What to Do in Koyasan Wakayama Japan – Ultimate Guide

Do you want to visit Koyasan but are wondering “What to do in Koyasan? This article will introduce you to the sights and experiences in an easy-to-understand manner, even for beginners. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy the mysterious temples, nature, and beautiful scenery of Koyasan! We will also give you tips on how to visit on a day trip, lodging options, and accessibility. Read this and you’ll know at a glance how to spend your time in Koyasan. Now, read this article and start planning your next trip!

What to Do in Koyasan – Top Attractions and Highlights

Can you walk around Koyasan?

Although the map may not give you a sense of distance, it is common to sightsee on foot since many places of interest within Koyasan are within walking distance. Since the Okuno-in Temple and Kongobuji Temple, which I will introduce in the next section, are within walking distance of each other, visitors can enjoy history and nature while walking. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes.

Although sightseeing can be done on foot, it is more efficient if you decide in advance the order in which you will go around and the route you will take, so we will introduce the standard route recommended by local Japanese people with Map.

Koyasan Map

To tour Koyasan efficiently, it is better to know the location of each major sightseeing spot. You may forget to pick one up, although they are available at information centers and lodging facilities. This article provides detailed descriptions of recommended walking routes and the time required to visit each major sightseeing spot, so we recommend that you bookmark it now so that you can look at it immediately on the day of your trip.

The recommended sightseeing route I am going to introduce here includes major tourist spots, so you will be able to enjoy Koyasan efficiently.

1. A) Okuno-in Temple and Cemetery
2. B) Kongobu-ji Temple
3. C) Tokugawa Mausoleum
4. D) Garan Temple
5. E) Koyasan Reihokan Museum
6. F) Daimon Gate

The map below is a Google map of the recommended walking routes. There are a total of six locations, and the routes are in order from A to F. This route will allow you to visit the major tourist spots efficiently.

To get to the first tourist attraction, Okuno-in, get off at Koyasan Station. There is a Nankai Rinkai Bus stop right next to Koyasan Station, so head for the Ichinohashi-guichi.

We will now introduce the sights in the order of the sightseeing route.

Okuno-in Temple and Cemetery

After getting off at the Ichinohashi-Guchi bus stop, it is a 3-minute walk to Ichinohashi Bridge, the entrance to the inner sanctuary. Legend has it that Kobo-Daishi would escort worshippers to and from this point, and it is considered polite to bow before crossing the bridge to enter. Okuno-in is the largest sacred site on Koyasan and is visited by many worshippers as the resting place of Kukai (Kobo Daishi).

More than 200,000 gravestones and monuments line the 2-kilometer approach to the temple, creating a solemn atmosphere where visitors can feel the depth of Japanese history and faith. Visitors who join a guided tour can learn about the background of the gravesites and anecdotes related to Kobo Daishi, deepening their understanding of the site.

It is a sacred place, so please walk quietly and feel the history. Photography is prohibited after crossing the Gobyo Bridge, so please be careful if you are a photography enthusiast. There are many stone lanterns and grave markers between the entrance and the Gomyo Bridge, and photographing them is permitted.

You can also visit the temple at night, and walking along the path lit by lanterns creates a magical atmosphere that is different from that of the daytime. It takes 25 minutes one way on foot from Ichinohashi Bridge at the entrance to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum in the inner sanctuary. Since the return trip is by the same route, you can save time by going all the way to the Kobo Daishi Gobyo first, and only take pictures on the way back.

Duration: 60 minutes
Admission: Free
Hours: Okuno-in site open 24 hours, Gokusho 8:30am – 5:00pm, Lantern Hall 6:00am – 5:30pm. 

Kongobu-ji Temple

When you return to Ichinobashi, head for Kongobuji Temple. It takes about 15 minutes on foot. You can also take a bus, but you may have to wait for the bus, so it is faster to walk. We understand that you are tired from walking at Okuno-in, but once you arrive at Kongobuji, you can take a rest, so take it easy one more time.

Kongobuji Temple is the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon Sect and the center of monks’ training and Koyasan worship. The temple was built in 1593 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the second unifier of Japan, in memory of his mother. 1961 saw a major reconstruction of the main hall and the decision was made to merge the temple with the nearby Kozan-ji Temple to form a central location.

