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Reviews of 高野山 こころの寺子屋リトリートハウス -Koyasan Retreat House IKKOSHO

648-0211 Wakayama, Koyasan, 高野山85−20, Japan

#7 of 27 hotels in Koyasan

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 49 hotel reviews

9.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.6

  • Comfort

    9.7

  • Location

    9.5

  • Facilities

    9.4

  • Staff

    9.8

  • Value for money

    9.3

  • Free Wifi

    9.6

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: August 24, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    probably lack of presence of owner and a lot of automatic lighting and AI features.

    The Room and building were lovely. Quiet respectful and a Retreat. Use of Kitvhen and Beautiful Appliances allowed you to cook make tea and coffee. Spotlessly clean and lovely space in fridge and freezer. Use of washing machine was Great. Short walk to one of major temples and Bus stop was Great. Very close to only Family Mart in town so Excellent. Good Wifi and If Hikari did wait for me to arrive so Meet and Greet for me was important. Many Thanks.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: August 11, 2025

    10
    An absolute safe haven!
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Everything. It was an absolute safe haven and I adore it! Hikari is also one of the most wonderful people I’ve met. So grateful for my time here. Arigatō Gozaimasu 🥰

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: August 1, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    nothing, everything was great

    This is a true gem! The owners run it like a family business and have genuine connections to the neighborhood, and care so much about the wellbeing of their guests. The one owner made sure to let me know about a local festival that was happening and I felt so thankful to attend, and then he also ensured I witnedded the fire The room is very spacious with a great desk for writing, drawing, and getting work done. It was hard to leave after just a few days!

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: August 1, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The location, the building, the owner

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: June 10, 2025

    9.0
    Peaceful stay in the town of Koyasan!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The location was a bit far from restaurants and shops

    Lovely build, it’s a great property located in Koyasan close to the bus stop, quiet and clean and very cosy. My room was perfect for the stay I wanted. The staff were friendly and checked to make sure everything was ok, and the directions and booking process was so straightforward

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: June 7, 2025

    10
    This was a wonderful place to have as a base from which to enjoy the unforgettable atmosphere and history of Koyasan
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I liked everything.

    Quiet, comfortable, great amenities and well- organized. Staff provided a complete walk through that included all appliances and bath facilities. The host was gracious and a true scholar of Buddhism. The location is in the heart of town. Wi-fi connection was good. They have a true espresso machine, a great selection of teas and basics for cooking.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: May 20, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    the room isn’t the quietest, and there are no blackout curtains—so expect early morning light. Still, I’d pick this over a temple stay in Koyasan any time for the personal and relaxed atmosphere.

    The retreat was just as expected—simple, clean, and peaceful. The owner is one of the nicest people I’ve met and leads optional guided meditations in the morning, which were a highlight.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: May 15, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    I really liked this quiet place to stay. A traditional and cozy house. My hosts were kind, patient, and supportive. They offered guidance and encouragement whenever I asked.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: May 6, 2025

    10
    Absolutely and magically incredible, I’d like to move in LOL
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I unfortunately didn’t get to meet the owner and participate in the meditation services that I saw in reviews, but that’s not really a complaint at all. I feel lucky to have even gotten to stay here and absorb the peace that is offered here. Thank you so much for an amazing experience.

    After traveling for 2 months straight, this place felt like a real home. So much so that I didn’t want to leave. My favorite place I’ve ever stayed while traveling. The home is beautiful, the kitchen is really nice and so are the meditation rooms. Bed was so cozy, room was SO spacious for Japan. I had an entire bookcase in my room, filled with beautiful books on spirituality and Buddhism (even Sanskrit). I actually was tempted to ask how much rent would be LOL. The staff I met was SO kind and helpful, and there is information all over the house about Koyasan. Everything is organized and clean, and there’s clear written directions all over the house to make sure you are never confused. Hot water and heating was great, I could honestly just go on and on about how much I loved this place and Koyasan. I actually only landed on this place because it was the only place available for my first two nights in Koyasan. I was originally gonna look at temple stays, but I’m so grateful that I found this place instead.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: May 4, 2025

    10
    I was lucky to have attended the morning meditation session because Ikossho was in Koyasan. They were a fantastic experi
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Great facilities provided

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 24, 2025

    10
    Super nice in every way that counts
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Twin Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    having to. go downstairs to use the toilet was a bit of a challenge at night for an elderly lady

    nice staff, great location, lovely room, comfy bed

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 23, 2025

    10
    Koyosan and the guest house were peaceful and relaxing.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Twin Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing to do with the property but useful for people to know. Koyosan restaurants are often not open at night ( the majority of tourists leave at the end of the day) or close early.

