Ekoin Temple
恵光院
A popular lodging temple near Ichi-no-hashi, the entrance to Okunoin, known for its monk-led night tour of Okunoin and its morning goma fire rituals.
Ekoin is a Shingon temple and one of the most popular lodging temples among foreign visitors. It lies in the eastern part of town, about 5 minutes' walk from Ichi-no-hashi, the entrance to Okunoin. Its most popular feature is the monk-led night tour of Okunoin, lasting about 90 minutes. Walking with lanterns along the graveyard approach, the guide explains the memorial stupas and the legends of Kōbō Daishi. Non-guests can book online and pay to join. Overnight stays include shōjin ryōri, morning sutra chanting, goma fire rituals, sutra copying and Ajikan meditation. Reservations must be made in advance, and peak season and the autumn foliage season sell out quickly. Take a Nankai forest bus to the 'Karukaya-dō-mae' area, then walk.
Opening hours
Night tours from approx. 19:00 (reservation required); morning service approx. 06:30
Nearby sights
- Karukaya-do Hall
- Kongo Sanmai-in Temple
- Kongobu-ji Temple
- Koyasan Daishi Kyokai
- Okunoin
- Tokugawa Mausoleum
- Koyasan Reihokan Museum
- Danjo Garan & Konpon Daito