Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu

Accommodation

4.37

Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu
Owners
Common room
Bar space
Double room
Double and loft
left: Curry set, right: sample breakfast
Showers rooms
Washing area
Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu

 Description

Funky Hostel

Kokuu is a guesthouse in Koyasan, a mountain top Buddhist village and sacred site.  It is located on the east side of town near the Nakanohashi entrance to the atmospheric Okunoin cemetery.  The friendly, young owner has intimate local knowledge having grown up in Koyasan in a Buddhist family. The building is an original design, with a simple exterior and striking interior.  When you enter through the sliding doors a distinct white hallway leads down the center of the building, open to a criss-cross of rafters and skylights.  On the right is a cosy sitting area with wood burning stove.  On the left is a welcoming bar.  Further down the hall are doors to guestrooms (single "mountain" capsules, double, and triple rooms), toilets, and showers.  Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu has the feel of a designer mountain cabin.  It is a unique option for those wishing to see Koyasan and not necessary wanting to stay in a temple.

Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu can only accept reservations 90 days or less in advance.
Thank you for your understanding.

Full Name Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu
高野山ゲストハウスKokuu
Area Koyasan
Type Guesthouse/B&B
Address 49-43 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture, 648-0211
〒648-0211 和歌山県伊都郡高野町高野山49-43
Map Code 205 463 453*13
Maps
Check-in 15:00 - 19:00
Check-out 10:00
Curfew 19:00

 Rating & Reviews

4.37

Guestroom

(4.2 / 5)

Baths

(4.2 / 5)

Meals

(4.5 / 5)

Location

(4.3 / 5)

Reception & Service

(4.7 / 5)

Date: Mar/2026

United Kingdom (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

4.60

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 3, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Nov/2025

Spain (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

A cool hostel close to Okunoin Cemetery

This is a very modern and cool hostel, clean and tidy. The person in charge of it will give you a bunch of very good recommendations and it will keep in touch to you to be sure your trip was successful. The breakfast was very nice, also the bed. It is closed to Okunoin Cemetery so you can enjoy a walk around it when there is nobody which is a very special thing.

Date: Oct/2025

Germany (Male, age 40-49)

Overall:

4.80

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

A small but modern guesthouse

The heart of the guesthouse is the friendly and good English speaking host and owner. Everything is clean and you feel welcome from the first moment. Free tee and coffee and the breakfast was delicious. There is also a niece meeting area in front of the reception. Nice.

Date: Oct/2025

Canada (Male, age **)

Overall:

4.00

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals 4, Location 4, Reception & Service 4
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Sep/2025

Germany (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Cozy guest house and amazing breakfast

Cozy guest house located close to the Okunoin cemetery. Ryochi-san was extremely helpful and gave us tips to make the most out of our short stay. The beds are comfy, the bathroom is clean, and the breakfast is also really delicious!

Date: Jun/2025

Israel (Male, age 40-49)

Overall:

4.50

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service -
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: May/2025

Italy (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

4.40

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals 4, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

Very nice guesthouse if you want to enjoy Koya, the staff is super nice and everything was perfect for my stay. The position was also strategic as the bus is 5 minute walk and the Okunoin Mae site is around the corner.

Date: Apr/2025

Japan (Male, age 60-69)

Overall:

3.40

Individual: Guestroom 3, Baths 2, Meals 4, Location 4, Reception & Service 4
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

ご主人、子供さんの面倒をみながらの接客だったので、忙しそうでした。

Date: Apr/2025

Israel (Male, age **)

Overall:

4.80

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Nov/2024

Japan (Female, age **)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

Great stay, I would recommend to Family, friends, & strangers.

Date: Nov/2024

United Kingdom (Female, age 60-69)

Overall:

4.80

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

This is great value for money for a stay in Koyasan given how expensive the temple stays are.

Date: Oct/2024

United States (Male, age 30-39)

Overall:

4.60

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

A Hidden Gem in Koyasan

Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu is a delightful find nestled in the serene mountain village of Koyasan. The guesthouse's unique design, coupled with the warm hospitality of its owner, made for a truly memorable experience. The owner, a local with deep knowledge of the area, provided us with invaluable insights into the spiritual significance of Koyasan and offered practical tips for exploring the surrounding trails and temples. While the guesthouse is a bit of a walk from the main trailhead, the journey through the atmospheric Okunoin cemetery is well worth the effort. The tranquil ambiance and ancient stone markers create a sense of peace and reverence. The nearby food spot, which stayed open late, was a pleasant surprise. The delicious cuisine provided a much-needed energy boost after a day of exploring. Overall, Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a unique and authentic experience in Koyasan. The guesthouse's combination of modern comfort and traditional charm, coupled with the owner's friendly and informative nature, makes it a standout option.

