Mt. Koya
Mt. Koya
4.5
About
Wooden temples hidden among the trees, mist-covered mountains, smooth-headed monks in colorful robes--all the Buddhist film archetypes are alive on Mt. Koya. A deeply sacred place, central to the Shingon sect of Buddhism, Mt. Koya is also a World Heritage Site due to its more than 1000-year-old teaching and meditation sites.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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SAMURAIABC
Japan3,271 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Trekking from Kudoyama Station to Koyasan via Machiishimichi is fun. It will be quite an exercise.
A total of 180 stones from Jison-in Temple to Konpon Taito are placed as guideposts in each town (= about 109 meters).
It is also said to be the path that Kobo Daishi Kukai walked along, and there are rocks and stones that have a long history here and there.
The altitude difference is about 800 m, but you climb about 500 m at the beginning and the middle is a gentle path, then climb again towards the end.
On the way, there is Yatate-chaya teahouse where it meets the national highway about 2/3 of the way, and there are vending machines, but I recommend walking with enough drinking water and action food.
The whole journey is about 20km, but to retire on the way you have to go off the stone road and walk along the mountain path to the railway station, which is at least 3km long, so I intend to.
It's easy because you can trek one way and take the train home.
It is often closed due to heavy rains and typhoons these days, but as of August 2024, it was possible to use a partial detour. (walk about 3 km extra)
A total of 180 stones from Jison-in Temple to Konpon Taito are placed as guideposts in each town (= about 109 meters).
It is also said to be the path that Kobo Daishi Kukai walked along, and there are rocks and stones that have a long history here and there.
The altitude difference is about 800 m, but you climb about 500 m at the beginning and the middle is a gentle path, then climb again towards the end.
On the way, there is Yatate-chaya teahouse where it meets the national highway about 2/3 of the way, and there are vending machines, but I recommend walking with enough drinking water and action food.
The whole journey is about 20km, but to retire on the way you have to go off the stone road and walk along the mountain path to the railway station, which is at least 3km long, so I intend to.
It's easy because you can trek one way and take the train home.
It is often closed due to heavy rains and typhoons these days, but as of August 2024, it was possible to use a partial detour. (walk about 3 km extra)
Automatically translated
Written 8 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
勝治 清
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
Visiting Mt. Koya, Todaiji Temple in Nara, and Toji Temple in Kyoto on a journey around Kobo Daishi and Kukai. At Koyasan, we stayed at a temple. I was able to stay comfortably here, and the early morning prayers and the priest's sermon left a lasting impression on me. In Koya Town, the Okunoin Temple is wonderful, but the ``Koyasan Reihokan'' located in the middle of the town is also a wonderful place. There are life-sized mandala drawings here, and it is a place you should definitely visit.
Written 25 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aoitagitach11
Japan2,511 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Kosetsu Minami's concert was held at Kongobuji Temple.
His voice in the majestic air was so beautifully cleansed that it was out of this world. It was a superpower spot. I'll keep trying to recharge my energy. (笑)
His voice in the majestic air was so beautifully cleansed that it was out of this world. It was a superpower spot. I'll keep trying to recharge my energy. (笑)
Automatically translated
Written 19 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tamura K
3 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
There was a tourist information center near Kongobu-ji Temple, and I used the free parking at the back. It is near the center of Koyasan sightseeing, which stretches from east to west. After a bit of preparation at the tourist information center, visit the giant Tahoto pagoda and the tombstones. The tomb in the inner sanctuary was cool and made me forget the intense heat.
I was immersed in the world of the three-dimensional mandala representing the Womb Realm!
I was immersed in the world of the three-dimensional mandala representing the Womb Realm!
Automatically translated
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ilona
26 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Very worthwhile. Just do it independently. You don't have to book excursions. You can walk everywhere in no time. Make sure you have booked your overnight stay. Beautiful temples, but especially the cemetery is very impressive. So big, so beautiful in the forest. Definitely don't skip it.
