Koyasan
Perched 800 meters above sea level, Mount Koya (Koyasan) is one of the most sacred places in Japan. More than 1,200 years ago, the monk Kūkai founded a major center of Shingon Buddhism here, and today the village is home to more than a hundred temples set among giant cedar trees. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it still draws many pilgrims, as well as travelers looking for peace and a complete change of scene. Here, you can stay overnight in a temple, share a vegetarian meal with the monks and attend the morning prayer. A unique experience, just two hours from Osaka.
Koyasan at a glance
WHAT TO SEE IN KOYASAN
What SEASON to go to Koyasan?
At 800 meters above sea level, Koyasan is always cooler than Osaka or Kyoto. Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season, with maple leaves turning red and orange, usually in late October and early November. Spring (April to May) is lovely too, with cherry blossoms blooming later than in the lowlands, often in late April.
Summer is ideal if you want to escape the humid heat of the cities, and on August 13, thousands of candles light up Okunoin Cemetery during the Candle Festival (Rosoku Matsuri). Winter is cold and often snowy, but the village under snow is incredibly charming and draws far fewer visitors.
