Visit Wakayama The Official
Wakayama Travel Guide

In the year 816 AD, a monk by the name of Kukai (774 ~ 835 AD), posthumously named Kobo Daishi, founded Shingon Buddhism and the monastery complex known as Koyasan. Located in the lush Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park, it is said that the 8 peaks and basin resemble a lotus, making it an auspicious location. For over 1,200 years Koyasan has flourished as an active monastic center, and is one of Japan’s most sacred sites.

The contemplative surroundings that make Koyasan spectacular have welcomed emperors, feudal lords, aristocrats and politicians, acolytes and ordinary citizens. Its 117 intricately crafted buildings are the vestiges of the more than 2,000 temples that existed during the height of the Edo era (1603 - 1868). Whether richly textured in autumn leaves, covered in winter snow, or abloom with spring cherry blossoms and rhododendrons, Koyasan offers Shingon devotees and non-believers alike respite from the stresses of everyday life.

In 2004, recognizing the unique and remarkable universal value of these three sites, Koyasan, Kumano Sanzan, and Yoshino and Omine (Nara Prefecture), as well as the connecting pilgrimage routes to the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” embody a cultural landscape, one that has existed over centuries through ascetic spiritual practices harmoniously interwoven with nature.

For a culturally illuminating encounter, staying overnight at one of the 52 temples offering accommodations is an experience of a lifetime. Each temple’s design uniquely showcases aspects of Japanese philosophy and aesthetics. All visitors are welcome, and can not only see the inner workings of Shingon monastic life, they can also take part. To enter the quietude, practices such as meditation (ajikan), listening to sutra teachings and a calligraphic sutra copying practice (shakyo) are offered.

A vegetarian Buddhist cuisine made entirely of vegetables and edible wild plants, shojin-ryori may sound simple yet that could not be farther from the truth. Harmoniously composed into a symphony of seasonal tastes, shojin-ryori is all about bringing out the essence of its ingredients. Specialties include koya dofu and its sesame-flavored relative, goma dofu.

The feet of many have trod in search of tranquility on the mountains of Wakayama. To make the alpine ascent, pilgrims typically took Koyasan ChoishiMichi Pilgrimage Route, built at the same time as Koyasan. Named after the 3 m high stone stupas (choishi) lining the way, this 24 km trail begins at Jison-in Temple and ends at Okuno-in. Today both recreational hikers and devotees alike make the 7-hour journey leading to Koyasan’s Daimon entrance gate – one of the hundred top spots in Japan to view the sun set and sun rise.