Date: Oct/2024

Austria (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Sep/2024

United States (Female, age 40-49)

Overall:

4.80

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

The playlists Ryochi played were amazing! He is a wonderful host who gave me a lot of good advice about the trail. The small map he provided of the Koyasan area was very valuable for getting around and his suggestions made my visit very special. The space is set up to interact with other guests so it is easy to make friends. Breakfast was good and fresh too!

Date: Aug/2024

Spain (Female, age 50-59)

Overall:

3.20

Individual: Guestroom 3, Baths 3, Meals 4, Location 2, Reception & Service 4
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Jul/2024

Australia (Male, age 50-59)

Overall:

4.60

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Friendly new and clean

We had a private double room. Everything was fine. Host was very Friendly. Food was nice. Room was a tad stuffy though and you are 1-2 ks from the town. But this shouldn't worry anyone walking!

Date: Jul/2024

Malaysia (Female, age 50-59)

Overall:

4.00

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals -, Location 4, Reception & Service 4
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Apr/2024

Netherlands (Male, age 30-39)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Wonderful place

The place and hosts are absolutely wonderful. They are so kind and welcoming and have all kinds of recommendations for things to do in the area.

Date: Nov/2023

Denmark (Male, age 40-49)

Overall:

4.25

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals -, Location 4, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

New guest house

New guest house with both rooms and pods. It is run by a lovely young couple. They are really helpful and sweet. The place have a modem vibe and all the facilities you need. I would highly recommend this place.

Date: Aug/2023

Australia (Female, age 50-59)

Overall:

4.00

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals 4, Location 4, Reception & Service 4
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

Helpful host. He did look tired tho! Not very smiley!

Date: Aug/2023

United Arab Emirates (Male, age 30-39)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths -, Meals -, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Kokuu

Very welcoming space. Owner was friendly.

Date: Jul/2023

Taiwan (Male, age 60-69)

Overall:

2.00

Individual: Guestroom 2, Baths -, Meals 2, Location 2, Reception & Service 2
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

如果能提供晚餐就更好了!

Date: Jun/2023

Netherlands (Male, age 50-59)

Overall:

3.80

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 3, Meals 4, Location 3, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

nice hostel, very nice host

I booked a full room here, it had more of a hostel feel with the shared bathrooms. Overall very nice though, friendly host that gave good tips for the trail.

Date: Apr/2023

Republic of Korea (Male, age 70-79)

Overall:

4.40

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals 4, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

satisfied

The accommodation was clean and the attitude of the staff was friendly.

Date: Nov/2022

United States (Male, age 20-29)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Guesthouse Kokuu Review

Great location, welcoming host, and comfortable bed. The host helped me map out interesting things to do in the area and how to start the Kohechi route the following day.

Date: Nov/2021

Japan (Male, age 70-79)

Overall:

2.25

Individual: Guestroom 2, Baths 1, Meals -, Location 3, Reception & Service 3
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

bandbなので夕飯はない分、早立ちで朝飯摂れない時は日持ちするパンを夜でも頂けないか?

施設自体が小さいので寛ぐ事は難しい

Date: Apr/2021

Japan (Male, age **)

Overall:

4.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 3, Meals 3, Location 4, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Great place. Great value for money

I really liked this place. The cost v performance was awesome. The owner was a really lovely, genuine guy who took time to have a chat and gave some solid local intel on the town and its attractions. I would love to visit again. I took a private room which was ideal for me. Comfortable bed, space and I had a good rest after four solid days on the trail.

Date: Nov/2019

Denmark (Female, age **)

Overall:

4.75

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths -, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

I really liked the location close to the entrance to the grave yard and a little bit out of the center, but not too far. To some people it might be too long to walk, and you depend on busses. For a capsule hotel the "rooms" were spacious and super nice. A little difficult designed stairs on upper beds. The curry was delicious.

Date: Oct/2019

France (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Modern and comfortable guesthouse

Really friendly staff that provides with all info to discover Koyasan. Modern and really comfy backpackers' style guesthouse where you literally feel at home. Delicious home-made breakfast and dinner options. Really clean dorms and bathrooms.

