What to know
Koyasan (高野山, Kōyasan) is the spiritual heart of Shingon Buddhism, a major Buddhist sect introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), one of the country's most revered religious figures. A small, secluded temple town has grown around the sect's headquarters, which Kobo Daishi established on Koyasan's forested mountaintop. It is also the site of his mausoleum and serves as both the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
After years of wandering Japan in search of the ideal location for his teachings, Kobo Daishi began building the original Garan temple complex in 826. Since then, over a hundred temples have appeared along Koyasan's streets. The most important are Kongobuji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, and Okunoin, where Kobo Daishi's mausoleum is located.
Koyasan is also one of the best places to experience an overnight temple lodging (shukubo), where you can sample a monk's lifestyle, enjoy vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori), and attend morning prayers. About fifty temples offer this service to both pilgrims and regular visitors.
Activities and attractions
Temple Lodging (Shukubo)Overnight at a Buddhist temple
Okunoin TempleTemple where Kobo Daishi is enshrined
Kongobuji TempleHead monastery of the Shingon sect
GaranKoyasan's central temple complex
Reihokan MuseumDisplays many of Koyasan’s cultural treasures
Pilgrimage TrailsHiking and walking trails to and around Koyasan
Daishi KyokaiCenter offering Buddhist activities and lectures
Tokugawa MausoleumKoyasan mausoleum of the Tokugawa family