Koyasan is among the most sacred locations in Japan. Situated in Wakayama prefecture, lower than two hours from Osaka, Koyasan makes for a religious getaway. Right here is the whole lot it’s worthwhile to know earlier than visiting Koyasan.
Japan is full of historical and religious historical past. However there most likely isn’t a spot as sacred, enriching and near disconnecting from the busy cities as Koyasan. Solely a few hours away from Osaka, it makes for the proper in a single day keep off the principle vacationer tracks.
Koyasan is seeped in historical past and spirituality. It’s the centre of Shingon Buddhism, house to the most important cemetery in Japan and the place the place Kobo Daishi entered his everlasting meditation almost 1,200 years in the past.
One other factor that has put Koyasan on the map for travellers is that it’s among the finest locations in Japan to remain in a single day in a Buddhist temple. Practically half of the energetic temples in Koyasan supply this – and I used to be fortunate sufficient to expertise this too.
Staying in a single day in Koyasan has been one of the vital memorable experiences I’ve had in Japan. On this information, I’ll present you what you’ll be able to expertise in Koyasan, so you’ll be able to really feel the significance of this sacred city and profit from your time right here.
* We have been invited to come back and keep in Koyasan by Go to Wakayama as a press keep. All views are my very own.
Why Go to Koyasan – Transient Historical past
Earlier than we dive into one of the best issues to do in Koyasan, I need to share some details about the significance of the city and its historical past.
Koyasan was based by Priest Kukai (also called Kobo Daishi) over 1,200 years in the past. He studied Buddhism in China and returned to Japan a few years later to unfold Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. In Koyasan, he established the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.
The city is positioned at an elevation of round 900 meters, and it’s stated that Kobo Daishi picked this place due to the encompassing eight mountain peaks. They resemble the Buddhist image of the lotus plant. On high of that, it supplies a spot away from distractions – the proper place for monks to follow Shingon Buddhism and pray.
Koyasan can be house to the largest cemetery in Japan, Okunoin, which has over 200,000 gravestones. On the finish of the cemetery, you could find Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum. It’s believed that as an alternative of passing away, Kobo Daishi sits right here in everlasting meditation. For over 1,000 years, monks have been bringing breakfast and dinner to his mausoleum each single day.
In 2004, the city gained World Heritage standing by UNESCO. But it surely’s greater than only a place for sightseeing, it’s a spot the place you’ll be able to absolutely immerse your self in Shingon Buddism and the day by day lives of the monks.
In the course of the Edo Interval, Koyasan housed over 2,000 temples – which is shocking, seeing that the city itself is simply two by three kilometres large. At this time, Koyasan remains to be an vital Buddhist centre, with 117 energetic temples. Over 50 of them supply a really distinctive expertise: Shukubo (an in a single day keep in a Buddhist temple).
Whereas there are different locations in Japan the place it’s doable to keep in a single day in a Buddhist temple, Koyasan is especially well-known for it. As a result of there are such a lot of temples you’ll be able to keep at, and since lots of them are foreigner-friendly (straightforward to e-book on web sites like Reserving.com and have English-speaking workers), it gives the proper alternative to expertise one thing like this.
My in a single day keep in Koyasan was one of the vital memorable experiences I’ve had in Japan. Tons of analysis has gone into this text, together with enter from the tourism board – so I’m very excited to share one of the best issues to do in Koyasan beneath. Hopefully, it’ll assist you to plan your journey there!
Finest Issues to Do in Koyasan
Listed here are one of the best issues so as to add to your Koyasan itinerary:
1. Keep In a single day in a Buddhist Temple
Shukubo, or temple keep, is among the finest issues to do in Koyasan. Whereas it’s doable to do that in different components of Japan, Koyasan is one of the best place for it. Of 117 Koyasan temples, 52 supply this service (also called Shukubo).
When staying in a single day at a Buddhist temple, you get far more than only a room. You get to be a part of the monks of their day by day actions (similar to a night meditation and morning chanting or fireplace ceremony) and style the standard delicacies: Shojin Ryori. Each temple is completely different and has its personal ceremonies and traditions.
Throughout my go to to Koyasan, I stayed at Rengejoin – a temple that has been providing lodging to pilgrims and travellers for hundreds of years. Go to Wakayama booked us the Royal Suite, which included a fantastic tatami lounge, a separate bed room with two Western beds and a toilet looking over the temple backyard. It’s one of the vital stunning rooms I’ve ever stayed in!
