Mount Koya (Koya-san), Wakayama Prefecture

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Facts & Figures

Koya-san or Mount Koya is the famous home of the headquarters of the Koyasan sect of Shingon Buddhism and a major pilgrimage site. More than 100 temples are located in this area and forming this sacred place in the mountains of Wakayama. 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 / Kukai (774 - 835), the founder of the temple complex at Koyasan. The central or head temple of Esoteric Buddhism in Koyasan is Kongobu-ji temple.  Buy now and Save >
Since 2004 I travel nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favourite country. The temple complex, located on a wooded mountaintop, was constructed by the well-known daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Okunoin, largest graveyard in Japan and 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 of Mount Koya would not be complete without staying overnight in one of the temple inns (shukubo). You can participate there in ceremonies performed by priests in the morning.

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the amazing Mt. Koya and its historical places with a local guide. Check out this page > for more details.

History

In 816 Emperor Saga gave priest Kobo Daishi the permission to establish a temple complex at Koyasan. Kobo Daishi and his followers founded in this year a Shingon temple complex and religious retreat. During the year 826 started the construction of the Danjo-Garan temple complex. Kobo Daishi's successor Shinzen Daitoku finished the project. Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536 - 1598, famous daimyo and general) established in 1593 the Kongobu-ji temple. In 2004 Koyasan was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sightseeing spots at Mount Koya

top:

Okunoin - most sacred site in Koyasan, mausoleum of Kobo Daishi (Kuukai) is located here surrounded by the largest graveyard in Japan (app. 500.000 graves)

Kongobu-ji - the head temple of the Shingon Buddhism, an Important Cultural Property, is a 160.000 square meters complex and attracts thousands of visitors every year

Danjo-Garan temple - the sacred area consists of 20 buildings, priest Kobo Daishi opened this place first as a training center of Shingon esoteric Buddhism

Konpon Daito 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

Koyasan Choishi-michi trail - is a 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)

Banryutei Rock Garden - located within the Kongobu-ji Temple, is with 140 granite stones the largest in Japan

Reihokan Museum - on display are work of religious art

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.