among the largest in any Koyasan temple — celebrated for its quiet, forested atmosphere. The temple stands at the eastern edge of Koyasan, right by the Ichinohashi entrance to Okunoin, making it the most convenient shukubo for early-morning or late-evening visits to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum. Guests can attend the morning service, try Ajikan meditation and sutra copying, and dine on seasonal shojin ryori. Reception staff speak Japanese, English, and Chinese.

Details

Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: 10:00
62 rooms
Koyasan Station (cable car) (18 min walk)
From $95 - $260/night

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions about Sekisho-in

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn featuring tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, communal or private baths, and multi-course kaiseki meals. Guests typically wear yukata (cotton robes) provided by the inn. A ryokan stay is one of the most authentic cultural experiences Japan has to offer.

Upon arrival, you'll be provided with a yukata (light cotton robe) and a pair of slippers. You can wear the yukata throughout the ryokan — to dinner, to the onsen, and even for a stroll in the neighborhood. Indoor slippers should be removed before stepping on tatami mats.

Yes, Sekisho-in has English-speaking staff who can assist with check-in, dining reservations, and local recommendations. Communication should not be an issue for international guests.

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you arrive early, most ryokans can store your luggage while you explore the area. Late check-in may be possible — contact the ryokan in advance to arrange.

Yes, Sekisho-in can prepare vegetarian meals. Japanese Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori) is naturally plant-based and beautifully presented. Please inform the ryokan of your dietary requirements at least 2 days before arrival so the chef can prepare accordingly.

Yes, most ryokans including Sekisho-in offer luggage storage for guests arriving before check-in time. You can also use coin lockers at the nearest station or luggage delivery services (takkyubin) to send bags directly from the airport or previous hotel.

Yes, Sekisho-in provides complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Connection is available in guest rooms and common areas.

Yes, Sekisho-in accepts major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and JCB. Some ryokans may also accept American Express. It's always good to have some cash as a backup for small purchases.

The nearest station is Koyasan Station (cable car), approximately 18 minutes on foot. You can reach it by local train, subway, or taxi. The ryokan can provide detailed walking directions upon request.

You can book Sekisho-in through trusted platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. Click the "Check Prices" button on this page to check availability and rates. We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom in March-April and autumn leaves in November).

temples.from$95 /temples.perNight