Date: Oct/2019

United Kingdom (Female, age 40-49)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

Excellent host, place and food

Date: Sep/2019

Singapore (Female, age 60-69)

Overall:

3.80

Individual: Guestroom 3, Baths 3, Meals 3, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Friendly and cozy

The proximity of the accommodation to Okunoin was very useful as I was able to attend the chanting sessions in the mornings and walk through Okunoin in the night. Meeting other travellers and exchanging travel tales was very fun. The staff was very helpful in giving tips on travelling around koyasan and to KIX.

Date: Sep/2019

Spain (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

4.80

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

Very good place to stay in Koyasan

Date: Sep/2019

New Zealand (Male, age 60-69)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

The guest house is in an excellent location for visiting Koyasan. All the staff we spoke to were very helpful in assisting us with our onward travel.

Date: Aug/2019

France (Male, age **)

Overall:

3.75

Individual: Guestroom 3, Baths -, Meals 4, Location 3, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Very friendly staff!

While the place is at the Far East end of Koyasan, this is not a major issue as (a) there are regular buses, especially to the station or to Hongu, and (b) the whole town is not that large, especially when on a hiking trip and (c) the Okunin cemetery is next to the guesthouse, available at all hours. The house itself is essentially an architect's shed, meaning the Western-style rooms are right under the (tin?) roof, not very spacious and rather hot the days we were there. But there is a nice atmosphere, with very friendly and helpful staff, cooking delicious and cheap curries and breakfast, and other guests with whom we had rewarding exchanges.

Date: Jun/2019

Australia (Male, age 50-59)

Overall:

4.60

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Value for money

The helpers working for the host are always willing to help. The breakfast is nice too. The noise from traffic outside our room was a bit annoying.

Date: May/2019

China (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

4.20

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 4
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: May/2019

China (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

4.40

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 4
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

No guest review.

Date: Apr/2019

United States (Female, age **)

Overall:

4.80

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Great start to Kohechi

The Koyasan Guesthouse was the perfect spot to begin our Kohechi pilgrimage. We were welcomed by our host with a comprehensive overview of what to visit plus some tips on Kohechi. The room was comfortable and clean. The common areas were amenable to meeting new friends. The breakfast was balanced and delicious. We really enjoyed our stay for 2 nights.

Date: Apr/2019

France (Male, age 20-29)

Overall:

3.80

Individual: Guestroom 2, Baths 4, Meals 5, Location 3, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Good Place and service

Good staff and service. I would have been really satisfied if the AC was not so warm which make the night really complicated.

Date: Oct/2016

Greece (Male, age 30-39)

Overall:

4.40

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 4, Reception & Service 4
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

very good standard amenities

very clean and well decorated place. fully organised amenities.host is helpful, giving information. Breakfast really nice!

Date: Oct/2016

Canada (Male, age **)

Overall:

0.00

Individual: Guestroom -, Baths -, Meals -, Location -, Reception & Service -
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Kokuu - a good alternative to temple lodgings

Kokkuu is clean, well-organized, welcoming and convenient. It's a bit smaller than expected, but still large enough for our needs. Conveniently close to the famous graveyard, it also has good food choices and a bar. It would've been good to know about the food options, as the website doesn't feature them clearly. Our host spoke excellent English and gave a funny and helpful precis of the Koyasan area attractions, as well as offering good service. His city-style manners seemed a bit abrupt after a week of rural hospitality, but not enough to be a problem. Staying at temples (for all their benefits) can be a bit constrained and formal, and Kokuu's casual, relaxed atmosphere makes a welcome change.

Date: Apr/2016

France (Male, age 60-69)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals -, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

Genial !

Date: Apr/2016

France (Female, age 30-39)

Overall:

3.60

Individual: Guestroom 3, Baths 3, Meals 3, Location 4, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

The place is alright. +The staff (an italian guy) was really nice and helpfull. Obviously he could speak english which is a plus. +It's located at the end of the bus line, near an entrance of Oku no In which is good. When the door is closed it looks like a warehouse so you may miss the entrance at first glance. +You can order food at the counter so you don't need to get out if you don't want to. There are restaurants not far from it though. -Claustrophobic please abstain. Unless you rented the big rooms. It's like a capsule hotel. I was afraid at first but unless you really are claustrophobic, the 'room' was alright. The bed is comfortable. -The breakfast was a bit light. Good but light.

Date: Mar/2016

Canada (Female, age **)

Overall:

3.80

Individual: Guestroom 4, Baths 3, Meals 4, Location 4, Reception & Service 4
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Serene

This purpose-built guesthouse has a chill vibe, from the spare decor to the music to the tone set by the owner. I received a nice, informative welcome if not particularly warm. But I really enjoyed this sanctuary, and it served as the perfect base for explorations of the temples and trails around Koyasan. I also appreciated the homemade touches to the meals?fresh, home-baked bread especially?and the greens that crept their way into each dish.