    The guest house was lovely. The bed was really comfortable and we slept really well. There was a well equipped kitchen. The 6am meditation sessions run by the host were a nice addition to our experience.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 16, 2025

    10
    Stunning house with absolutely wonderful hosts!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Our stay at the retreat house was absolutely wonderful! Atsuki and his family are incredible hosts and did everything to make our stay comfortable. The meditation sessions in the morning were amazing, Atsuki explained everything so well for beginners. The hosts are so warm and welcoming, making our stay in Koyasan our most memorable one in Japan! The house is beautifully done, stunning meditation room, kitchen with coffee and tea and beautiful bedrooms. The house is well located and quiet. I absolutely recommend staying here :)

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 12, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Lovely host and staff. Was offered 6 am meditations and felt very comfortable. Easy access..

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 4, 2025

    10
    Cozy and relaxing retreat house in Koyasan.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Beautiful retreat house with lovely amenities and wonderful staff. My room was very cozy and had a comfortable futon, with the most wonderful quilt/comforter I've ever used! I appreciated the provided tea & coffee bar, and enjoyed the relaxing Buddha room with tatami floors. I was sent a message by staff before my arrival, and they made sure my check-in was easy. I would love to book a longer stay next time to fully enjoy the space!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 19, 2025

    8.0
    Truly a retreat from the crowds
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The bidet function was not working. Sad of a tourist place.

    Peaceful, beautifully designed and decorated.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 5, 2025

    10
    Exceptional and cosy traditional homestay in Koyasan!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Twin Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Atsukisan and Norikosan are fantastic hosts, they made sure we were comfortable and that it was easy for us to get around Koyasan. They have made and maintained a beautiful home that is cosy and made our stay in Koyasan very memorable. Atsukisan, when he was around in Koyasan helped us with beautiful meditation sessions to begin our day in Koyasan. He was very knowledgeable about his area of research, which is meditation and the human experience and his detailed information about Koyasan made our experience richer and our stay a very memorable one in Japan. Hope to come back to Koyasan and back to his home again sometime soon. They were extremely warm and very helpful. Thank you so much for all the help and the stay.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: February 26, 2025

    10
    Incredible
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Twin Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing, it was just incredible

    The house is a traditional Japanese house just incredible. Super comfortable and cozy. The living room for meditation is a must.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: December 16, 2024

    10
    Definitely would recommend if visiting Koyasan
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Cozy rooms, practical location and warm hosts made this one of the most memorable stays while travelling Japan. Would recommend anyone to stay here longer and take their time instead of a short stay at the pricy temples.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: December 11, 2024

    10
    Koyasan’s Shukubo is getting very expensive. Alternative accommodation like this place is the best! Owner’s professional
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Twin Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Rice cooker, washing tab in the bathroom, leaking water if tub is not close tight(this part may be renewal plan I guess)

    Very comfortable space. Flexible with booking request. Local informations plus owners knowledge sharing was the best part. Do not miss Morning meditation experience!

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 4, 2024

    10
    Felt welcomed. Very interesting town,
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Toilet wasn’t convenient at night with steep stairs to navigate. ( I need to go a few times at night).

    The owner was extremely friendly and helpful. The kitchen facilities were very good.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: November 27, 2024

    9.0
    Great traditional japanese house experience (with shared bathroom)
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Twin Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    well, when it's cold outside it can be cold inside, too, especially in a bathroom and toilets

    Real traditional jananese house experience, do not forget to abide the rules, like no street shoes in a building. It's a very quiet place close to beautiful sights and transportation

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 21, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The hosts are the warmest people around. They made sure I was comfortable and the meditations in the morning are quite amazing too. Highly recommend this stay and I definitely plan to come back! Thank you so much for opening up your home to me, this made my Koyasan visit so memorable.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: November 17, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Extremely well organized, clean and cozy, recommended, would stay there again

    Stayed in November 2024

Showing 1 - 25

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