Koya Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Fall Breeze and Autumn Leaves in Japan

One of the best places to admire the autumn colors in Wakayama Prefecture is in the mountains of Koyasan. The best time to visit this place is late October until early November. Expect a crowd of tourist on this place so better go early to enjoy the experience. You can reach Koyasan from Gobo, Wakayama for about 1.5Hrs by car. Be ready with a cold weather since this place is situated in a mountain. More than the different colors of autumn leaves, you can enjoy the huge temples. It is said to be the home of 100 buddhist temples. #japanautumn

Mount Koyasan is a magical place, high in the mountains about 2 hours by train from Osaka. It is the “headquarters” of Shinto Buddhism, which gives it a very peaceful atmosphere. You can sleep in a local temple and enjoy a vegetarian meal, see the photo for a feel of how many different dishes. Tip: after dinner take a walk through town, even more serene and in my opinion an unforgettable experience.

A religious city steeped in age-old traditions 🇯🇵

#japantrip Mount Koya, a religious city steeped in age-old traditions, is arguably Japan's most mystical sacred mountain. This enchanting destination cannot be merely described; it must be experienced. Koyasan, with its hostel temples and necropolis forest, offers an invitation to spirituality and reflection. Historically secluded, this sacred enclave has preserved its profound atmosphere, making it a unique retreat for those seeking solace and insight. Visitors can stay in temple lodgings (shukubo), partake in morning prayers, and explore the serene, wooded cemetery of Okunoin. The timeless traditions and serene environment of Mount Koya provide a deeply enriching experience, blending spirituality, history, and nature in a way that touches the soul.

Japan’s most sacred mountain 🇯🇵

#japantrip Of all the mountains in Wakayama Prefecture, Mount Koya stands proudly as one of Japan’s most sacred sites. Over 1200 years ago, the revered monk Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai) chose this mountaintop to establish his Esoteric Buddhist dojo. Today, Mount Koya remains a profound spiritual center, home to over 100 temples and monasteries. Visitors can stay in temple lodgings (shukubo), participate in morning prayers, and savor traditional vegetarian monk’s cuisine. The serene, wooded environment and historical depth offer a unique retreat, blending spirituality, history, and natural beauty. Exploring Mount Koya provides an enriching journey into the heart of Japanese Buddhism, reflecting centuries of devotion and cultural heritage.

A designated National Treasure built

Very good experience to learn shingo buddhism intorduced by kobo daishi. 1000 yen to enter and see more sights but you can't take pictures in the inside, only the outer area like the rocks and greenery. While it is architecturally satisfying from the outside, take off your shoes and step through the doors and you'll be rewarded by Kongobuji Temple's beautiful interior. We were also able to view the Koya Fire Festival (Spring ceremony for the opening of the climbing season at Mt. Koya, and the Buddhist rite of cedar-stick burning). #瑞生尖沙咀酒店

Mount Koya in Japan | The place where Master Kukai lectured, the largest dry landscape garden in Japan

Kongobuji Temple, is one of the must-see places in Mount Koya. ❤Recommended reasons: 🌟Kukai founded the Shingon sect in Mount Koya, and Kongobuji Temple is the head temple of the Shingon sect and the place where Master Kukai lectured. 🌟Unlike the common temples full of gods and Buddhas, there are no Buddha statues in the few halls open to the public in Kongobuji Temple, but the layered screens in several rooms are impressive. 🌟These paintings by the monk Kano Tan'yu, whether they are detailed flowers and birds or freehand landscapes, cherry blossoms and peonies in spring, stream maple leaves in autumn, are full of magic that lights up people's hearts in an instant. 🗾Banryutei ✅Passing through the corridor, you will pass a beautiful courtyard. On the ground of the courtyard, like the dry landscape of Renjo-in, a large 'A' is written. ✅The Shingon sect belongs to the Eastern Esoteric Buddhism, and its doctrinal point is that all phenomena in the universe return to 'A'. ✅'A' is the absolute entity of all dharmas, neither born nor destroyed, neither dirty nor clean, neither increasing nor decreasing. ✅Looking at the 'A' character and contemplating the heart is the contemplation of the Bodhi mind in the Shingon sect. 🙏Highlights: 🌟At the end of the building is the kitchen operation room of the temple, etc. 🌟From the outside to the inside, all are open for people to visit, conveying the scene of Kukai's teaching and living here. 🚌Transportation: Take the Nankai Rinkan bus from Nankai Koyasan Station and get off at 'Kongobuji-mae' ⏰Opening hours 8:30-17:00 💰Ticket price 500JPY

King Kong Peak Temple Japan's ancient Yizheng of the total mountain, the first for Toyotomi Hideyoshi built for his mother-in-law blessing, with Japan's largest dry mountain garden - , from more than 100 different sizes of stone depicting the male and female in the sea of clouds Dragon. If you use your imagination, take a closer look at the center stone of Figure 1. You can still see the look of the dragon face! (This is the head of the female dragon) There is also an A-character experience course in the temple.