Written 9 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
piccijesi
Province of Ancona, Italy2,441 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Our guide is a Yamatologist. Italian-French, he spent periods of study between Italy and Japan. Up here, on Mount Koya, among austere temples shrouded in silence and centuries-old cedar forests, he finds the right spiritual dimension, long-awaited parallel to metropolitan life. Contemporaneity and ancient, at times esoteric, civilizations, ancient studies and comparative insights coexist up here immersed in the predominant nature. So we moved to almost a thousand meters. with our backpacks and well padded because it had snowed. Guests in the classic shukubo we adapted to the rules of the monastery with a curious attitude. Here he wanted to be able to meditate at 6.00pm or 6.00am and then carry out other joint activities in the room reserved for us. But briskly and encouraged by the serene guidance of our companion, we set off towards the temples and pagodas, crossing little bridges, votive shrines with lanterns gradually lit, stelae tombs and headstones. Moss and ferns on the ground and rays of centuries-old trunks above us. Then a hot coffee, a slice of apple pie and the return home, that is, to the monastery. In the building, announced by a driveway and a portal with sober lines in rough stone, you enter the garden designed by concentric spiral pebbles, rose shrubs and camellias. You climb a small staircase, barefoot, wearing common slippers, towards a walkway that surrounds the building protected by a roof. Inside is the quadrangle of living rooms separated by thin sliding panels. Warm, welcoming and well lit. You walk delicately on tatami mats and rest on thin futons equipped with soft pads
covers. Frugal vegetarian-style dinner and breakfast. At 9.00pm enveloping silence for everyone.
covers. Frugal vegetarian-style dinner and breakfast. At 9.00pm enveloping silence for everyone.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martial51
Vitry-le-Francois, France893 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
the worst memory of this trip to Japan. A night in a monastery where everything was improvised, cold and unheated rooms, inedible meals, priests who look more like business leaders there to pocket money, common toilets which are blocked and discharge nauseating odors. Nothing good, looking forward to departure the next day
Written 20 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francine W
Sun City Center, FL32 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Beautiful scenery en route. Our lodging at the Hongaku Shukuba Temple was very roomy i.e. sleeping room and a sitting area. There was an add'l comfy area with the garden view. Dinner and breakfast were vegan, as expected. My only disappointment was that we didn't have an opportunity to talk with the monks. I did attend the morning prayers although I didn't understand any of the chants. If you want quiet, this will fit the bill. There are several beautiful and quiet gardens on the property.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen K
Melbourne, Australia29 contributions
Jan 2020
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 (included in Kansai Thru pass) (which was fun to travel in on a steep angle), we decided to walk to the town. It was a pleasant 30 min walk on the road (virtually no traffic) with wonderful views . There is a bus, too, but we like to walk. The town is lovely, lots of temples, a Family Mart (for cheap cappuccino) and a great tourist Information centre. There was an American guy there who spoke fluent English!!! Yeah, the first ever in Japan. He was interesting and it was great to talk, we were about to eat picnic lunch outside the tourist centre but we were invited in where there were tables and chairs and water and toilets. Fabulous as it was 4 C outside. Exploring the famous cemetery was amazing with huge tall trees and interesting tombs and a pleasant walk. We walked back through the town, along the road to the cable car late afternoon and just made the cable car (it only goes about once per hour). Only one car passed us and we saw the twilight over the mountains - so pretty. If you are adventurous and like exploring, this is a great day trip from Osaka.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sprout211
Chesapeake, VA792 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Day 2 - Day trip to Mount Koya from Osaka. It is the world center of Shingon Buddhism brought to Japan in the 8th century. We were blessed to have a private guide, Etsuko, that had personal ties to this site and had completed a pilgrimage here. We also had a very elaborate vegetarian lunch prepared by the monks.
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do the grounds open / close at a certain hour? Possible to explore in evening?
Written 29 June 2019
Departure14921477119
Osaka, Japan
Hi. is it possible to do the trek and go back to osaka the same day? is it safe for solo trek?