The vast grounds are home to elaborate sliding door paintings, and the interior architectural beauty and art are a must-see. After passing the ticket office, you will see the hall and the sliding door paintings with crane motifs (by the painter Kano Tanyu). Afterwards, stop by the modern addition to the building where you will be served tea and cookies. After a tiring day’s walk, it is a good place to take a rest.

Within the grounds is one of the largest stone gardens in Japan, the “Banryu-Tei(Coiling Dragon Garden)” which was created in 1984 by collecting the largest stones from the birthplace of Kobo Daishi. A pair of male and female dragons are represented as if they are guarding the inner shrine. This stone garden is a must-see when you visit Kongobuji Temple, and you can enjoy a quiet moment to calm your mind while gazing at the garden. You can take an official guided tour to learn more about Buddhism and the history of Koyasan for an even deeper understanding of the temple.

Duration: 30 minutes
Admission: ¥1,000
Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm (last admission at 4:30pm)

Tokugawa Family Reidai Mausoleum

From Kongobuji Temple, walk northward for about 10 minutes to the Tokugawa Family Reidai Mausoleum. It was established in 1649 by Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa Shogun, in memory of his grandfather Ieyasu Tokugawa and his father Hidetada, and has a particularly solemn atmosphere in Koyasan. Ieyasu’s mausoleum is on the right and Hidetada’s mausoleum on the left. Built in the Edo period (1603-1867), the gate and buildings are richly carved and decorated with exquisite workmanship, and are of great historical value and worth seeing. The imposingly constructed tombstones testify to the high level of architectural technology of the time. This mausoleum, which gives visitors a sense of the history of the Tokugawa family and their religious beliefs, is a must-see spot for Japanese history buffs.

Duration: 30 minutes
Admission: 200 yen
Hours: 9:30am – 4:30pm (last admission at 4:10pm)

Garan Temple

From Tokugawa Family Reidai, return south to Kongobuji Temple and take Jabara-Michi temple road to Garan Temple. From the Tokugawa Family Reidai, it is about a 15-minute walk. Jabara-Michi temple road is especially beautiful with its autumn foliage, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while walking along it.

Garan Temple is one of the oldest architectural complexes on Koyasan founded by Kobo Daishi and is important as a center of monastic training and Buddhist education. Danjo refers to a group of buildings consisting of several buildings. Visitors can experience the depth of Buddhist art and the teachings of Kobo-Daishi here.

The museum offers a full range of explanations that are easy to understand even for beginners, and is highly recommended for those interested in Buddhism.

When visiting the Garan Temple, it is best to focus on the Konpon-Daito Pagoda, Kondo, and Chumon-Gate. Konpon-Daito Pagoda in particular is the representative building of the temple complex, standing approximately 50 meters high and filled with Buddhist paintings inside.

The lower level of the pagoda is square and the upper level is circular, an unusual shape for the time when this building was built. It is believed that Nemoto Daito was the first pagoda to popularize this style, which later became a common form of pagodas built in many parts of Japan.

Duration: 30 minutes
Admission: 500 yen for Konpon-Daito Pagoda, 500 yen for Kondo, Free for Chumon-Gate
Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm (last admission at 4:30pm)

Koyasan Reihokan Museum

A 7-minute walk from the Garan Temple leads to the Reihokan. Reihokan is a museum exhibiting valuable Buddhist art and cultural assets from Koyasan, with over 1,000 exhibits including Buddhist statues, sutras, hanging scrolls, and more, giving visitors a sense of the depth of the history and faith of Koyasan. In particular, Buddhist paintings and sculptures dating from the Heian period (794-1185) are a sight to behold, making the museum a must-see for fans of Buddhist art. Special exhibits held periodically allow visitors to see valuable works of art that are not usually on public display. Enjoy the time to experience history in the quiet museum.

