Shruti Malhotra
Kobo Daishi, additionally referred to as Kukai, one in every of Japan’s most outstanding non secular iconic figures, introduced the Shingon sect of Buddhism to Japan in 805, and Mount Koya (Kōyasan) is its center. On top of Koyasan, amid the forest, lies the sect’s headquarters, which Kobo Daishi constructed. A tiny, remoted temple village has grown up around it. In addition to being the beginning and finishing points of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, it’s also the location of Kobo Daishi’s tomb.
After years of travelling the land in quest of the perfect website to middle his religion, Kobo Daishi started out building the preliminary Garan temple complicated in 826. There have been greater than 100 temples built alongside Koyasan’s streets given that then. Among these, the largest ones are Kongobuji, the Shingon Buddhist predominant temple, and Okunoin, the location of Kobo Daishi’s grave.
You can also get a flavor of what it is like to stay like a monk via spending the night time in a temple hostel at Koyasan and participating in morning prayers and vegetarian monk food. Travelers and pilgrims can take advantage of this provider at approximately fifty-one of a kind temples.
What Makes a Trip to Koyasan, Japan So Special?
Mount Koya, or Koyasan, is a spiritually profound site that brought us profound inspiration and a profound sense of oneness with our environment, allowing us to fully appreciate the rich history and breathtaking scenery that surround us. Less than two hours by rail from Osaka or Wakayama brings you this sacred mountain with a complex of 117 Buddhist temples, making it a reasonably simple destination for a one- or two-day excursion.
Koyasan, hidden in the mountains, exudes an enchanting aura. Over a hundred temples and several significant sites for Japanese Buddhism may be found at Koyasan, a site recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Mount Koya, home to the Koyasan Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, is a popular site for pilgrims and sightseers both thanks to its abundance of historical sites, cultural artifacts, and beautiful scenery.
Activities That Are Among the Best in Koyasan
The top attractions to include in your Koyasan itinerary are as follows:
Spend the Night at a Temple Devoted to Buddhism
Among the top Koyasan attractions is shukubo, or a stay in a temple. You could technically do this anywhere in Japan, but Koyasan is where it’s at its finest. This service is provided by 52 out of 117 Koyasan temples.
A night’s stay at a Buddhist temple is about much more than that. Indulge in the traditional Shojin Ryori food while witnessing the monks go about their daily routines (including meditation in the evening and chanting in the morning or a fire ceremony). The rituals and practices observed by each temple are unique.
Go to Japan’s Biggest Cemetery, Okunoin
Of all the sights in Koyasan, Okunoin is likely the most well-known. It is said that Kobo Daishi resides in endless meditation in this vast Japanese graveyard. Overlooking more than 200,000 gravestones, the cemetery is nestled in a woodland adorned with majestic cedar trees. Beginning at the cemetery entrance, a stone road winds its way to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi.
A tranquil stroll among the towering trees, past ancient gravestones encrusted with moss, is the only way to put it. Among all the places we’ve been, Okunoin ranks among the most picturesque and tranquil.
Discover the Glory of Okunoin at Night
Taking a night tour of Okunoin is something we highly recommend if you’re staying overnight in Koyasan. Your experience at Koyasan will be truly enhanced by taking a night tour, regardless of whether you have previously visited the cemetery during the day or intend to do so the following day.
During the night, the illumination of Okunoin’s lanterns adds a special touch to an already breathtaking picture. In a lucky moment, you might even be able to make out the screeching of the flying squirrels.
After dinner at your temple stay, the tour will begin at 7 o’clock in the evening. One of the monks from Koyasan will show you around the cemetery.
Indulge in a Classic Shojin Ryori Dinner
When accommodations in a Buddhist temple in Koyasan, dinner and breakfast are covered. Additionally, you may get the opportunity to partake inside the customary meal, Shojin Ryori, for the reason that you may be spending the day in their employer.
Veganism isn’t always the only tenet of Buddhist cuisine; Shojin Ryori goes beyond that. Because it exemplifies the Buddhist principle of respecting all lifestyles, Shojin Ryori is suitable for vegetarians as nicely. Additionally, garlic and some other components with strong flavors aren’t allowed.
There are five flavors—sweet, sour, salty, sour, and umami—and five methods to put together them—uncooked, baked, fried, boiling, and steaming—in every of the 5-vegan food. The shades—red, blue, black, and white—complement the five flavors.
Where is Koyasan and How Can You Get There?
Getting to Koyasan from Osaka is a breeze with the train. You can reach Koyasan in 1 hour and eighteen minutes by using one of the direct trains or another express train that costs ¥1680. You opted for the Nankai-Koya Line, which takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes and costs ¥890, because you always aim to take the most cost-effective train alternatives. The route begins with an express train to Hashimoto, and then you transfer to a local train to Gagurakubashi.
You can get around Koyasan using one of the offered travel passes. Buy the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket and enjoy cheap entrance to chosen tourist destinations for up to two consecutive days, unlimited bus rides inside Koyasan, and round-trip train fare. Those planning a two-day stay or who wish to take the buses around Koyasan could find it intriguing, but it was not worthwhile for a day trip.
Would You Like to Know When to Visit Koyasan?
The colorful autumn leaves around Koyasan is most beautiful in the months of October and November. The weather was mild (around 10-15 degrees Celsius) and the leaves were beginning to change color if you visited in the middle of October.
We were fortunate enough to witness a spectacular fusion of seasons on our visit to Koyasan in mid-November, when the temperature dropped to roughly 0 degrees. A sudden snowstorm began to cover the tranquil environment and old temples just as the fall leaves were starting to fade. A delicate dusting of snowflakes fell onto the vibrant leaves, enhancing its natural beauty and casting a shadow of impending winter.
But be warned, the temperature drops significantly in the winter. We read multiple reviews from overnight guests about how chilly it got in some temples’ common areas when the heating system was turned off or on low. So, we debated whether or not to spend the night at Koyasan. Because of the altitude and relative coolness compared to the rest of Japan, summertime in the mountains must also be very pleasant.
Things you should know and useful tips
When you’re making plans to visit Koyasan, we hope these travel suggestions will come in handy! We definitely recommend Koyasan to anyone vacationing in Osaka or Wakayama, as it has quickly become one of our favorite Japanese places.
- A warm climate-appropriate garment is advised due to the usual temperature range of 10°C to 11°C in the mountains. Typically, the coldest months are January and February, when we may expect temperatures below freezing and even snow on occasion. End of March is when temperatures typically top 10°C. Mid-August is when it gets really hot, and late September is when it gets really nice.
- Audio tours about the history of Koyasan can be rented at the headquarters of the Koyasan Shukubo Association. Available languages encompass English, French, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. Visitors are strongly encouraged to make advance reservations for private and bespoke guided tours to Koyasan.
- You may choose a variety of Koyasan transportation passes that also come with discounts on souvenirs and temple admission costs.
- Typically, only cash is accepted at Shukubo temple retreats, no credit cards. You can find those that sell booze. Koyasan Shukubo Association is the place to make reservations.
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