Wakayama Prefecture is an underrated gem, offering breathtaking scenery and rich traditional culture that’s waiting to be explored.

Among its most fascinating spots is the expansive temple complex atop the 800-meter-high Mt. Koya, or Koyasan as it’s often called.

This serene basin, nestled between 1,000-meter-tall mountains and shaped like a giant lotus flower, is home to numerous temple precincts.

As you step into the grounds of Kongobu-ji Temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, you’re greeted with sweeping mountain views that feel like stepping into another world.

In this guide, we’ll share what to see and how to fully experience the sacred inner sanctuary of Kongobu-ji Temple.

The mountain, Koyasan, is the sanctuary where a renowned Buddhist scholar, Kobo Daishi, practiced meditation, and it is seen as one of the most sacred areas. The sanctuary is about two kilometers from the Ichinohashi entrance. Tens of thousands of graves are along the path of worship that runs through the Osugi forest, and a majestic atmosphere fills the air. After sunset, the glimmering light from the stone lanterns creates a subtle and profound atmosphere that is very alluring.

Staying at a shukubo so as to leisurely spend time sightseeing will better enable you to get a deeper understanding of Koyasan. Shukubo are lodgings for pilgrims at temples and shrines. They are beautiful spaces where you can wander around historic buildings and gardens, enjoy Buddhist cuisine, and even experience various kinds of “ascetic” training.

Because there’s so much to do even in this one spot, we’ve put together a one-day training experience at the shukubo near Okunoin and a tour that allows you to visit Okunoin at night.

Of the 117 temples on Mt. Koya, about 50 have shukubo. One of them, Shukubo Ekoin, is just a short walk from the Okunoin Ichinobashi Entrance, where Kobo Daishi built a five-story pagoda.

Here at Shukubo Ekoin, you can experience one-day ascetic training. Let’s examine what that entails.

Ajikan is an esoteric form of meditation conducted in the Ajikan Dojo from 4:30 PM for about 30 minutes. In front of a lotus flower with “A” written in Sanskrit (representing Dainichi Nyorai), one corrects one's posture, adjusts one's breathing, and tries to feel at one with the world.

Clearing one’s mind of unnecessary thoughts is not easy, but you’ll feel refreshed afterward. It is good to practice at those times when you return home feeling irritated.

Copying sutras is one of the simplest training methods practiced since ancient times. Here, it is done by tracing over a faintly printed sutra with a brush pen. This is something you can do in your own room; all that is required is to not worry about the time but carefully and calmly trace each character. The completed copy is then offered to the Ekoin.

From 6:30 the next morning, high priests chant sutras in the imposing main hall, their voices reverberating in the morning air.

Next, from 7 AM, the Goma Kito will be held in the Kongoin Bishamon-do. The Goma Kito is a form of prayer offering made by priests who make a Gomadan [wooden prayer sticks arranged in a stand] before the alter of Buddha which is then set on fire as the priests pray for various things. Observers put their hands together in prayer and pray not only for themselves but for others, too.

A one-day ascetic training experience gives you the opportunity to reevaluate yourself, heal your mind and body, and keep your thoughts healthy.

Training at Ekoin is conducted by priests who can speak English. In addition, there is an internet space and WiFi that can be used freely by the shukubo guests, making this a great place for foreign tourists.

The twenty-first of each month is known as Odaishi-sama no Hi (Day of the Great Teacher), a time when various events are held across Japan to honor Kobo Daishi. On the evening before, at Koyasan, worshipers walk from Ichinohashi to his mausoleum with lanterns to commemorate his passing.

In the gentle flicker of lantern light at the Torodo (the place of worship at Kobo Daishi's mausoleum), your attention shifts to the horaku (sutra chanting and musical worship) and howa (Buddhist teachings and stories). As you sleep peacefully in the quiet of Okunoin, you may wake the next morning with a sense of inner calm.

Website: http://www.koya.org/

On the 21st, the Day of the Great Teacher, the Hoon-in Koya Market takes place at Kongobu-ji, the head temple of Koyasan. This market is a way to express gratitude to Kobo Daishi for his divine protection and for bringing fulfillment to life. Koya Town also offers many attractions waiting to be explored.