Duration: 40 minutes
Admission: 1,300 yen
Hours: May-October 8:30am-5:30pm (last admission at 5:00pm), November-April 8:30am-5:00pm (last admission at 4:30pm)

Daimon Gate

A 13-minute walk from Koyasan Reihokan Museum leads to the Daimon Gate. Daimon is a huge gate located at the entrance to Koyasan and is a symbolic spot. The 25-meter-high wooden gate is said to have protected the area since the Warring States Period. On either side are statues of Kongorikishi (Niou), which welcome visitors. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Daimon Gate and nature, especially during the seasons of autumn leaves and cherry blossoms.

The gate is sometimes illuminated at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere that differs from that of the daytime. Since Daimon is a symbol of Koyasan, it is also a popular photo spot.There is a bus stop at Daimon, the final stop, so you can return to Koyasan Station for a day trip, or use the bus to quickly return to the city if you are staying overnight.

Duration: 15 minutes
Admission: Free
Hours: 24 hours

Can you do a day trip from Osaka to Koyasan?

A day trip to Koyasan from Osaka is possible, but it is best to leave early in the morning. It takes about 2 hours from Osaka by train and bus, and the main sights can be visited during the day. However, due to time constraints, you will need to be in a bit of a hurry to visit all of the places introduced. If you focus only on the main spots, Okuno-in, Kongobuji, and the temple complex, you will be able to explore at a relatively leisurely pace.

How long do you need in Koyasan?

It will take about 7-8 hours to visit all the tourist spots introduced here, including lunch and breaks. It is possible to make a day trip, but since time is limited and you may end up rushing around the main spots, we recommend staying overnight to fully enjoy Koyasan.

Koyasan Temple stay (Shukubo)

There is another reason why we recommend staying overnight at Koyasan. Koyasan has special lodging facilities attached to temples called shukubo, where visitors can taste vegetarian cuisine, experience the daily lives of the monks and Buddhist teachings, and experience meditation and sutra copying.

Participating in the morning service provides a deep learning experience for visitors, as they can experience an atmosphere of silence and reverence that they would not normally feel. Originally a temple where monks lived, it is now open to general tourists and is very popular among overseas visitors because they can experience the culture of temples and shrines.

However, there are some disadvantages to staying at a shukubo that you should be aware of beforehand. The first concern for visitors from overseas is whether or not they will be able to receive support in English. Furthermore, since there are more than 50 shukubo in Koyasan, it is difficult to choose which shukubo is recommended. We have thoroughly researched which lodgings are recommended for visitors from overseas and carefully selected only those that offer a comfortable stay, so you will not have to spend a long time choosing a lodgings. We hope you will find it useful.

Fudoin

Fudoin is a quiet and solemn lodging house surrounded by the beautiful nature of Koyasan. During my stay, I strongly felt a sense of healing of body and soul in the tranquility. The rooms have a Japanese style, with a traditional space consisting of tatami mats and fusu, but what is noteworthy is that the private rooms are equipped with toilets. In an inn that has many shared spaces, it was very nice to have a private space that is well secured.
There is a large public bath in the facility to relieve travel fatigue. The curfew is 9:00 p.m., so we returned to our lodgings early to spend a quiet night and fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of Koyasan. Koyasan, and is one of the most popular lodgings on Koyasan, especially for families, couples with children, and families traveling together. If you are in doubt, choose Fudoin for sure.
Fudoin has English-speaking staff on hand to guide us smoothly from check-in to check-out. Even if it is your first time to experience a shukubo, I think you will feel at ease during your stay. In particular, during the morning service, there was time for a small explanation of Buddhist teachings in English, which was a valuable cultural experience.

Ichijoin

Ichijoin is an inn that exudes history and prestige, and the building itself is as beautiful as a work of art. Just by staying here, you can feel the traditional Japanese architecture close at hand, and the garden inside the building is also wonderful. Private rooms are equipped with toilets and baths to ensure privacy. (Some rooms do not have toilets or baths, so please check when choosing your room.)
There is a large shared bathhouse, which is clean and spacious for relaxing. The curfew is 9:00 p.m., so return to the inn early to relax and unwind. One of the most attractive features of Ichijoin is the vegetarian cuisine served for dinner and breakfast. The dishes are beautifully prepared using seasonal ingredients and are sure to impress you with their gentle flavors.
The staff speaks English, and their explanations are detailed and easy to understand, so foreign visitors experiencing a shukubo for the first time can rest assured that they are in good hands. There is also a morning service experience, where you can spend precious time facing yourself in a solemn atmosphere. Since the temple does not accept children under elementary school age, it is not recommended for those with children, but for couples, Ichijoin is the best choice.

