Jokiin Temple

Jokiin is located in Kōya, a town in the Northern region of Wakayama prefecture.  The temple can be found right in front of Kongōbuji temple, which is at the center of Mount Kōya. It is famous for its shukubo temple lodging experience. Mount Kōya is where Kōbō-Daishi(also known as Kūkai) settled to create a training place for the Shingon sect of Buddhism after he returned from China. Jokiin was opened by his first disciple, Jitsue, and was restored in 1156 by another Shingon monk, Shinkaku. It burned down in the great Edo period fire, but was restored again in 1870. Jokiin’s shukubo is available to the public. Shukubo are lodges at temples and shrines. Of the 117 temples on Mount Kōya, 52 have shukubo.  At Jokiin, lodgers can try hand-copying kanji sutras, participate in the morning religious service, and enjoy shoshin meals that are vegetarian and prepared following Buddhist principles. There is also a large bath and other facilities that allow visitors to relax in comfort during their stay. Other than its shukubo, Jokiin is known for its Jizō statue, which is classified as an Important Cultural Property and has many hanging lanterns.