Mount Koya (高野山, Kōyasan) is the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), one of Japan's most significant religious figures. A small, secluded temple town has developed around the sect's headquarters that Kobo Daishi built on Koyasan's wooded mountaintop. It is also the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum and the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
Kobo Daishi began construction on the original Garan temple complex in 826 after wandering the country for years in search of a suitable place to center his religion. Since then over one hundred temples have sprung up along the streets of Koyasan. The most important among them are Kongobuji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, and Okunoin, the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum.
Koyasan is also one of the best places to experience an overnight stay at a temple lodging (shukubo) where you can get a taste of a monk's lifestyle, eating vegetarian monk's cuisine (shojin ryori) and attending the morning prayers. Around fifty temples offer this service to both pilgrims and visitors.
Top attractions in Mount Koya
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Getting there and around
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Links and Resources
Hotels around Mount Koya
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Guest House hachi hachiOffering quiet street views, Guest House hachi hachi is an accommodation situated in Koyasan, 37 km from Kishi Station and 43 km from Matsushita Park. The 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The accommodation features full-day security and bicycle parking for guests. At the guest house, each unit includes a desk. The units are equipped with heating facilities. A bicycle rental service is available at the guest house. Wanpaku Park is 45 km from Guest House hachi hachi, while Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 46 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 60 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Koyasan Guesthouse KokuuLocated just 40 km from Kishi Station, Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu offers accommodation in Koyasan with access to a terrace, a bar, as well as luggage storage space. It is set 45 km from Subaru Hall and features bicycle parking. The guest house provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement. At the guest house, every unit includes a shared bathroom with slippers. A continental breakfast is available daily at the guest house. The area is popular for hiking, and bike hire is available at this 1-star guest house. Matsushita Park is 47 km from Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu. Kansai International Airport is 63 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Guest House Suzumeno KakuremboFeaturing 2-star accommodation, Guest House Suzumeno Kakurembo is set in Koyasan, 37 km from Kishi Station and 44 km from Matsushita Park. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, full-day security and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. Jigenin Temple is 47 km from the guest house and Subaru Hall is 48 km away. At the guest house, some units are soundproof. Wanpaku Park is 46 km from the guest house, while Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 46 km away. Kansai International Airport is 60 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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SojiinSojiin, located in the center of Mt. Koya, is a Japanese-style accommodation in a Buddhist temple located to the west of Sohonzan Kongobu-ji and in front of Danjo Garan. For dinner and breakfast, we offer gluten-free vegetarian cuisine. Sojiin is 42 km from Sakai. The nearest airport is Kansai International Airport, 40km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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SekishoinFounded 1100 years ago and located in Mount Koyasan, guests can experience staying in a historical Buddhist temple at Sekishoin Shukubo. Japanese-style rooms are offered. Koyasan Cable Train Station is a 15-minute drive away. All rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Some rooms have free Wi-Fi access. A private bathroom is provided in rooms at the New Wing, and rooms in the Main Wing have shared bathrooms and toilets. Heating is available in all rooms. Sekishoin has a beautiful traditional garden and a drink vending machine is on-site. Photocopying and luggage storage is available. Guests can participate in monastic activities during the morning service. Traditional vegetarian cuisines are available for breakfast and dinner. All meals are served at the dining room. Sekishoin is a 10-minute walk from Kongobu-ji Temple and a 15-minute walk from the Tokugawa Family Tomb. Guests can visit various other temples in the area.View on Booking.com -
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Kongo SanmaiinSituated in the famous Koyasan city, Kongo Sanmaiin is a property with 800 years of history. It boasts having a national treasure as well as over 10 important cultural properties on site. There is a Japanese garden and free on-site private parking is offered. Guests will find free WiFi connection available in some guest rooms. There is a drinks vending machine, and fax/photocopying services are offered for free. The property features a designated smoking area. Luggage storage space and personal lockers are offered free of charge. Guestrooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Rooms are air-conditioned/heated with a personal locker and a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, while free toiletries and slippers are provided. Vegetarian course meals are offered on site.View on Booking.com
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