Mount Koya (Koya-san), Wakayama Prefecture

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Facts & Figures

Koyasan or Mount Koya, located in a remote mountainous area of the Wakayama Prefecture, is the famous home of the headquarters of the Koyasan sect of Shingon Buddhism and a major pilgrimage site. More than 100 temples with 700 monks can be found in this area and together they form one of the most sacred sites in Japan. Koyasan is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Shingon Buddhism was introduced to Japan by priest Kobo Daishi also known as Kukai (774 - 835), the founder of the temple complex at Koyasan. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Ryokan near Mount Koya.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > The central or head temple of Esoteric Buddhism in Koyasan is the Kongobu-ji temple. The temple complex, located on a wooded mountaintop, was constructed by the well-known daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 - 1598). Okunoin, the largest graveyard in Japan and the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum is also located at the mountaintop and marks the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. A visit to Mount Koya would not be complete without staying overnight in one of the 51 temple inns called shukubo. You can participate there in ceremonies performed by priests in the morning like meditation (ajikan), sutra teachings, or a sutra copying practice (shakyo). My tip: Only a few of the shukubo have their own onsen like the beautiful Fukuchi-in temple.

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the amazing Mt. Koya and its historical sites with a local guide? Learn about the mountain's connection to the Shingon school of Buddhism. For more details check out this page >

History

In 816 Emperor Saga (786 - 842) gave priest Kobo Daishi (774 - 835) permission to establish a monastery complex at Koyasan. Kobo Daishi and his followers founded in the same year a Shingon temple complex and religious retreat. During the year 826, the construction of the Danjo-Garan temple complex started. Kobo Daishi's successor Shinzen Daitoku finished the project. Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536 - 1598, famous daimyo and general) established in 1593 the Kongobu-ji temple. Over the years many emperors, daimyos (feudal lords), politicians, monks, and normal citizens have visited this sacred place. In its heydays during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) more than 2000 temples could be found here. In 2004 Koyasan was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For over 1200 years now Koysan has been an active monastic training center for Esoteric Buddhism.

Sightseeing spots at Mount Koya

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Okunoin Cemetery - It is the most sacred site in Koyasan. The mausoleum of Kobo Daishi (Kukai) is located here surrounded by the largest graveyard in Japan with approx. 200.000 gravestones. Famous people like the founder of Panasonic Konosuke Matsushita (1894 - 1989) or general Oda Nobunaga (1534 - 1582) are buried here. Follow the 2 km long path under huge cedar trees and you will reach the Torodo Hall. Inside the hall, you will find more than 10000 eternally-lit lanterns. My tip: Monks offer night tours through the cemetery for 1500 yen/hour.

Kongobu-ji - The head temple of Shingon Buddhism, an Important Cultural Property, is a 160.000 square meters complex and houses with 140 granite stones the largest rock garden (Banryutei Rock Garden) in Japan. This temple attracts thousands of visitors every year. One of the highlights inside the temple is its sliding doors with beautiful paintings of plum blossoms and cranes. Even the journey of monk Kobo Daishi to China can be seen here.

Danjo-Garan temple (Konpon Daito) - This sacred area consists of 20 buildings. Priest Kobo Daishi opened this place in the beginning as a secret training center of Shingon esoteric Buddhism.

Konpon Daito Pagoda - The pagoda is part of the Danjo-Garan temple. The height of the unique pagoda is 45 meters and contains a statue of the Dainichi Nyorai Buddha. The structure was destroyed many times over the centuries. The last time it was rebuilt was in 1937.

Mie-do - The hall with a unique gradually sloping roof shows inside a painting of monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai).

Koyasan Reihokan Museum - The museum was built in 1921. On display are works of religious art like paintings, statues, mandalas, and relics.

Tokugawa Dynasty Mausoleum - The Tokugawa Dynasty had a huge influence on the history of Japan. They finally unified the country and strengthened its economy during the Edo period (1603 - 1868).

Koyasan Choishi-michi trail - It is a challenging 23,5 km trail and was the main access to Koyasan. Enjoy the 7hrs hiking tour through a forest of huge Japanese cedar trees from Kudoyama Station to the Daimon Gate (entrance of Mt. Koya). Btw the trail's name comes from stone stupas (choishi) along the way. These stone stupas are up to 3 meters high.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

June

Aoba matsuri (festival) (15th)
Traditional ceremonies and processions are performed at temples all over the town to celebrate Kobo Daishi's birthday.

August

Mando-kuyo-e (Candle Festival) (13th)
Thousands of candles are placed along the paths of the Okunoin cemetery.