Koyasan Reihokan Museum
Koyasan Reihokan Museum
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Koyasan Reihokan Museum holds numerous treasures of Koyasan: a total of over 28,000 objects designated either as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, and over 50,000 of non-designated issues. These treasures are displayed over 4 exhibitions in the course of one year.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
166 reviews
Excellent
80
Very good
61
Average
23
Poor
1
Terrible
1
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Kai C
Half Moon Bay, CA1,290 contributions
Jan 2020
A small museum composed of 2 rooms with statues and another couple of rooms with early Kamakura/Heisan scrolls. The statues are impressive but unfortunately the museum could not be bothered with English translations. Another visitor-unfriendly gesture is that photography is forbidden. I'd say the visit is not a must - you can see just as nice statues in the temples.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J.G.YUN
Busan, South Korea5,684 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I heard that Reihokan preserves and displays many valuable cultural assets passed down from Koyasan. It is said that the collection contains over 80,000 items, including 21 national treasures and 148 important cultural assets, as well as undesignated items. So, of course, I visited Reihokan with high expectations. I paid ￥1,100 for admission using a ￥200 discount coupon. I once again confirmed that the higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment. I couldn't find where the many precious cultural assets I was so proud of were displayed.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TaksuBali
Ubud, Indonesia211 contributions
Oct 2012 • Friends
Koyasan is a rare world treasure that will be appreciated by the discerning traveler in search of what is real and authentic.
I have spent many weeks in Koyasan over the past 12 years as it is unique in the world: A living tradition as vital today as it was a thousand years ago.
For discerning travelers who seek a singular experience of the Japanese culture at its best Koyasan is a priceless destination. It holds a lineage of over 1200 years dedicated to the highest principles of Shingon Buddhism. Whether you are a spiritual seeker of someone who appreciates one of the few remaining treasures of traditional Japan Koyasan will exceed your expectations.
Lodging is only available at temples in Koyasan and it is wise to research which temples are receptive to non-Japanese visitors.
The food is the best vegetarian cuisine in the world as they have had over 1200 years of refining their selections and presentations. It is an art form in itself that you would easily pay more for a single meal in Kyoto than a nights lodging in Koyasan which includes both dinner and breakfast.
The morning ceremony is serenely beautiful and unlike anything your are likely to experience anywhere else. For those whose interest is in scholarly esoteric Buddhism the library at Koyasan is unparalleled.
To fully appreciate this heritage site I most highly recommend you research its history and founding by Kobo Daishi so that you can enjoy the experience most fully
I have spent many weeks in Koyasan over the past 12 years as it is unique in the world: A living tradition as vital today as it was a thousand years ago.
For discerning travelers who seek a singular experience of the Japanese culture at its best Koyasan is a priceless destination. It holds a lineage of over 1200 years dedicated to the highest principles of Shingon Buddhism. Whether you are a spiritual seeker of someone who appreciates one of the few remaining treasures of traditional Japan Koyasan will exceed your expectations.
Lodging is only available at temples in Koyasan and it is wise to research which temples are receptive to non-Japanese visitors.
The food is the best vegetarian cuisine in the world as they have had over 1200 years of refining their selections and presentations. It is an art form in itself that you would easily pay more for a single meal in Kyoto than a nights lodging in Koyasan which includes both dinner and breakfast.
The morning ceremony is serenely beautiful and unlike anything your are likely to experience anywhere else. For those whose interest is in scholarly esoteric Buddhism the library at Koyasan is unparalleled.
To fully appreciate this heritage site I most highly recommend you research its history and founding by Kobo Daishi so that you can enjoy the experience most fully
Written 4 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dilbertfan
Surrey, UK449 contributions
Nov 2019
If you are into Japanese statues of warriors, paintings of monks and similar items, then fine, but otherwise this is a modest museum more suited to art enthusiasts.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
voyager52
Newport Beach, CA586 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
We bought the attractions pass from the tourist information center and this was included. It's a small museum but has a very nice displays of statues, books and paintings from monasteries. Definitely worth an hour or so of your time and very uncrowded. We saw only one other person.
Written 5 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wdcwrldtrvlr
Washington DC, DC55 contributions
Mar 2017
The museum is nestled between several temples, so it's an easy addition to your itinerary. If you purchase the Koya-san World Heritage train ticket, make sure to use the discount coupon for 20 percent off museum entry. There is no temperature control inside, so it gets very hot/cold depending on the season; and shoes must be removed prior to entry. The artifacts are from the local Koya-san temples and are most impressive. Most are wood and in excellent condition. Although photos are not permitted, you are able to see the objects up close and really appreciate their size and beauty. As someone who has been to dozens of temples, shrines and museums throughout Asia, this one is worth your time. Allow no more than 30 minutes for your visit.