Sojiin

Sojiin has one of the most spacious gardens of all the Shukubo. The room you stay in overlooks a beautiful garden, and you will feel a sense of tranquility as if you are in another world. Private rooms are equipped with toilets and baths. (Some rooms do not have toilets or baths, so please check when choosing your room.)
There is a large shared bath where you can quietly soak in the hot water at night and relax after a long journey. Curfew is at 9 p.m., but returning to the serene Soji-in Temple before then allowed us to enjoy a peaceful moment that differed from our daily routine. Here, too, traditional vegetarian food is served, and the colorful dishes are soothing to the soul.
English-speaking interpreters are available to explain about Buddhist culture and vegetarian cuisine, so foreign visitors should have no problem staying here.

Ekoin

Ekoin is a shukubo with a wide variety of activities. In particular, the night tour of the inner sanctuary is famous, and I actually participated in it and enjoyed it very much, as the guide explained in detail in English. Private rooms are equipped with toilets and baths. (Some rooms do not have toilets and baths, so check when you choose your room.)
The bathrooms are communal, but they are large enough and clean enough to relax in. Unusually for an innkeeper, there is no curfew, so you can enjoy another face of Koyasan by taking an evening tour of the inner sanctuary. The vegetarian food is beautiful to look at and taste great, and I felt as if my mind was cleansed just by eating it.
The staff is English-speaking and will assist you with the tour and the work experience in English, so first-timers will feel at ease.

Is Koya worth visiting?

Koyasan is well worth a visit, especially for those interested in Japanese Buddhism and history. The mystical temples, austere atmosphere, and natural beauty combine to provide visitors with a quiet and inspiring experience. In addition, an overnight stay at a shukubo provides a time of healing and learning that is different from everyday life, and offers a deeper experience than sightseeing. Although day trips are possible, we recommend staying overnight to enjoy its mystical night scenery. 

What to Do in Koyasan – Tips and Access

When To Visit Koyasan

First, keep in mind that all of Koyasan’s tourist attractions are located on top of mountains and are at high altitudes, so the temperature is cooler. The best times to visit Koyasan are spring and fall.

In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom and the warm weather is ideal for walking around and sightseeing. In autumn, the autumn foliage is beautiful, especially around Okuno-in and the temple complex, and is highly recommended.

It is possible to visit in both summer and winter. In summer, it is a pleasant summer retreat, but the relatively rainy summer can make sightseeing on foot more difficult. In winter, you can enjoy a mystical atmosphere with snowy landscapes, but it may be difficult to walk around for a long time, probably because of the cold weather. Different scenery can be enjoyed depending on the season you visit, but the most popular season is the season of autumn leaves. Accommodation fees tend to rise during the autumn foliage season, so if you are traveling on a low budget, it would be wise to aim for the off-season.

Ticket & Entry fee – Koyasan World Heritage Ticket

In general, admission fees are required at major temples and museums in Koyasan. Kongobuji Temple and the Reihokan, as mentioned above, but it will cost about 3,300 yen to visit all of them. The most common way to get to Koyasan (Koyasan Station) from Osaka (Namba Station) by train costs approximately 4,900 yen for round-trip transportation, for a total of approximately 8,200 yen.

If you use Nankai Railway’s “Koyasan/World Heritage Digital Ticket,” you will receive discounts on train and cable car transportation to Koyasan, admission fees to major sightseeing spots, and product prices at nearby souvenir shops, as well as a free bus ride within Koyasan. The ticket from Namba Station costs 3,690 yen, so it is most recommended for those who want to travel efficiently by bus to many sightseeing spots while keeping costs down.

How to get to koyasan from osaka?

The most common travel route to Koyasan is the one starting from Osaka. Even if you are traveling from outside of Osaka, most routes go through Osaka.There are two ways to get to Koyasan from Osaka, the difference being whether or not to use the express train. The route using the limited express train is recommended because it saves time.

