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 home to his mausoleum and serves as the starting and ending point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
After years of wandering Japan in search of an ideal location for his teachings, Kobo Daishi began building the original Garan temple complex in 826. Since then, over a hundred temples have been built along Koyasan's streets. The most significant 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 temple lodging (shukubo), where you can sample a monk's lifestyle, enjoy vegetarian monk cuisine (shojin ryori), and attend morning prayers. Around fifty temples offer this service to both pilgrims and visitors.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Koyasan Tourist Association
- Original name
- Koyasan (Mount Koya)
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.