As a part of my keep at Rengejoin, I attend their night Ajikan meditation session and the morning Sutra ceremony. Dinner and breakfast have been each included too, in genuine Buddhist Shojin Ryori type – it was unbelievable. I’ll go into extra element about what Shojin Ryori is and why it’s so particular a bit additional down this text.
Please observe that bank cards aren’t extensively accepted in Koyasan. It’s finest to deliver money to pay at temples and outlets.
2. Go to Okunoin, Japan’s Largest Cemetery
Okunoin might be probably the most well-known sight in the entire of Koyasan. Not solely is that this the most important cemetery in Japan, nevertheless it’s additionally the place Kobo Daishi is believed to stay in everlasting meditation.
The cemetery sits in a forest full of tall cedar timber, towering over 200,000+ gravestones. The stone path leads you from the cemetery entrance to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum.
Strolling among the many towering timber whereas passing previous gravestones lined in moss can solely be described as peaceable. Okunoin is among the most stunning and serene locations I’ve been to on the earth. Only for this, it’s price making the journey to Koyasan.
Okunoin is the ultimate resting place for a lot of well-known names, nevertheless it’s vital to notice that anyone might be buried right here. You don’t even must be a Buddhist! To be buried in Okunoin, you’ll must pay a charge to one of many temples to safe a spot of their a part of the cemetery. Because the cemetery is so well-known, the charges can run up fairly excessive, particularly if you need a great place.
The monk who guided us by way of the cemetery (we did a night time tour, extra information on this beneath!), advised us that many graves right here solely comprise the neckbone of the particular person buried right here. The opposite stays are saved in a shrine nearer to their households.
The trail within the cemetery is round two kilometres lengthy and takes you throughout three bridges in direction of the top of the cemetery. Right here is the place you could find Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum.
Earlier than the final bridge, you’ll see a row of Buddha statues. Earlier than crossing the bridge, it’s customary to choose one and throw some water on them. Previously, the bridge didn’t was once there. Individuals would cleanse themselves within the river earlier than coming into the sacred grounds. These days, you’ll be able to think about cleansing your self whereas “washing” the Buddha statue.
Earlier than crossing the bridge, additionally make sure that to bow – you might be about to enter sacred floor.
Shoujingu Ceremony
When planning your go to to Okunoin, you’ll need to attempt to be at Gobyo-bashi Bridge at both 6AM or 10:30AM to witness the Shoujingu Morning Ceremony. Most temple stays have morning ceremonies at 6AM, together with Rengeojin (the place I stayed), so I made positive I used to be at Okunoin for 10:30AM.
As a part of a long-standing ritual, the monks of Koyasan have been bringing Kobo Daishi breakfast and lunch each single day for over 1,000 years – regardless of the climate. You’ll be able to watch the monks carry the meals over Gobyo-bashi Bridge in direction of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum.
Having learn a lot about Shingon Buddhism earlier than my Koyasan journey and having simply spent the night time at a temple, watching the monks carry the meals throughout the bridge felt very particular. Be sure you get there on time!
Please observe that you’re NOT allowed to take any pictures or movies after crossing Gobyo-bashi Bridge. You also needs to not eat or drink after crossing the bridge, and it’s additionally finest to take off your hat.
Torodo Corridor
Past Gobyo-bashi Bridge lays Torodo Corridor. It was inbuilt entrance of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum – inside, you could find 1000’s of burning lanterns. The lanterns are donated by individuals and are lit for eternity.
As you’re not allowed to take any pictures inside (or after crossing the bridge), I’ll depart this as much as your creativeness till you go to it your self. It is rather spectacular!
Firm Gravestones
Whereas strolling by way of the cemetery, one specific factor caught my consideration – the firm gravestones. Within the newer components of the cemetery, you could find gravestones for big companies, together with Panasonic, Nissan and Yakult.
Corporations have paid to have these put right here to commemorate ex-employees who’ve handed away of their retirement or staff who handed away whereas working for them. It’s a method to honour those that helped form the corporate.
Another gravestones within the cemetery are just like this. The one pictured beneath is a tombstone devoted to termites – from an organization that offers with pest management.
3. Take a Evening Tour of Okunoin
Should you’re staying in a single day in Koyasan, taking a night time tour of Okunoin is one thing I’d extremely advocate. Even if you happen to’ve already visited the cemetery through the day or are planning to go to it the following day, occurring an evening tour provides a lot further to your time in Koyasan.
