Koyasan

高野山

Sacred mountain monastery complex and UNESCO site featuring Kongobuji Temple and the atmospheric Okunoin cemetery shrouded in towering cryptomeria trees. Visitors can experience Buddhist monk life through shukubo temple stays, vegetarian cuisine, and meditation in this spiritually significant location.

Things to do

• Okunoin Cemetery Walk — Wander through the atmospheric two-kilometer path lined with towering cryptomeria trees and 200,000 moss-covered graves, ending at the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi.
• Kongobuji Temple — Explore the chief temple of Koyasan featuring ornate halls, the famous rock garden, and intricate Buddhist artwork representing the Shingon sect.
• Shukubo Temple Stay — Spend a night in a working monastery participating in dawn prayers, meditation, and receiving Buddhist teachings directly from monks.
• Danjo Garan Sacred Grounds — Visit this ancient temple complex with its iconic Kondo hall and five-story pagoda representing the mandala cosmology of Shingon Buddhism.
• Reihokan Museum — Discover treasures including Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and calligraphy spanning over 1,200 years of religious and artistic heritage.
• Torodo Festival (August) — Experience the magical sight of 10,000 stone lanterns illuminated throughout Okunoin cemetery during this annual two-day Buddhist memorial event.
• Mount Koya Cable Car and Forest Walks — Ride the scenic ropeway up the mountain or hike forest trails between temples to appreciate the natural mountain sanctuary.

Food to try

• Shojin Ryori — Elaborate multi-course vegetarian Buddhist cuisine prepared by temple cooks using seasonal mountain vegetables, tofu, and traditional preparation methods.
• Gobo Tempura — Crispy battered burdock root—a local specialty that exemplifies Koyasan's vegetarian temple cuisine tradition.
• Goma Dofu — Creamy sesame tofu dessert with a nutty flavor and delicate texture, commonly served as a final course in temple meals.
• Koyasan Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting — Visit local sake breweries on the mountain to sample sake crafted using Koyasan's pure spring water and learn traditional brewing methods.
• Tororo Soba — Buckwheat noodles topped with grated mountain yam, a light and refreshing dish suited to the mountain climate and vegetarian diet.

Local customs & good to know

• Remove Shoes in Temple Spaces — Always remove footwear when entering temple halls, meditation rooms, and accommodation areas as a sign of respect and spiritual purification.
• Maintain Quiet Reverence — Speak softly and move deliberately throughout the sacred grounds, particularly in Okunoin cemetery where visitors are walking among the deceased.
• Participate Respectfully in Shukubo Activities — If staying overnight, join all scheduled activities including early morning prayer services; wearing provided robes and maintaining meditation posture demonstrates cultural respect.
• Purchase Omamori and Pay Respects Properly — Buy protective amulets at temple shops and understand that leaving offerings at graves and altars follows Buddhist practice—ask monks for proper etiquette.