Nankai Railway’s limited express trains run from Namba or Shin-Imamiya Stations in Osaka to Gokurakubashi Station. The trip takes about 90 minutes (1,430 yen one way). Once at Gokurakubashi Station, take the cable car right next to the station, which takes 5 minutes (500 yen one-way) to reach Koyasan Station at the top of the mountain. You can also enjoy the view from the cable car.

There is a bus stop right next to Koyasan Station, so take the bus. The route recommended here takes you to the Ichinohashi-guchi bus stop, which takes about 20 minutes (500 yen one way).

Can you use a JR pass from Osaka to Koyasan?

The JR Pass can be used for the section from Osaka to Hashimoto, but a separate ticket is required from Hashimoto to Koyasan using the Nankai Railway. Therefore, it is more economical to purchase the “Koyasan/World Heritage Digital Ticket” introduced above; a more efficient route while using the JR Pass is to use the pass until Hashimoto and then switch to the Nankai Line.

Koyasan tour from Osaka

Popular tours from Osaka to Koyasan include one-day or overnight tours. By joining a tour, you do not need to worry about transportation or routes, and you can efficiently visit major spots while listening to the guide’s commentary. Some tours include overnight stays in lodgings, and it is possible to visit Okuno-in Temple at night or experience early morning sutra reading. This tour is recommended for those who are anxious about independent travel and those who want to visit the highlights of Koyasan efficiently.

Are there bears in Koyasan?

Bears can be found in the mountains around Koyasan, but it is unlikely that you will encounter one in tourist areas. In particular, bears are rarely seen in temples and tourist areas, and there is no need to worry about them during normal sightseeing.

However, when hiking in the mountains, it is sometimes recommended to take precautions such as carrying a bear bell. If you are considering trekking into the mountains, follow local directions for safety and enjoyment.

What to Do in Koyasan – Ultimate Guide Summary

Koyasan is a mystical destination where you can experience the deep history of Japanese culture and Buddhism. To summarize this guide, some particularly important points are listed below. Please refer to them when planning your trip!

• Oku-no-in: The largest mausoleum in Japan where Kobo Daishi is said to be laid to rest, featuring a solemn atmosphere with approximately 200,000 tombstones. The approach to the sacred Okuno-in Temple is quiet even during the daytime, and you can feel the weight of the temple’s history.
• Kongobuji Temple: The head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, this temple is noted for its magnificent garden and barrier paintings. The garden is especially beautiful in autumn with its autumn leaves and snowy landscape in winter, in harmony with nature in each of the four seasons. There is also an auditorium where visitors can learn about Buddhist teachings and experience Zen meditation.
• Day trip or overnight stay: Koyasan can be visited on a day trip, but an overnight stay is recommended, especially for first-time visitors. Koyasan at night has a mysterious atmosphere, and nighttime visits to the inner sanctuary are also possible.
• Shukubo Experience (with vegetarian meal): Staying at a shukubo and experiencing the life of Buddhist monks is a unique Koyasan experience. Early morning meditation and other meditation experiences are also available, allowing you to get away from the busyness of daily life and enjoy the tranquility of the mind. The vegetarian meals are colorful and delicious, and will purify your mind and body.
• How to get there: The “Koyasan World Heritage Digital Ticket” is convenient and economical. Easily accessible from Osaka by train and cable car, public transportation is the best way to get there. In addition, there is an extensive bus service from the station to Koyasan, making it easy to get around.
• Best seasons: Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Especially in spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in autumn, when the leaves are in full bloom, Koyasan’s natural beauty and the temples are in harmony and the scenery is spectacular. However, the snowy winter scenery is also beautiful and worth seeing if you do not mind the cold.
• Can I get around on foot: You can get around Koyasan on foot, but it is important to wear comfortable walking shoes as there are many historical sites and ups and downs. Buses are also convenient between major spots, and you can actively use them, especially if you are short on time.

The above is a summary of the sights and experiences at Koyasan. Koyasan, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature as well as Buddhist culture, and have a memorable trip!