Trip Planner: Asia / Japan / Kansai / Wakayama Prefecture / Ito-gun / Koya-cho / Mt. Koya

Mt. Koya, Koya-cho

4.6

Must see · Mountain · Nature / Park

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World Heritage Site and headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, Mt. Koya blends nature and spirituality in utmost harmony. The monk Kūkai first settled here in 816 CE as a retreat from the courtly intrigues of Kyoto; an eternally lit mausoleum in the middle of the immense east-side graveyard pays tribute to him. Visit the western side as well, to see a temple complex with a Kanpon Daitō pagoda in its center. Explore some of the 100 wooden temples dotting the area, and the nearby town's university dedicated to religious studies. To visit Mt. Koya on your holiday in Koya-cho, and find out what else Koya-cho has to offer, use our Koya-cho.

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Tours to Mt. Koya

FROM $304 BOOK WITH VIATOR Mt Koya 1 Day Walking Tour from Osaka Mt Koya 1 Day Walking Tour from Osaka

Duration: 8 hours

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Mt. Koya reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

824 reviews

By tjasac2015

The mount Koya is the unique place with you must visit on your travel to Japan. There so many zen Buddhist temples which you can visit and stay there. Try just one night, which include vegetarian...

The mount Koya is the unique place with you must visit on your travel to Japan. There so many zen Buddhist temples which you can visit and stay there. Try just one night, which include vegetarian... more »
By ggm96822

At least 60 of the 117 monasteries here now accept guests (20 years ago there were four willing to take foreigners). An extraordinary place, requires time to appreciate.

At least 60 of the 117 monasteries here now accept guests (20 years ago there were four willing to take foreigners). An extraordinary place, requires time to appreciate. more »
By Helen K

We had the 3 day Kansai Thru train pass and Mt Koya reached its limits (so we really felt we got our money's worth!) The JR pass doesn't go there.When we arrived at the top of the cable car...

We had the 3 day Kansai Thru train pass and Mt Koya reached its limits (so we really felt we got our money's worth!) The JR pass doesn't go there.When we arrived at the top of the cable car... more »