At night time, Okunoin’s lanterns are lit up, creating a novel view of an already spectacular sight. It’s quiet and you’ll even hear the flying squirrels making noises if you happen to’re fortunate.
The tour begins at 7PM, proper after dinner at your temple keep. You’ll be guided by way of the cemetery by one in every of Koyasan’s monks. Our information turned a monk simply 5 years in the past and was very open about his life as a monk and his choice to maneuver to Koyasan. We might ask him something and he gladly answered all our questions.
On high of that, a guided tour by way of Okunoin is the proper method to study much more about Shingon Buddhism and the significance of this cemetery. We have been taught sure legends in regards to the cemetery, what sure tombstones meant and extra details about Kobo Daishi’s life (do you know he’s stated to have invented Hiragana?).
On the finish of the tour, in entrance of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, the monk stated a particular coronary heart sutra for us. Not lengthy after, it began to snow. It made braving the chilly in February greater than price it – it felt nearly magical in a spot like this.
The tour information makes positive you get again to your temple earlier than curfew. The temple we have been staying in (Rengejoin) is among the furthest temples from Okunoin and we acquired again proper in time. With sufficient time for a scorching tub earlier than heading to mattress.
It’s finest to pre-book the night time tour as they’ve a restrict of 35 visitors per tour. You are able to do this on their official web site.
4. Get pleasure from a Conventional Shojin Ryori Meal
When staying in a Buddhist temple in Koyasan, dinner and breakfast are included. And because you’ll be dwelling with the monks for the day, you’ll additionally get to affix them of their conventional delicacies: Shojin Ryori.
Buddhist cooking is absolutely vegetarian, however Shojin Ryori is greater than that. Shojin Ryori can be loved by vegans, as no animal merchandise are used in any respect – it reveals the Buddhist manner of honouring all life. No substances with overwhelming flavours can be utilized both, together with garlic.
All meals are vegan and give attention to 5 flavours (candy, bitter, salty, bitter, and umami), 5 cooking strategies (uncooked, baked, fried, boiled and steamed) and 5 colors (purple, blue, black, yellow, and white).
It goals to indicate all the person substances at their easiest. The best way these dishes are ready reveals the essence of every ingredient, and it’s put collectively fantastically. It seems like a chunk of artwork.
What substances are used Shojin Ryori adjustments all year long. Solely seasonable greens and mountain crops are used.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to have dinner and breakfast at Rengejoin and it was among the finest vegan meals I’ve ever had. Dishes included soups, freshly minimize greens, various kinds of tofu and vegetable tempura.
There have been so many dishes to take pleasure in, every of them put along with extraordinary care. Each single factor I tasted introduced a lot flavour with it – it was scrumptious (and really wholesome!).
Should you’re not staying in a single day at a temple however would nonetheless wish to strive a conventional Shojin Ryori meal, you’ll be able to go to the next eating places: Hanabishi or Chuoshokudo Sanbo. Or you can also make a lunch reservation at one of many temples that provide a lunch menu, together with Eko-in.
Attempt Goma-Tofu for Lunch
Guma tofu (or sesame tofu) performs an enormous half in Shojin Ryori meals, and one restaurant specialises on this dish: Kadohama Goma-tofu honpo.
Throughout our in a single day keep in Koyasan, we had lunch right here and it was among the finest meals I’ve had in a very long time. The dishes have been put collectively so fantastically, and it’s a good way to do that particular sort of tofu if you happen to’re on a day journey to Koyasan or searching for a spot for lunch earlier than or after your temple keep.
5. Stroll By means of the Daimon Gate
On the West facet of Koyasan, you could find the Daimon Gate. That is the official entrance of Koyasan. At 25 meters excessive, it’s fairly a formidable sight to see. There are some beautiful views of the Wakayama mountains close by too – within the night, you might be handled to stunning sunsets right here.
Two statues stand contained in the gate, defending Koyasan. It’s an ideal begin to your Koyasan itinerary, as you’ll be able to simply make your manner from this facet of the city to Okonoin, which lies on the far East facet. Koyasan itself isn’t very giant, so you’ll be able to simply discover it on foot.