On our recent trip to Japan we visited a number of busy cities and we wanted to have a couple of days out and Mount Koya was a great choice. It took us a couple of hours and a number of train rides to get there but it was absolutely worth it. A very tranquil little town Koyasan was set among centuries old pine forests and the quiet Buddhist temples and serene setting was just what we needed to take a break from the neon lights. All the notable sights are within walking distance and the air is so clear you would be silly not to take leisurely strolls around the parks and the beautiful Okunoin cemetery. A tourist office in the heart of town can provide you more information on the sights and important events. This is one of the most spiritual places in Japan. Not yet part of the standard tourist trip in Japan but it’s worth a visit. I suggest to sleep in a temple to really feel the atmosphere of the place. #givethanks #givethanks

The small mountaintop Buddhist community of Mount Koya (Koyasan) is one of Japan’s most magical, if increasingly popular, destinations and the perfect place to spend a night at a Buddhist temple in shukubo temple lodgings. Located in a remote wooded area of Wakayama Prefecture, south of Kyoto and Osaka, Koyasan (as it is called in Japanese) is the headquarters of the Shingon school of Buddhism, and home to more than 100 temples and monasteries.

Osaka Surrounding Tours Don't just know about Nara, find out where the locals in Japan go for fun

Recommended the following three destinations to introduce to everyone one by one 📍Detailed Address: Ise Jingu Shrine Nachi Falls Kumano Kodo Trail 🗓Itinerary: From Osaka, head south towards the southern coastline. Nachi Falls. Although it can't compare to the grandeur of domestic waterfalls, being just a gentle stream, the ancient temples and trees surrounding the waterfall, and the scenic mountain roads along the way, are worth experiencing. Continue along the coastline to the east, and you will find many Kumano Kodo trail markers, each serving as a scenic lookout. Further east, all the way to the seaside is the famous Ise Jingu Shrine, one of the most prestigious shrines in all of Japan. The focus is on the Edo-period architecture at the entrance of the shrine, with lots of delicious food, making it very photogenic. ⏳Play Time: I visited in spring, a very comfortable season. Generally, spring and autumn are good times to visit anywhere. 🚉Transportation Tips: You can fly to either Osaka or Nagoya. Then take JR or drive yourself. 💰Average Cost: Tickets for these attractions are very cheap, or even free. It's basically just the cost of flights, hotels, car rentals, and meals. 🌟Highlights: The natural landscape is integrated with the cultural landscape. They complement each other.

Japanese Historical Cultural Landmark|Ise Shrine (1474)

|Ise Shrine (1474). Ise Shrine in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, is one of the most important shrines in Japan and is also known as the spiritual pillar of Japan. Its establishment dates back to no later than the Emperor Tenmu period in 690, and it is a shrine that brings together elements of ancient Japanese architecture, culture, history, etc.

Explore the spiritual homeland of the Japanese on a pilgrimage to the ancient Kumano Kodo in Kansai

🎐 Discover Japan's most mysterious Koyasan, part of the 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range' 🙏, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO 🌏. Walking the Kumano Kodo 🚶🏻‍♂️ is the most direct way to experience Japanese culture 🙋‍. The shrines and temples scattered among the towering mountains ⛩ silently tell the vicissitudes of the ancient pilgrimage road... - 【Tour Highlights】 Pilgrimage to the World Heritage Koyasan ⛰ Experience temple Zen activities Walk the pilgrimage Kumano Kodo 🚶🏻‍♂️ Enjoy the world-class pilgrimage trail Watch the tuna disassembly show 🐟 Kansai's coolest Kuroshio Seafood Market Explore the beautiful mountain and sea scenery of Shirahama 🌊 Full Moon Island, Chikushi, Three-Section Wall Explore the mysterious mermaid of a thousand years 🤔 Toba Ama performance Pilgrimage to the highest shrine in this life ⛩ The spiritual home of the Japanese, Ise Jingu - 【Encounter on the way】 ✅Wakayama｜Kuroshio Market, Kotama Tram, Wakayama Castle, Full Moon Island, Chikushi, Three-Section Wall ✅Koyasan｜Buddha chanting, Aji view, copying scriptures, Kongobuji, Danjogaran, Okunoin ✅Kumano Kodo｜Nakahechi, Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji, Nachi Waterfall ✅Mie｜Meoto Iwa, Hinjitsukan, Pearl Museum, Ama performance, Toba Aquarium, Ise Jingu - 【Accommodation】 🏡Ichijoin Shukubo｜A traditional temple in Koyasan, with highly valuable buildings and Buddha statues, offering delicious vegetarian meals and thoughtful service 🏡Hamachidori no Yu Kaishu｜Meet the sea in the guest room, enjoy a happy bath overlooking the sea, and relax 🏡Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima Hotel｜Located on Aoi Island Nakanoshima, all rooms have magnificent sea views and quiet space 🏡Amanemu｜Located on the coast of Ago Bay, following traditional Japanese style, enjoy natural hot springs, walk on the solitary island 🏡Conrad Osaka｜Located in the art-famous Nakanoshima, enjoy the beautiful river view and Osaka skyline - 【Delicacies】 🍱Shojin Ryori｜Originating from Buddhism, dishes made with plant-based ingredients. Stimulate the freshest natural flavor in vegetables 🐮Matsusaka Beef｜Highly marbled, tender and juicy meat, melts in your mouth, known as the 'artwork in meat' 🎏Ise Bay Seafood｜The most representative 'Ise Lobster' is incredibly delicious, the luxurious lobster cuisine will definitely make you stunned

