Koyasan

★ 4.9 (900+ reviews) • 1K+ booked

Located in the heart of the mountains in Wakayama Prefecture, Koyasan is the top Buddhist center in Japan. Enter through the towering 25-meter Daimon Gate into this ancient World Heritage site. Stay in one of 52 temples, enjoying spiritual Buddhist meals. Explore the serene Okunoin Temple at night, away from the crowds. Koyasan is a sacred place, located in the mountains and rich in history, giving you the chance to experience a unique temple stay.

Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan

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4.9 /5

900+ reviews

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莊 **

1 Jul

The itinerary was well arranged, the pace was relaxed, not too rushed, and the overall experience was very relaxing. The attractions were well selected, the tour guide was friendly and explained clearly, the whole trip was very pleasant, and it is a recommended trip!

LOOP ***

30 Jun

Had such a cool day today exploring Awaji Island! Started with Tadao Ando's Church of the Sea and Yumebutai (Dream Stage) - super peaceful spot with amazing architecture. The whole place was so quiet and photogenic, I couldn't stop taking pictures! Then we checked out Honpukuji (Water Temple), this underground Buddhist temple that felt really mysterious and spiritual. Our guide was awesome - knew all the history and fun facts about the area. Felt like I was learning while having fun! Finished the day at A Happy Pancake watching the sunset with some fluffy pancakes. Perfect way to relax after all that exploring. 10/10 would recommend this trip if you're into architecture, nature, and just chilling. Great mix of sightseeing and downtime! PS: Our guide was also an amazing photographer - got some killer shots for us!

CHEN *******

26 Jun

This trip to Koyasan was well arranged, and plenty of time was reserved for me to completely calm down and immerse myself in the unique tranquility and charm of this sacred mountain. Walking through it, the Zen-like dry landscape garden of Kongobuji Temple has simple and concise lines and sand and stones spread out like the sea, which makes people stop for a long time, and their minds become clear and empty. Passing Kishi Station on the way, the cute cat stationmaster added a touch of warmth and brightness to the journey, and also attracted "cat slaves" from all over the world to come, becoming a moment of knowing smiles during the journey. The most unforgettable thing is to visit Oku-no-in. Under the shade of towering ancient trees, the two-kilometer-long ancient stone path quietly spreads, with moss-covered tombstones and countless offering towers on both sides. In the misty and solemn atmosphere, it seems that you can touch the heaviness and spirituality precipitated by thousands of years of faith. The whole journey has a slow pace and is far away from the hustle and bustle. It is a process of truly emptying yourself and talking to your heart. If you, like me, prefer a less crowded, quieter travel style where you can freely control your pace, then this route that combines nature, history and faith is undoubtedly a choice worth trying. I look forward to new routes in the future and setting off again.

HC ***

26 Jun

Enjoyed this trip to the heart of Shingon Buddhism. Had fun on a local train from Kishi to Wakayama. A well planned and organised day trip. Strongly recommended to anyone who wish to spend a day in Koyasan!

JIN *******

23 Jun

I am really satisfied with this tour group in Japan! The itinerary was very reasonable, and the tour guide was professional and friendly, making the whole journey very relaxing and enjoyable. The natural scenery and ancient temples of Koyasan make people feel peaceful and solemn, especially when visiting Okunoin, it is really shocking and feels a strong historical atmosphere. In addition, the experience of the Kodama tram is also very special. The carriage is super cute, and there are exclusive cat stationmaster elements, which are very suitable for taking pictures and checking in. The whole journey is not only cultural and scenic, but also cute and full of surprises. Thank you for the careful arrangement of this tour group, which left us with very good memories. I look forward to the new itinerary next time.

W *

23 Jun

It's a relatively niche attraction. Sisters who like to check in and take pictures should hurry up. The air is good, the scenery is good, and there are few people. It is suitable for sisters who like to take pictures.

TAKAO ******

22 Jun

Experience a great route, the ride time is not long, and there is plenty of free time. We chose to walk slowly from Danjo Garan to Oku-no-in. Along the way, there are not only beautiful temples, but also many local small shops on both sides of the street. You can eat and walk in the coffee shop. We ate the local specialty tofu curry rice and tasted the coffee of Koyasan. The Kodama tram in the afternoon was great, very Japanese, very healing, beyond imagination. Experience a good day, and will continue to participate in klook's one-day tours in the future.

MarianIrene ********

22 Apr

We had an amazing time in Kobe and we were able to go to all the places we wanted without any hassle. Definitely recommending to avail this service

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Is it worth visiting Koyasan?

What is Koyasan famous for?

How long to spend in Koyasan?

What to do in Koyasan

Koyasan (Mount Koya) Recreation Forest

Experience the tranquility of the Koyasan Recreation Forest, part of the Koya-Ryujin Quasi-national Park. Wander through natural and planted forests of old conifers, including the protected forest of rare Japanese umbrella pine, and feel the history of this religious town.

Okunoin Shrine

Explore the sacred Okunoin Shrine, where the presence of Kobo-Daishi is still felt after centuries. Walk through centuries-old terraced burial stones to reach the Toro-do, a Lantern Hall established in 1023, decorated with thousands of flickering lanterns.

Garan Complex

Visit the Garan Complex, the founding site of Koyasan, including the Great Stupa, Me-Do, and Fudo-do temple. Discover the rich history and architectural wonders of this spiritual hub.

Kongobuji Temple

At Kongobuji Temple, the primary Buddhist temple of Shingon Buddhism in Japan, you can kick off your shoes and go through the elegant halls. Decorated with intricate wooden cranes, beautiful flowers, and golden sliding doors, the temple gives you a mesmerizing glimpse into Japanese spiritual artistry.

Koyasan Shukubo (Temple Lodgings)

Experience the tranquility of temple lodging in Koyasan, known as shukubo. With over 50 temples offering accommodations for overnight stay, recharge your spirit in a serene setting. While optional, joining in the monks' spiritual practices like meditation and sutra copying can maximize your stay.

Tips for Your Koyasan Visit

When is the best time to visit Koyasan?

Koyasan is stunning throughout the year, but if you want to experience something truly special, visit during autumn when the temple gardens are ablaze with red maple leaves. Spring is also a fantastic time to go, with cherry blossoms adding a magical touch to the scenery.

How to go to Koyasan?

Reaching Koyasan is quite convenient. You can take a train and bus from major cities like Osaka and Kyoto. The Nankai Electric Railway offers a direct route to Koyasan Station, followed by a short bus ride to the main attractions. Once there, local buses and walking paths make it easy to explore.

How to get from Kyoto to Koyasan?

To travel from Kyoto to Koyasan, begin your journey by taking a train from Kyoto to Gokurakubashi Station via the Nankai Koya Line. From Gokurakubashi Station, ride the cable car that will transport you up the mountain to Koyasan. This scenic ride offers breathtaking views as you go up to the sacred town of Koyasan.

How to get from Osaka to Koyasan?

To travel from Osaka to Koyasan, take a train ride on the Nankai Koya Line from Nankai Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station. Once at Gokurakubashi, hop on the cable car that will carry you up the mountain to the sacred town of Koyasan. Enjoy the picturesque views as you ascend to this serene and historic destination.

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