6. Go to Kongobuji Temple
Should you’re solely planning on going inside one temple throughout your keep right here, it must be Kongobuji. That is the pinnacle temple in Koyasan. The title Kongobuji was once the final title for the entire of Koyasan. Kobo Daishi named it after the Sutra “Kongobu-rokaku-issai-yuga-yugi kyo”.
Whereas the constructing itself has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of instances, it’s stunning to stroll by way of. The painted sliding doorways are artistic endeavors, and it’s also possible to discover Japan’s largest rock backyard (Banryutei) right here.
Should you’re planning to go to a number of sights in Koyasan, you could need to think about shopping for the mixture ticket. It prices 2,500 yen and consists of entry to Kongobuji Temple, Daishi Kyokai, Konpon Daito, Kondo, Tokugawa Mausoleum and Reihokan Museum.
7. Discover the Danjo Garan Complicated
Other than Okunoin, the Danjo Garan Complicated is crucial space in Koyasan. When Kobo Daishi based Koyasan, that is the place he constructed the educational centre for Shingon esoteric Buddhism. It’s nonetheless energetic at present.
There are eight buildings within the advanced, Konpon Daito being probably the most well-known one. This 49-metre-tall vermilion pagoda is among the most iconic buildings in Koyasan. It’s price going inside as its inside is much more stunning.
Different vital buildings you could find right here embody the Kondo (Golden Corridor) and Miedo (Portrait Corridor). You’ll be able to simply spend an hour exploring the grounds.
Should you’d wish to study extra in regards to the sights in Koyasan, you’ll be able to lease an audio information from the Koyasan Central Vacationer Data Centre. It solely prices 500 yen and might be returned the following morning. Good for an in a single day keep!
8. Go to the Reihokan Museum
On account of many fires in Koyasan over the centuries, many artistic endeavors and treasures have been misplaced. This museum was based in 1921, as a spot to carry crucial items of artwork save. Yow will discover over 78,000 items right here, 21 of that are Nationwide Treasures.
9. Go to the Tokugawa Reidai (Mausoleum)
The third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, constructed this mausoleum in 1643 for his father and grandfather. He needed it to be near Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, the rationale he picked Koyasan.
Yow will discover two an identical buildings right here, one for Iemitsu’s father and one for his grandfather. They appear similar to the closely embellished Toshogu Shrine in Nikko – the place you could find Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mausoleum.
The buildings are stunning and undoubtedly price a go to. The temple we stayed in, Rengejoin, is positioned proper subsequent to the Tokugawa Mausoleum – making it the proper spot to go to within the morning earlier than heading to Okunoin.
The way to Get to Koyasan from Osaka
It’s very straightforward to get to Koyasan from Osaka. You should use the Nankai Railway line from Namba or Shin-Imamiya Station in Osaka to get to Gokurakubashi Station. The Categorical or Speedy Categorical prepare will get you there in round 90–100 minutes. Whereas the Restricted Categorical line will get you there in round 80 (this line prices further).
From Gokurakubashi Station, you’ll be able to switch to the cable automotive that may take you up Mount Koya. It solely takes about 5 minutes. From right here, you will get on the bus that may take you to the city centre.
The scenic prepare journey to Koyasan from Osaka is one thing to be absolutely loved. The prepare slowly climbs the mountain by way of dense forests and small villages, supplying you with a shocking view of the Wakayama mountainscape. Regardless that the journey took over 1.5 hours, it flew by with views like these.
To save cash, you’ll be able to look into getting the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket (we did!). It features a return ticket from Osaka to Koyasan (together with the cable automotive), limitless bus journey in Koyasan and a few further reductions. Since a return ticket from Osaka to Koyasan already prices greater than the Heritage Ticket, it’s 100% price getting.
The way to Get Round Koyasan
Koyasan is sort of small. The entire city is round two by three kilometres large. And for the reason that streets are fairly flat, it’s straightforward to stroll round the city centre. We walked to many of the sights throughout our in a single day keep right here. Nonetheless, because it was February (and fairly chilly!), the buses have been an ideal different to strolling.
Three bus strains join all components of the city. From Koyasan Station, one bus line reaches to Okunoin, whereas one other line can take you to the Daimon Gate. The third bus line connects Okunoin with the Daimon Gate.
When you’ve got the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket, you should use all buses without spending a dime. Merely scan it on the entrance of the bus when getting off.
Is Koyasan Price Visiting?
