Mt. Koya

The basics

Located in the Wakayama Prefecture, some travelers visit Mount Koya from Osaka, around 1.5–2 hours away by train or car. Opting for a guided tour is an efficient way to tick off Mount Koya’s highlights in a day—such as Koyasan Okunoin, Kongobu-ji Temple, and Tokugawa's Mausoleum—with a guide to provide commentary. Alternatively, some travelers visit Koyasan for longer—such as an overnight temple stay—to slow down, learn about Buddhism, and meditate with monks.

Things to know before you go

• There are barrier-free public restrooms with changing tables throughout the town, including the Koyasan Tourist Information Center, the Nyonin-do Hall, and the Dai-mon Gate.

• The tourist information center has English-speaking staff who can help with any inquiries you have.

• As it’s a small town, the attractions in Koyasan are limited, so a 1-night stay is ample to tick off many highlights.

• Temple stays were initially just for people who were doing a pilgrimage, but now they welcome the public. However, accommodation is basic, and often bathrooms are shared.

• A haven for non-meat eaters—most (if not all) of the temples are vegetarian, and it’s possible to enjoy vegetarian breakfasts or lunch using locally-grown produce that monks prepare. This is known as “shojin ryori”.

• The town has some small restaurants, but checking their opening times is advisable, as they may close earlier than expected.

How to get there

It takes around 90 minutes to get to Koyasan from Osaka Namba Station. Get the Nankai Koya Line to Gokurakubashi Station, then take the cable car to Koyasan—which takes roughly five minutes. From Koyasan Station, you can take a short bus ride to the town center. Alternatively, buses travel directly from Kansai Airport to Mount Koya. An easier option is to hire a car. However, traffic can get very congested if traveling at weekends.

When to get there

Koyasan can attract big crowds at weekends, so it’s recommended to go there during the week and explore popular sites early in the morning to beat the crowds—such as Koyasan Okunoin cemetery. As for the time of year, spring is a beautiful time to see the cherry blossoms (usually between late April and May) or fall for the colorful foliage (October–November).

Must-see places in Mount Koya

Japan’s largest cemetery—Okunoin—should be at the top of your sightseeing list as it's in a peaceful forest setting with over 200,000 tombstones of prominent monks, Samurai warriors, shoguns, and influential Japanese figures, including Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum. A must-see temple is Kongobuji—which dates back to 1593—and is the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. It’s also home to one of Japan's most extensive rock gardens, the Banryutei Rock Garden.