Suggested Koyasan 2-Day Itinerary

The following is a suggested 2-day itinerary for average-paced travelers which takes you through Koyasan, the center of Shingon Buddhism. Parts of the route, namely the Women Pilgrims Course, follow a nature trail, and proper walking shoes are recommended, especially during or after wet weather.

Day 1: Okunoin and Temple Lodging

Start

Start at Koyasan Station

Bus

15 minutes

Karukayado-mae bus stop

Walk

5 minutes

Okunoin Temple

Temple where Kobo Daishi is enshrined 2-3 hours

Okunoin is the site of the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism and an important figure in the religious history of Japan. The grounds contain a huge graveyard of those who want to be close to Kobo Daishi.

Walk

20 minutes

Head to your temple lodging in the town by bus or on foot

Temple Lodging

Overnight at a Buddhist temple

Stay overnight at a temple lodging (shukubo) and participate in the temple activities like meditation. Facilities at a shukubo tend to be simple, and meals served are vegetarian monks' cuisine (shojin ryori).

Finish

Day 2: Temples and a Pilgrimage Trail

Start

Check out of the temple lodging after breakfast

Walk

Kongobuji Temple

Head monastery of the Shingon sect 45-60 minutes

Kongobuji Temple is a large temple where visitors can see exquisitely painted fusuma doors from the 16th and 17th centuries. The rock garden in the back of the temple is one of Japan's largest.

Walk

5 minutes

Garan

Koyasan's central temple complex 45 minutes

The Garan consists of several buildings, of which the two most prominent ones are the Kondo Hall and the Konpon Daito Pagoda. Of note is also the Chumon Gate which was reconstructed recently.

Walk

10 minutes

Daimon Gate

Large vermilion gate 5 minutes

A large, two-story tall gate that marks the traditional entrance to Koyasan.

Women Pilgrims Course

Hiking trail that was traditionally for women 60 minutes

The Women Pilgrims Course leads around the town of Koyasan and was built for women who were banned from entering the town before 1872. We walk the section from the Daimon Gate to the only surviving Nyonindo Hall, halls built for female pilgrims.

Nyonindo bus stop

Bus

5 minutes

Finish

Koyasan Station

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Budget:

- Guest House hachi hachi
  Budget-friendly
  
  Offering 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. The nearest airport is Kansai International Airport, 60 km from the accommodation.
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- Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located 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.
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- Koyasan Guest House Tommy
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located within 38 km of Kishi Station and 45 km of Matsushita Park, Koyasan Guest House Tommy provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Koyasan. Among the facilities at this property are luggage storage space and bicycle parking, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The guest house features family rooms. At the guest house, every unit has a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. A fridge and kettle are also provided. The units are equipped with heating facilities. There is a coffee shop on-site. Wanpaku Park is 47 km from the guest house, while Subaru Hall is 47 km away. Kansai International Airport is 61 km from the property.
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- Guest House Suzumeno Kakurembo
  Budget-friendly
  
  Featuring 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.
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- Sojiin
  Luxury
  
  Sojiin, 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.
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- Kongo Sanmaiin
  Budget-friendly
  
  Situated 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.
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- Koyasan Shukubo Sainanin
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located in Koyasan, Koyasan Shukubo Sainanin is a historic temple approximately 1100 years old and located 300 metres from Daimon Gate. All rooms features tatami (woven-straw) flooring. The property has a hot spring bath with free toiletries. Guests can attend Buddhist morning services. There is a coffee shop on site. Kansai International Airport is 90 minutes by car from Koyasan Shukubo Sainanin.
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