Niiname-no-Matsuri - Japanese holiday🎉

Niiname-no-Matsuri, a Japanese holiday that takes place on Nov 23, is an exciting time to visit the country. This festival, steeped in history and regarded as an important event by the imperial family, celebrates the bountiful autumn harvest and expresses gratitude for the year's new crops, especially rice. During this festive occasion, freshly harvested grains are dedicated at shrines to show reverence for agriculture and thankfulness towards the deities. At the heart of the celebration is the tasting of the newly harvested rice, with the emperor himself responsible for confirming its deliciousness. Prayers and offerings are also made to the gods, seeking the nation's prosperity and well-being. #Japan #festival #holiday

Explore the spiritual homeland of the Japanese on a pilgrimage to the ancient Kumano Kodo in Kansai

🎐 Discover Japan's most mysterious Koyasan, part of the 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range' 🙏, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO 🌏. Walking the Kumano Kodo 🚶🏻‍♂️ is the most direct way to experience Japanese culture 🙋‍. The shrines and temples scattered among the towering mountains ⛩ silently tell the vicissitudes of the ancient pilgrimage road... - 【Tour Highlights】 Pilgrimage to the World Heritage Koyasan ⛰ Experience temple Zen activities Walk the pilgrimage Kumano Kodo 🚶🏻‍♂️ Enjoy the world-class pilgrimage trail Watch the tuna disassembly show 🐟 Kansai's coolest Kuroshio Seafood Market Explore the beautiful mountain and sea scenery of Shirahama 🌊 Full Moon Island, Chikushi, Three-Section Wall Explore the mysterious mermaid of a thousand years 🤔 Toba Ama performance Pilgrimage to the highest shrine in this life ⛩ The spiritual home of the Japanese, Ise Jingu - 【Encounter on the way】 ✅Wakayama｜Kuroshio Market, Kotama Tram, Wakayama Castle, Full Moon Island, Chikushi, Three-Section Wall ✅Koyasan｜Buddha chanting, Aji view, copying scriptures, Kongobuji, Danjogaran, Okunoin ✅Kumano Kodo｜Nakahechi, Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji, Nachi Waterfall ✅Mie｜Meoto Iwa, Hinjitsukan, Pearl Museum, Ama performance, Toba Aquarium, Ise Jingu - 【Accommodation】 🏡Ichijoin Shukubo｜A traditional temple in Koyasan, with highly valuable buildings and Buddha statues, offering delicious vegetarian meals and thoughtful service 🏡Hamachidori no Yu Kaishu｜Meet the sea in the guest room, enjoy a happy bath overlooking the sea, and relax 🏡Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima Hotel｜Located on Aoi Island Nakanoshima, all rooms have magnificent sea views and quiet space 🏡Amanemu｜Located on the coast of Ago Bay, following traditional Japanese style, enjoy natural hot springs, walk on the solitary island 🏡Conrad Osaka｜Located in the art-famous Nakanoshima, enjoy the beautiful river view and Osaka skyline - 【Delicacies】 🍱Shojin Ryori｜Originating from Buddhism, dishes made with plant-based ingredients. Stimulate the freshest natural flavor in vegetables 🐮Matsusaka Beef｜Highly marbled, tender and juicy meat, melts in your mouth, known as the 'artwork in meat' 🎏Ise Bay Seafood｜The most representative 'Ise Lobster' is incredibly delicious, the luxurious lobster cuisine will definitely make you stunned