Date: Aug/2014

United Kingdom (Male, age 30-39)

Overall:

5.00

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 5, Location 5, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Very friendly, clean guesthouse.

I stayed in one of the capsules, which had more room than any other capsule I stayed in whilst in Japan. The owners were very friendly, provided plenty of information about Koyasan. The breakfast was simple but really nice (the bread was the best I've tasted in Japan). My one regret is not having had the evening meal (as I had already eaten), it looked and smelt delicious.

Date: Jun/2013

Australia (Female, age 40-49)

Overall:

4.60

Individual: Guestroom 5, Baths 5, Meals 4, Location 4, Reception & Service 5
Plan: Bed & Breakfast

- No subject -

First time I had stayed in a 'capsule' type hotel, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Very, very comfortable bed with more room than I expected. Hosts were wonderful and the place, although small, has everything you would need for a short stay. Quite a fun, informal feel with the other travellers.

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 Price Plan(s)

Bed & Breakfast

from 5,900 yen

 Guestrooms

Western Style Yes
Japanese Style No
Mixed Style No
Other Style Yes
Number of Rooms 11
Maximum Guests 16
Mountain capsule: 8 rooms (only for single use)
Double: 1 room
Double & Loft: 2 rooms

*No foods or drinks in the guestrooms please. (Allowed in bar space)
*All rooms are non-smoking.


Communal sitting area with woodburning stove.


Amenities
  • Shampoo
  • Hair conditioner
  • Body-wash
  • Hair dryer
  • Slippers
  • Tea
  • Coffee
Tooth brush: 50 yen
Face towel: 50 yen
Bath towel: 100 yen
*No smoking inside the guesthouse.
*TV, pajamas are not available.
*The lights-out time is 22:00.


 Baths

Shared Indoor No
Shared Outdoor No
Shared Sauna No
Privately Reserved No
Ensuite Indoor No
Ensuite Outdoor No
Note
Shower rooms: 2
*Please try to finish showering before 22:00.

 Meals

Supper
Meals and light foods are available at bar space from 15:00~ 22:00
Breakfast
Meals will be served at bar space from 8:00~ 9:30 (Bread or fruits)

Vegetarian meals available 
(Please let us know in advance of what you can and cannot eat in detail)

 Facilities & Services

Facilities
  • Restaurant
  • Lounge/Bar
  • Internet
  • Free Wi-Fi (Lobby)
  • Credit Card
  • Not accepted
  • Traveler's Cheques
  • Not accepted
  • Language
    English
    Others
    Bar space open hours: 8:00~ 10:00, 15:00~ 22:00
    Wi-fi available hours (living room): 8:00~ 22:00
    *The lights-out time is 22:00.
    Services
  • Luggage storage
  • Notes

    Name & Design

    The name Kokuu is a Buddhist word with profound connotations of space, void, and sky.

    Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu was designed by an architecture studio in Kyoto and is described by an Italian design magazine as "an exemplary paradigm of the subtleness embedded in contemporary Japanese spatial articulation, where dichotomies between sober exterior and light interior render a simple yet resounding architectural character".

    — To paraphrase the above ... this guest house is really cool!

     Access

    Access Information
    Osaka Namba (Nankai) to Koyasan
    ● 90 min by train from Nankai Osaka station to Gokurakubashi (極楽橋) station (Nankai Railways)
    ● 5 min by cable car from Gokurakubashi to Koyasan
    ● 8 min by bus from Koyasan bound for Okunoin (奥野院). 3 minute walk from "Okunoin (奥野院)" bus stop.
     Kii-Tanabe (via Ryujin Onsen) to Koyasan
    ● ~ 3 hr 30 min by bus from Kii-Tanabe Station to Koyasan via Ryujin Onsen (there is a transfer at Gomadanzan) (bus timetable 7)
    ※ Weekends and national holidays only.
    ※ This bus service does not run from the beginning of December to the end of March.
    ● ~ 3 minute walk from "Okunoin (奥野院)" bus stop.
    Shuttle Service
    Not available
    Parking
    Up to 50 vehicles (free)
    *Please use the “Koyasan Daireien Shikichinai 高野山大霊園敷地内” parking lot.

    Back

    Sorry, "Reservation Requests" are not available at this time.

    Set booking times: 7:00–9:30 and 19:00–22:00 daily, Japan Standard Time.

    Please check this Article for more information.

    https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/2024/03/13/12612/