Written 19 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kd sydney
Sydney, Australia133 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
A lot of the signs are in Japanese with minimal English information, but the beauty and age of some of the displays were astounding! If you're looking for things to fill your day (Koyasan is very easy to cover) then this could be worth your while. Don't make it #1 on your list though, you will see just as many artefacts in the temples.
Written 10 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bic-tastic
Brisbane, Australia83 contributions
Mar 2016
The museum is fine if you are deeply interested in Buddist relics - mostly wooden statues and mandala.
To be fair, we have seen a large number of Buddist temples in our previous travels and there was nothing new to see here (pardon the pun).
Has an entrance fee and is very cold inside (we visited in early spring).
If you are tight on time, I would cut this from your itinerary.
To be fair, we have seen a large number of Buddist temples in our previous travels and there was nothing new to see here (pardon the pun).
Has an entrance fee and is very cold inside (we visited in early spring).
If you are tight on time, I would cut this from your itinerary.
Written 31 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brekatosam
Sydney, Australia184 contributions
Jan 2013 • Family
We visited Koyasan for a day trip from Osaka in January, 2013.
I envy other reviewers who stayed overnight at one of the temple lodgings, but it is also an easy day trip.
In Osaka we bought Koyasan World Heritage Tickets at the Nankai Railway ticket counter at Namba Station. They were about (Australian)$32. This gives you the (about 1.5 hr) train trip to Gokurakubashi station, the (5min) spectacular cable car ride up to Koyasan, unlimited bus rides all day and all return journeys. As well, the ticket includes discount vouchers for some of the attractions and restaurants on Koyasan. The ticket is valid for two days, for those staying overnight. You also get a map and basic information about the attractions, so it is an easy day.
The village on the mountain-top is quite small and level. We rode on the bus into town and back to the cable car, but did not need the shuttles during the day. It was lovely to just walk about and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. It had been snowing, so it was a bit muddy and slippery in places, but the bus goes by regularly if you need it.
We specifically went to Koyasan to enjoy some vegetarian food. The temples serve veg food to guests, but the restaurants in the centre of town also serve vegetarian dishes as well as non-veg food. This was great for us because vegetarian food is hard to find in Japan. We chose Chuo Shokudo Sanbo for lunch after getting advice and directions from the tourist office. It was a fabulous meal.
The temples were lovely to visit, but walking through the huge and beautiful cemetery was the highlight of the day for us, along with lunch!
I envy other reviewers who stayed overnight at one of the temple lodgings, but it is also an easy day trip.
In Osaka we bought Koyasan World Heritage Tickets at the Nankai Railway ticket counter at Namba Station. They were about (Australian)$32. This gives you the (about 1.5 hr) train trip to Gokurakubashi station, the (5min) spectacular cable car ride up to Koyasan, unlimited bus rides all day and all return journeys. As well, the ticket includes discount vouchers for some of the attractions and restaurants on Koyasan. The ticket is valid for two days, for those staying overnight. You also get a map and basic information about the attractions, so it is an easy day.
The village on the mountain-top is quite small and level. We rode on the bus into town and back to the cable car, but did not need the shuttles during the day. It was lovely to just walk about and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. It had been snowing, so it was a bit muddy and slippery in places, but the bus goes by regularly if you need it.
We specifically went to Koyasan to enjoy some vegetarian food. The temples serve veg food to guests, but the restaurants in the centre of town also serve vegetarian dishes as well as non-veg food. This was great for us because vegetarian food is hard to find in Japan. We chose Chuo Shokudo Sanbo for lunch after getting advice and directions from the tourist office. It was a fabulous meal.
The temples were lovely to visit, but walking through the huge and beautiful cemetery was the highlight of the day for us, along with lunch!
Written 29 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaradY
Hong Kong, China46 contributions
We stayed at this temple lodging one night. It is a beautiful zen temple with rooms at the back. This was an opportunity to attend meditation and prayers with a small community of monks.
Lodging is as comfortable as an ryokan. We went during winter low season and the main bath room was not open but the rooms was big and clean with good bedding.
The meals are not to be missed and are gorgeous !
Last koyasan deserves to spend a night to truly experience the beauty and atmosphere of the site.
Lodging is as comfortable as an ryokan. We went during winter low season and the main bath room was not open but the rooms was big and clean with good bedding.
The meals are not to be missed and are gorgeous !
Last koyasan deserves to spend a night to truly experience the beauty and atmosphere of the site.
Written 31 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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