Should you’re involved in historical past and spirituality, Koyasan is unquestionably price visiting. From Osaka, Koyasan is fairly straightforward to get to in underneath two hours. The city is full of historical past and is among the finest locations in Japan to remain in a single day in an energetic Buddhist temple.
Okunoin is among the most stunning locations I’ve visited, and the distinctive expertise of staying with the monks in a temple will stick with me for years to come back.
Nonetheless, earlier than visiting Koyasan, I do suppose it’s vital to learn up in regards to the city’s historical past, Kobo Daishi and Shingon Buddhism (hopefully, this text has helped up to now!). With out figuring out among the fundamental data, visiting the temples and cemetery in Koyasan will not be as impactful because it might be.
I put a whole lot of analysis into visiting locations once I write about them, and Koyasan was no exception. Whereas figuring out extra in regards to the locations you go to all the time helps improve the expertise, I believe figuring out extra about Koyasan earlier than my keep right here made an excellent larger distinction than I anticipated.
Including the night time tour of Okunoin to your Koyasan itinerary can be one thing I’d extremely advocate. The monk who guided us by way of the cemetery advised us so many unbelievable tales – I discovered so many issues I wasn’t capable of finding on-line or learn in guidebooks.
How A lot Time Ought to You Spend in Koyasan?
To completely expertise Koyasan, it’s finest to remain at least one night time. This offers you an opportunity to remain in a single day in a Buddhist temple, get a glimpse of the day by day lives of the monks and have sufficient time to go to Okunoin and different well-known sights with out having to hurry.
Staying in a single day additionally offers you an opportunity to affix the Okunoin night time tour – among the finest issues I did throughout my keep in Koyasan.
When staying in a single day in Koyasan, it’s finest to depart your large baggage in Osaka if doable. You are able to do this at a baggage locker on the station for a couple of hundred yen.
When you can usually drop off your baggage on the temple earlier than check-in time, attending to Koyasan with baggage and making your method to the temple on the bus generally is a big wrestle. Save your self (and others on public transport) the effort and take a backpack along with your in a single day necessities as an alternative!
Seeing all of the sights in Koyasan (Okunoin and the principle temples) takes round 4 to 5 hours. So it’s doable to do it as a day journey, however you’d be lacking out on the temple keep (Shukubo), which is what makes a visit to Koyasan so particular.
Can You Do a Day Journey to Koyasan?
From Osaka, it takes underneath two hours to get to Koyasan. And because it solely actually takes round 4 to 5 hours to see all the principle sights in Koyasan, visiting on a day journey is feasible. Nonetheless, taking a day journey to Koyasan means you’d miss out on among the finest issues to do in Koyasan: staying at a Buddhist temple (or Shukubo).
Shukubo is the finest method to absolutely take pleasure in Koyasan. You’ll be able to take pleasure in temple stays somewhere else in Japan, however Koyasan is by far one of the best and best place to take action. It made the entire go to so distinctive and particular to me – and it’s one thing I’d extremely advocate.
However I perceive that it’s not all the time doable relying in your finances and itinerary.
When deciding whether or not or to not add Koyasan to your Japan itinerary (as a day journey or not), you must take into consideration your pursuits. Personally, I’m an enormous fan of the religious facet of Japan and having visited Japan a number of instances, I’m on the outlook for issues to do in Japan off the principle touristy tracks. Koyasan suits this completely!
Both manner, Okunoin through the day has been one in every of my favorite sights in Japan. And despite the fact that I did keep in a single day in one in every of Koyasan’s temples, I nonetheless suppose I’d’ve loved visiting the city on a day journey if that might’ve labored higher for my schedule. Plus, with the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket, you’ll be able to simply make your manner right here and again.
Conclusion – Finest Issues to Do in Koyasan
Visiting Koyasan was such a deal with, and I hope that this information has helped you put together to your personal go to too. Having fun with a keep on the Buddhist temple, studying extra about Shingon Buddhism and strolling by way of Japan’s largest cemetery at night time are experiences that I’ll always remember.
I used to be very impressed by this stunning city, and I hope to return sooner or later for an additional keep. Hopefully throughout Autumn, because the Go to Wakayama consultant advised me it’s one of the best time to go to – particularly with the gorgeous maple timber turning orange and purple.
Should you’ve visited Koyasan earlier than or are planning to go to it quickly, I’d love to listen to from you within the feedback or my Japan Fb Group!