Journey to the high mountain plateau where 117 temples offer a sanctuary from the modern world.
200,000 tombstones under a canopy of ancient cedar trees.
The Hall of Lanterns. Over 10,000 lanterns are kept eternally lit here, including two said to have been burning for over 900 years.
Follow the 2km path to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum. Believers say he is not dead, but in eternal meditation for the salvation of all beings.
Experience the cemetery by lantern-light. Guided by monks, you'll hear the legends of the mountain under the shadow of the tall pines.
Stay as a guest in one of 50+ temples. Wake at 6:00 AM for the morning fire ceremony (Goma) and sutra chanting with the monks.
Traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. It emphasizes the "Rule of Five" five colors, five flavors, and five preparation methods. Try the Koya-tofu, a freeze-dried delicacy born on this mountain.
Traveler Tip
Rent an audio guide at the English-friendly tourist center near the bus stop.
This is the central temple complex where Kobo Daishi first began teaching. It is dominated by the **Konpon Daito**, a magnificent 45-meter tall vermilion pagoda that represents the center of a lotus flower covering all of Japan.
The head temple of Shingon Buddhism, featuring the Banryutei Rock Garden—the largest in Japan, representing two dragons emerging from a sea of clouds.
A massive wooden hall where major religious ceremonies are held. It has been rebuilt seven times, symbolizing the eternal nature of the teachings.
Standing beneath the Great Pagoda, the vibrant orange-red color is meant to stir the soul. Inside, a rare 3D mandala composed of five gilded statues of the Buddha offers a visual representation of the cosmos.
Coordinates
34.2135° N, 135.5801° E
Early to mid-May. Due to the altitude, Koyasan’s cherry blossoms bloom much later than Osaka, offering a second chance to see the pink petals against ancient temple wood.
July - August. Escape the sweltering heat of the plains. The mountain stays 5-8°C cooler, and the frequent mist turns the Okunoin cemetery into a vibrant, neon-green moss sanctuary.
Late October to early November. The Koyasan skyline turns a fiery crimson. The "Maple Tunnel" leading to the Danjo Garan is one of the most photographed spots in Japan.
January - February. Koyasan is blanketed in heavy snow. The sound of chanting monks echoing through the crisp, frozen air is the ultimate spiritual experience.
Koyasan sits 800m above sea level. Always pack a layer, even in summer.
Deep Snow.
Ethereal & Silent.
Late Sakura.
Fresh blossoms.
Cool Escape.
Lush green moss.
Fire Maples.
Peak Pilgrimage.
Arrive via the scenic Nankai Cable Car. Drop your bags at your Shukubo (temple) and head to the Danjo Garan to center yourself.
Sample the sacred vegetarian cuisine. Focus on the delicate flavor of Koya-tofu and seasonal mountain vegetables.
Temples serve dinner early. Afterward, soak in the medicinal waters of the temple's public bath before the night tour.
Join the monks for the fire ceremony. Watch as prayers are burned in a sacred flame to destroy negative energies.
Take the Nankai Koya Line from Osaka's Namba Station to Gokurakubashi. Then, take the 5-minute cable car up the mountain. The JR Pass does not cover the Nankai Line.
We highly recommend the Koyasan World Heritage Pass. It covers your round-trip train from Osaka, the cable car, and unlimited bus travel on the mountain for two days.
Five curiosities that make Koyasan a world unlike any other.
In Okunoin, you'll find monuments built by companies like UCC Coffee and Panasonic to honor employees and even "the souls of all the termites killed by pest control."
Despite having the world's most famous cemetery, there are no private graveyards for the 3,000 residents. Locals are traditionally buried in family plots elsewhere.
The "Kiezu-no-hi" flame at Reihokan has been burning for over 1,200 years. It was supposedly used to light the atomic flame in Hiroshima's Peace Park.
Every day at 6:00 AM and 10:30 AM, monks carry ritual meals to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, as he is believed to still be alive in meditation.
The cable car that brings you up the mountain rises 328 meters in just 5 minutes, at a steep 56% gradient, one of the steepest in Japan.
"We are currently translating the fire ceremonies of Ekoin and the seasonal flavors of the Koya plateau to build the most soulful guide for your 2026 pilgrimage."
The incense is burning. The guide is coming soon. Stay with us.
A Note to our Guests
Gassho. Thank you for seeking the path with us. We hope Koyasan brings you the peace you are looking for.
— The Koyasan Travel Team