Koyasan
Japan · Wakayama · 900 m
Description
Koyasan (高野山) is a secluded Buddhist center in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture and one of Japan’s most sacred places. Founded in 816 by the monk Kukai as the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, it is known for its more than 100 temples, traditional shukubo temple lodgings, vegetarian shojin ryori cuisine, and morning prayer ceremonies. Particularly impressive is Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery, where a pilgrimage path lined with centuries-old cedar trees passes more than 200,000 tombstones and memorial monuments on the way to Kukai’s mausoleum. Koyasan combines Buddhist tradition, a deeply spiritual atmosphere, and a striking mountain setting and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – May or October – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Okunoin Cemetery & Kobo Daishi Mausoleum
- Shukubo temple lodging & Buddhist morning prayers
- Danjo Garan sacred temple complex
- Kongobuji Head Temple & Banryutei Rock Garden
- Konpon Daito Pagoda
- Okunoin night walk
- Shojin ryori Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
- Morning prayers & meditation with monks
- Koyasan Choishi-michi pilgrimage trail (UNESCO)
- Daimon Gate
- Koyasan Reihokan Museum
- Kongosanmaiin Temple & two-story pagoda
- Karukayado Temple
- Nyonindo Hall
- Tokugawa Clan Mausoleum
- Koyasan pilgrimage town
- Women Pilgrims Route (Nyonin-michi)
- Benten-dake hike
- Koyasan autumn foliage (October - November)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Gokurakubashi