Mitsugonin (Mitsugon-in) is a Buddhist temple that takes overnight guests, a shukubo, in the center of Mount Koya (Koyasan) in Wakayama. It owns the Karukaya-do, a hall known for the story of Ishidomaru. Before you book, three things matter: stays are arranged by phone; the official site is Japanese only, with no booking page; and the prices on it were posted around 2023, so confirm the current rate.
Mitsugonin Koyasan at a glance
| What you want to know | From the official pages |
|---|---|
| Type | Temple lodging (shukubo), run by the religious corporation Mitsugonin |
| Rooms | 30 private rooms, plus one large hall and one mid-size hall |
| Capacity | 70 individual guests; 100 for groups |
| Address | 478 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama 648-0211 |
| Nearest bus stop | Karukayado-mae |
| Parking | Free: 5 buses, 20 cars |
| Food | Shojin ryori (temple cuisine) |
| Heating | Heating and central heating |
| How to book | By phone, office 8:00–17:00 |
| English page | None |
From the official site, read October 16, 2026.
The temple and the Karukaya-do
Who founded Mitsugonin?
The temple says it was founded in 1132 by Kakuban, also known as Kogyo Daishi, the founder of the Shingi Shingon school. Kakuban is said to have written a well-known verse of repentance here after more than three years of silent practice. Today the temple belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect, and its principal image is Dainichi Nyorai. The present buildings were rebuilt in 1931.
What is the Karukaya-do?
The Karukaya-do is a hall that belongs to Mitsugonin. It is known for the story of Ishidomaru and his father, the monk Karukaya Doshin. The hall enshrines two Jizo images. The parent-and-child Jizo is described by the temple as a Jizo for good relationships, and the hall is stop 34 on the Tokai Kinki Jizo pilgrimage. The temple also explains a local custom: before a cremation on Mount Koya, families receive a farewell rite at the Karukaya-do, and its bell rings across the mountain on that day.
For the rest of the mountain, including what to see between temples, see our Koyasan guide.
Prices and rules at Mitsugonin
How much does a stay cost?
| Plan | Weekday | Saturday | Special days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room only | 6,600 yen | 7,700 yen | 8,800 yen |
| With breakfast | 7,700 yen | 8,800 yen | 9,900 yen |
| With dinner and breakfast | 13,500 yen | 14,500 yen | 15,500 yen |
As listed on the official lodging page, read October 16, 2026. Special days are Golden Week, Obon and public holidays. A solo stay costs 1,000 yen more. The page does not say whether the figures are per person or whether tax is included, and does not say when they were set; the site was last updated around 2023. Confirm the current price by phone.
The temple also says it can arrange stays for groups; ask by phone.
What do children cost?
The lodging page lists elementary school children at 70% and infants at 50%. A children’s meal is listed at 50%. Ask the temple how these apply to your family.
What is the cancellation policy?
The official pages do not state a cancellation rule. Ask when you book by phone, and write down what you are told. Our hotel cancellation guide covers what to ask.
How do I pay, and are there taxes?
Payment methods are not stated, so ask whether cards are accepted. Neither the temple site nor Koya town’s tax page lists a bathing tax or a lodging tax.
Meals at Mitsugonin
What is shojin ryori?
The temple serves shojin ryori, Buddhist temple cuisine, both for overnight guests on meal plans and as lunch. It notes that guests can also drink hannyato, the temple word for sake. The menu lists large beer at 770 yen, sake from 660 to 1,100 yen, and orange juice or oolong tea at 220 yen.
Can I come for lunch only?
Yes, by reservation only. Lunch is listed at 2,750 yen for a two-tray meal and 3,500 yen for a three-tray meal.
Can the temple handle allergies?
The official pages say nothing about allergies, vegan meals or other diets. Explain what you cannot eat when you call to book.
Temple life and the bath at Mitsugonin
Can I join the morning service?
Yes. The temple says anyone can join the morning service freely. It also names the garden, shojin ryori and the early-morning service as the heart of a stay. The start time is not stated.
Is there a bath, and what about tattoos?
The official pages do not mention a bath, so they give no hours and no tattoo rule. Ask the temple; our tattoo and onsen guide explains how to ask.
Getting to Mitsugonin on Mount Koya (Koyasan)
The temple says it sits in the center of Mount Koya, convenient for visiting anywhere on the mountain. The nearest bus stop is Karukayado-mae, named after the temple’s own hall. The official pages do not name a train station or offer pickup. Drivers can use the free parking, with room for 5 buses and 20 cars.
What foreign guests should know before staying at Mitsugonin
- Book by phone during office hours, 8:00–17:00 Japan time (+81-736-56-2202). There is an email address and a contact form, but the temple says lodging questions are handled by phone.
- The site is in Japanese only. Have your dates, number of guests and meal plan ready before you call.
- Prices were posted around 2023; confirm the rate, and whether it is per person, on the phone.
- Ask about check-in time, the bath and payment, since the official pages do not cover them.
- This is a working temple. The Karukaya-do is also used for funeral rites, so be quiet around the hall.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a stay at Mitsugonin?
How much does Mitsugonin cost?
What time is check-in at Mitsugonin?
Is there a bath at Mitsugonin, and can I use it with a tattoo?
Can I join the morning service at Mitsugonin?
Bottom line (2026): Mitsugonin is a temple lodging in central Mount Koya, founded in 1132 by Kakuban, with the Karukaya-do hall of the Ishidomaru story, 30 private rooms and shojin ryori. Book by phone, confirm the current price, and ask about check-in, the bath and payment, which the official pages do not cover.
Sources
Every fact on this page is from Mitsugonin’s official pages: home (Japanese), about the temple, general information, lodging, meals, memorial services and contact, and Koya town’s local tax page. All were read on October 16, 2026. Prices and rules change; check with the temple before you book.
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