Skip to main content
Mirei Shigemori-designed garden at Fukuchi-inAerial view of Fukuchi-in karesansui rock gardenFukuchi-in main hall and grounds with rock gardenBuddhist altar with golden lotus offerings at Fukuchi-inIlluminated rock garden in the evening at Fukuchi-inPond garden and surrounding buildings at Fukuchi-inNatural hot spring bath at Fukuchi-inShojin ryori vegetarian dinner at Fukuchi-in
1 / 8
Mid-Range| Koyasan

Fukuchi-in

福智院

The only Koyasan shukubo with a natural hot spring, three Mirei Shigemori gardens, and refined shojin ryori.

Staff speaksEnglish · 日本語
SectShingon (真言宗)
from$175 /per night
Check Availability

Features

English FriendlyOnsen IncludedVegetarian MealsFree WiFiCredit Cards

Highlights

Koyasan's Only Natural Hot Spring

Fukuchi-in is the only shukubo on Mt. Koya with a natural alkaline hot spring, featuring both indoor and open-air baths — a rare luxury in this mountain monastic town.

Three Mirei Shigemori Gardens

The grounds contain three gardens designed by modernist landscape architect Mirei Shigemori in the Showa period — bold rock arrangements considered among his late masterpieces.

Aizen Myo-o Principal Image

The principal image is Aizen Myo-o, a deity of love, harmony and worldly fulfillment. Guests can attend the morning service at 6:00 in the main hall.

About

Founded over 800 years ago by the monk Kakuin Ajari, Fukuchi-in is one of the 117 sub-temples of Kongobu-ji and one of Mt. Koya's best-known shukubo. Its principal image is Aizen Myo-o, a deity associated with love, harmony, and the fulfillment of vows. Fukuchi-in is uniquely the only temple lodging on Koyasan with its own natural alkaline hot spring, drawn into both indoor and open-air baths — a rare comfort in the mountain monastic town. The grounds also contain three gardens designed by the modernist landscape architect Mirei Shigemori in the Showa period, celebrated for their dynamic stone arrangements. Guests stay in 60 tatami rooms, dine on seasonal multi-course shojin ryori prepared by resident monks, and may attend the morning Buddhist service at 6:00. Available practice experiences include shakyo (sutra copying), shabutsu (Buddha image tracing), and the rare Shingon Ajikan meditation, plus prayer-bead making.

Details

Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: 09:00
60 rooms
Koyasan Station (cable car) (12 min walk)
From $175 - $390/night

Frequently Asked Questions

12 questions about Fukuchi-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, Fukuchi-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 09:00. 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, Fukuchi-in features an onsen for guests. Japanese bathing etiquette requires washing thoroughly before entering the bath. Most onsen have separate bathing times or areas for men and women. Bring a small towel but leave large towels outside the bath area.

Some ryokans in Japan have restrictions on visible tattoos in communal baths. We recommend contacting Fukuchi-in directly before booking if you have tattoos. Small tattoos can sometimes be covered with waterproof bandages.

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

Yes, Fukuchi-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 12 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 Fukuchi-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$175 /temples.perNight