Written 5 March 2019
Hi, I have done the trek solo. There are reports of bear sightings, so it would be a little dangerous and scary.
Do bring along bear bells or even spray as a precautionary measure, but hiking solo requires a lot of experience.
Doing the trek in one day is indeed possible, but you must start early. I started at 7AM, and reached the peak at 1-2PM, with ample time for touring and getting back to osaka before 7pm.
Written 15 March 2019
Which monastery accomodation did you stay in ?
Written 26 February 2019
Hi Welly, I stayed at Eko-in.
There is also an extensive review about the temple by googing it.
Written 26 February 2019
Hello,
How do i found the monastery to stay? What is it's name?
Written 9 August 2018
There are quite a lot of monasteries that you can stay. Please google Mount Koya Temple stay/lodgings then you can find quite a few links. You can choose according to your likings and budget.
Have a great time.
Written 9 August 2018
Hi everyone, I've been to Koyasan before, but it was 8 years ago, so I don't remember much about the layout of Shin-Imamiya station. I am concerned about the short transfer time from Shin-Imamiya to Gokurakubashi station. I looked up Hyperdia train timetable and you have only 4 mins to transfer. I was wondering if anyone can remember which track number to go to as 4 mins seems very short.
Thanks
Pandy
Written 3 May 2018
trippwn
Madagascar
I use the website for public photos transport “Jorudan” I google “jorudan english” and then searched for koyasan - NOT koya as San led mountain. It will point you exactly where you need to go
Written 4 May 2018
trak2000
Melbourne, Australia
Is the Nankai Koya train line and cable car between Namba and Koyasan station reopened yet after the 2017 problem?
Written 4 April 2018
Unsure, it’s no hassle as all alternative connections run as if getting original.
Written 10 April 2018
Hi all,
We are going to Koyasan next week. Has the railway been repaired? Do we go by the replacement bus or funicular? Can we take one medium size suitcase? Many thanks
Written 18 March 2018
Our two suitcases (standard 22” rolling bag) were no trouble on the bus in Nov 2017. Others had larger bags. They were placed under the coach in the hold. Small bags were carried with us onboard.
The only trouble you may find is taking your suitcase onboard the Koyasan bus between the bus stop and all of the stops in town.
No toilets onboard the bus so make sure you go before leaving the station.
Written 4 April 2018
Lin I
Melbourne, Australia
Hi, I would to ask if the Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket will be extended ? The validity of the ticket is stated till 30 march 2018 on the website. I will be visiting Mt. Koya this April. I have been trying to ask couple website about this ticket but no reply so far.
It will be greateful if anyone have information about this ticket or any alternative wa. I will be leaving from Nara to mt. Koya
Thank you
Written 23 February 2018
I believe it is seasonal and by the time you visit in April it will be updated with the 2018-2019season validity dates. Check the website closer to the end of March. We purchased the pass for our visit last November and found limited value (unless you intend to visit all included attractions). Do be sure to walk through the town and cemetery at night after all the day-tourists have departed.
Written 2 March 2018
Hi We are a party of 4 adults with accommodation booked in Koyasan on Saturday 7th April. Now that there is a replacement bus for the last part of the journey I am wondering how long it will take to get there from Osaka on a Saturday in April as the roads are likely to be congested. Also I understand that Buddha's birthday will be celebrated in Koyasan on Sunday 8th April when we will be leaving. Will Koyasan be particularly busy this weekend?
Written 23 January 2018
Follow this sequence to get to reviews of "Mount Koyasan"
Japan
Kinki
Wakayama Prefecture
Ito-gun
Koya-cho
Things to Do - Koya-cho
Mount Koyasan
Written 23 January 2018
Hi! I'm planning a night here this week (my accommodation is pencilled in) but the next day, I have to be at Osaka Itami airport by 2.30pm. Will I have enough time to get back or will it be too risky?
Written 3 December 2017
you can do it! Gunbatte! Have the people at the lodging assist with planning.
john
Written 3 December 2017
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