Place of worship • Koyasan, 高野町 Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan
A journey to Koyasan begins with passing through the magnificent Daimon. This colossal gate, standing at 25.8 meters tall, feels like an entrance to a different world. The dynamic statues of Nio Guardians on both sides solemnly welcome visitors. The view from Daimon is spectacular, and on clear days, you can see the Kitan Strait and Awaji Island.
Founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai in 816, Koyasan has gathered the faith of many as a major sacred place of Japanese Buddhism. The entire mountain is a temple, where one can feel the eternal history everywhere. There are abundant spots to explore, such as Kongobu-ji Temple and the Great Pagoda.
The core of Koyasan, Okunoin, is the most sacred place with the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. The pathway leading to the mausoleum, surrounded by cedar trees, is enveloped in a silence as if time has stopped. At night, it becomes a fantastical atmosphere, offering a different charm from the day.
In Koyasan, you can enjoy Shojin cuisine, which adheres to Buddhist teachings by not using animal products. The dishes feature deep flavors that bring out the taste of the ingredients, including Koyadofu (freeze-dried tofu) and sesame tofu, both originating from Koyasan.
Staying in a temple lodging (Shukubo) in Koyasan is recommended. You can participate in morning rituals with monks and try sutra copying, experiences you cannot get in regular inns. The quiet time spent here is perfect for refreshing and distancing yourself from the daily grind.
Koyasan can be reached from Nanba Station in about 2 hours on the Nankai Koya Line. Using the cable car, you can easily reach the summit. Because it is in a highland area, it remains cool even in summer, but in winter, the cold is severe, so warm clothing is essential.
Koyasan is not just a tourist destination. This land, breathing over a thousand years of history and faith, leaves a deep impression on visitors' hearts. Escaping the hustle and bustle, facing oneself in silence is the unique experience that makes Koyasan so enchanting.