Koyasan Travel Guide – Discover Japan’s Sacred Mountain Temple Town | Wakayama, Japan Travel

Koyasan Travel Guide – Discover Japan’s Sacred Mountain Temple Town | Wakayama, Japan Travel

Hidden deep in the mountains of Wakayama lies Koyasan, a sacred center of Japanese Buddhism. Over 1,200 years ago, it was founded by a great monk and has since flourished as the heart of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. The entire mountain functions like one vast temple complex, home to 117 temples that remain active to this day. Many monks still live and train here, continuing centuries of spiritual tradition. Along the pilgrimage paths, you’ll find traditional eateries and souvenir shops where you can feel the spirit of Japan’s history and culture. In 2004, Koyasan was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors from around the globe. In this video, we’ll explore Koyasan’s famous landmarks and local cuisine. Now, let’s begin our journey through the sacred mountain of Koyasan. Feel Japan brings you travel inspiration from across Japan. Follow us and get inspired to discover the country’s hidden gems. If you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up! We’d also love to hear your thoughts in the comments. It takes about two hours by train from Osaka. Your journey begins at Gokurakubashi Station, the gateway to Koyasan. Before boarding the cable car, take a moment to look up. You’ll see a stunning ceiling painting above. Now, let’s board the cable car and ascend the steep slope in one swift ride. The line stretches about 800 meters, with a gradient exceeding 30 degrees. In just five minutes, you’ll arrive at the mountaintop station. From here, a short bus ride will take you into Koyasan itself. The first landmark you’ll encounter upon entering Koyasan is Nyonindo, or the Women’s Hall. In the past, women were forbidden to enter Koyasan. Instead, they would come to this hall to pray from afar. On the western edge of Koyasan stands a magnificent gate known as Daimon. This gate marks the official entrance to the sacred mountain. Standing about 25 meters tall, it’s the second largest gate of its kind in Japan. Its bright vermilion color and massive presence are truly awe-inspiring. Two fierce guardian statues stand on either side, protecting the sacred grounds and welcoming visitors. This is the boundary between the ordinary world and the sacred realm —passing through the gate means entering Koyasan’s spiritual world. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Daimon Gate. This is the Danjo Garan Complex, the heart of Koyasan’s religious activities. Together with Okunoin, it is one of Koyasan’s two major sacred sites. Passing through the central gate, you’ll first see the Kondo, Koyasan’s main temple hall. Many of Koyasan’s most important ceremonies are held here. Behind it rises the Konpon Daito, Koyasan’s iconic pagoda. Standing 48 meters tall, it’s an impressive sight. Around the area, you’ll find many other historical buildings worth exploring at your own pace. Located nearby is Kongobuji Temple. It serves as the head temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect. One of its highlights is Japan’s largest rock garden in the courtyard. It depicts two dragons dancing in a sea of white pebbles representing clouds. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Kongobuji Temple. Our final destination is Okunoin, the most sacred place in Koyasan. The 2-kilometer approach is lined with centuries-old cedar trees, creating a solemn and spiritual atmosphere. Over 200,000 tombstones and memorials stand here, belonging to everyone from emperors to ordinary citizens. You’ll also find memorials for many historical figures. Beyond Gobyo Bridge lies the most sacred area, where photography and eating are strictly prohibited. It is believed that the founder of Koyasan continues his meditation here to this very day. When dining in Koyasan, Shojin Ryori—traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine—is a must-try. At Chuo Shokudo Sanbo, you can enjoy authentic traditional Shojin dishes. Shojin Ryori is a plant-based meal that avoids meat and fish to respect the principle of non-killing. Originally eaten by monks during training, today it’s appreciated as a healthy and mindful way to eat. Each dish is simple, highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. Another highly recommended restaurant is Hanabishi. Their most popular dish is the “Sanko Zen,” available only at lunchtime. In addition to Shojin meals, they offer Kaiseki-style dishes and traditional bento sets. Both restaurants are long trusted by local temples and loved by visitors alike. One of Koyasan’s most famous specialties is sesame tofu. Kadohama Goma Tofu is a long-established shop dedicated to this delicacy. Their signature dish “Gosai” comes beautifully presented in a wooden box
inspired by traditional drawers. It represents the five tastes, colors, and cooking methods of Shojin cuisine, offering a delightful variety. Another popular choice is their Shojin Noodles. The noodles are gluten-free, made from rice flour. The broth is entirely plant-based, with no animal stock used. It’s a modern interpretation of Shojin Ryori made with contemporary techniques. For traditional Japanese sweets, visit Miroku Ishi Honpo Kasa Kuni. Founded in 1871, it’s a historic confectionery shop. They offer a wide selection of bite-sized sweets, available individually. There’s also a small dining space where you can enjoy your sweets right after purchasing. Koyasan is a special place where deep faith and timeless Japanese tradition live in harmony. Take a moment on this sacred mountain to reflect, find peace, and cleanse your soul. Thank you for watching this video all the way through. We’d really appreciate it if you could subscribe, leave a like, and share your feedback in the comments. You’ll find various links in the description below, and we always welcome your suggestions and requests on social media as well.

Mount Koya is a sacred Buddhist sanctuary with more than 1,200 years of history, home to iconic sites such as Okunoin and Kongobuji Temple.
Surrounded by tranquil forests and spiritual heritage, it offers a peaceful escape where visitors can experience the deeper side of Japanese culture.

Gokurakubashi Station
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Nyonin-do Hall
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Daimon Gate
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Danjo Garan
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Kongobu-ji Temple
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Okuno-in
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Chuoshokudo Sanbo
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Hanabishi
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Kadohama Goma-tofu
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Miroku Ishi Honpo Kasa Kuni
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The Most Beautiful Kumano Kodo, Mt. Nachi

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00:00 Opening
00:18 Overview
03:51 Gokurakubashi Station
06:09 Nyonindo
07:21 Daimon Gate
09:22 Danjo Garan Complex
12:53 Kongobu-ji Temple
14:08 Okunoin
17:25 Chuo Shokudo Sanbo
19:11 Hanabishi
20:21 Kakuhama Goma Tofu
22:57 Miroku Ishi Honpo Kasa Kuni
24:45 Ending