Region
Kansai
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Wakayama
Population
1,069,839

Mount Koya

Encounter spiritual Japan at one of its holiest destinations.

Solemn prayers resound deep in the mountains of Wakayama. At the top of Mount Koya, an isolated Buddhist retreat has been in quiet operation since it was established in the 9th century by Kobo-Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and an important religious figure in Japan.

Shielded by ancient cedar forests and literally elevated above the worries of modern society, Koyasan remains a Buddhist sanctuary devoted to serious study and contemplation—while also inviting complete novices to experience an overnight stay and morning prayer at one of its elegant temples.

Don't miss the chance to experience an overnight temple stay on Mount Koya, Wakayama

Don’t miss the chance to experience an overnight temple stay on Mount Koya.

Danjo Garan was the original temple complex built by Kobo-Daishi when he returned from studying esoteric Buddhism in China. As you walk around, you’ll spot assemblies of robed monks diligently weaving through the multiple halls and pagodas. In nearby Kongobuji, you can check out the largest rock garden in Japan.

Head east, bow before crossing the Ichinohashi Bridge, and you’ll enter sacred Okunoin cemetery. Kobo-Daishi’s mausoleum is located deep in the forest, and to reach it you’ll have to cross two kilometers of the 300,000 tombstones of people who wished to receive salvation from the spiritual leader in death.

The cool mountain forest is often engulfed by mist, lending a strange and mystical atmosphere to the gravestones, Jizo statues, and stone lanterns lining the path, all of it overgrown with moss.

Okunoin cemetery on Mount Koya

Follow the path through mist-shrouded Okunoin cemetery to reach Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum.

It’s believed that Kobo-Daishi is not dead, but resting in his mausoleum in a state of eternal meditation, awaiting the arrival of the Buddha of the Future. The Torodo (Hall of Lamps) in front of it is a breathtakingly worshipful place, filled with lanterns that are kept eternally lit. The surrounding area is hushed and peaceful, and a wonderful place to quietly wander through.

The practice of dressing Jizo statues in wool hats and bibs helps people gain favor in the afterlife,

Temples have proliferated in this holy town, and over 50 of them offer overnight accommodation to visitors. Cozy and private, the rooms are closer in style to a minimalist ryokan than the austerity one might expect from a monk’s life. They’re a great opportunity to try shojin ryori—vegetarian temple cuisine—as well as a meditative (very) early morning prayer session led by the monks. Just ask them if you can join the night before and they will set aside a place for you.

The official Koyasan website run by the Koyasan Shukubo Association offers information on arranging a temple stay on Mount Koya. You can check the listings here: http://eng.shukubo.net/temple-lodging.html

How To Get There

Address

20 Kōyasan, Kōya-chō, Ito-gun, Wakayama-ken 648-0211, Japan

By train

The nearest train station is Gokurakubashi (100-120 minutes from Osaka). From there, a cable car runs to the top of Koyasan (¥500), where you can transfer to a bus to the town centre. The ride is short, but walking here is not allowed as the roads are too narrow for pedestrians alongside the traffic.


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