Visitors can enjoy delicious local foods, experience special events held only on the 21st, and visit shops that provide refreshments like meals, teas, and sweets. Special services are also offered to enhance the enjoyment of all who attend.

Website: http://www.koya.org/

Don't worry if you're unable to join the Otaiya Night Tour held on the 20th of each month—Awesome Tours offers a Koyasan Okunoin Night Tour that runs daily. A knowledgeable guide will meet you and lead you through the Kongobu-ji precincts to the mausoleum.

Walking the lantern-lit path to the temple, with only the glow of stone lanterns illuminating the way, creates an enchanting atmosphere as the surrounding darkness hides everything else. One of the highlights of the tour is spotting the silhouettes of flying squirrels darting between towering cedar trees, hearing the sounds of animals in the night, and feeling the presence of life among the many tombs.

This tour is especially enjoyable and easy to follow for first-time visitors to Koyasan, with stops at important sites for in-depth explanations. There are always two English-speaking guides available, making it ideal for foreign tourists. For those staying at the distant Okunoin shukubo, a convenient round-trip bus ensures you’ll be back before curfew.

・Tour fee: From 4,500 yen (payment in advance online, including tax; from 5,000 yen from March 11, 2025)
・Details and bookings: See Awesome Tours

Enjoy a private guided hike through Koyasan’s beautiful ancient pilgrimage trail with a scenic lunch at a breathtaking, secluded spot. This 40-minute, easy walk takes you through a forested path, offering stunning mountain views without the need for strenuous hiking. Afterward, a shuttle service ensures you don’t have to retrace your steps.

Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a more relaxed experience, this tour includes a traditional Koyasan lunch and is perfect for special occasions or simply escaping the crowds. Limited to six participants per day, this exclusive tour promises an unforgettable time in a serene, historical setting.

・Participation fee: From 39,000 yen for a group of 2, with an additional 4,680 yen per person (including tax; please make reservations at least 2 days in advance.)
・Details and bookings: See Awesome Tours

If you'd prefer not to go hiking, how about wearing a kimono and experiencing an authentic tea ceremony? Held at Ekoin, this tea ceremony is limited to one group at a time. It’s a great option for travelers, as no preparation is needed. Learning the traditional tea ceremony from a tea master makes for a memorable experience.

・Participation fee: From 54,600 yen per person (including tax).
・Details and bookings: See Awesome Tours website (in Japanese)

(*Participation fees are as of October 2024.)

Koyasan is famous for its Shojin Ryori [Buddhist Cuisine], but all the sweets here are also noted for their deep flavor. Here are some suggestions for light snacks you can eat while walking about.

The history of yakimochi is old, tracing its beginnings to a salty rice cake made by an older woman when Kobo Daishi founded Koyasan. It comes in two types: palm-sized soft white rice cake and mugwort rice cake wrapped around bean paste that is not too sweet. You should eat them as soon as possible, as the expiration date is usually after two days.

The famous confectionery, Mirokuishi, is a bite-sized candy shaped like the Miroku Stone, which is said to be the stone of fulfillment of the spirit located at the side of the pathway leading to Okunoin. The buns, lumpy bean paste wrapped in moist dough and slowly steamed, have an elegant taste. These make excellent gifts because they will keep for up to 14 days.

For those who don't particularly like bean paste, I suggest trying the Fresh Cream Daifuku [soft rice cake filled with whipped cream] Koya Mu. This is a pure white, round daifuku filled with Koya tofu powder kneaded into a fresh cream made from vegetable oil and Turkish delight. There are two flavors: plain and Kishu plum & jabara flavor. We recommend food hopping in Koyasan.

Koyasan is an area where the temperature differences can be extreme. In summer, the temperature is 5 to 10 degrees lower than in the city, and in winter, it becomes covered in snow. When going on a night tour between spring and autumn, bringing an extra outer layer of clothing is a good idea. You should also remember to bring rain gear because the area gets relatively more rain. There are stone-paved pathways and stairways, so sneakers are recommended.

If you are well prepared, you can fully enjoy all the Koyasan World Heritage Site offers.