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High in the forested mountains of the Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka, lies the monastic complex of Mount Koya, the secluded home of the esoteric Shingon Buddhist sect.
Lodging in temples
Recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village contains more than a hundred different temples, many of which offer lodging for pilgrims and visitors allowing you to join the monks in their daily routines, share their delicious vegetarian cuisine, and experience a very different aspect of Japanese society. Take a stroll at dusk along the winding, lantern-lit paths through the Okunoin cemetery for a uniquely atmospheric experience. Other temples across Japan offer similar opportunities to stay and join in the monastic life notably at the beautiful mountainous Dewa Sanzen and Yamadera in northern Honshu.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Mount Koya
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Mount Koya, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Mount Koya
- Nara 57 kilometers away
- Osaka 58 kilometers away
- Kyoto 93 kilometers away
- Tokushima 98 kilometers away
- Takamatsu 144 kilometers away
- Iya Valley 146 kilometers away
- Naoshima 152 kilometers away
- Kurashiki 175 kilometers away
- Kinosaki Onsen 176 kilometers away
- Tottori 193 kilometers away
- Shikoku 196 kilometers away
- Tsumago 239 kilometers away
- Shirakawago 260 kilometers away
- Takayama 263 kilometers away
- Matsuyama 265 kilometers away
- Matsue 272 kilometers away
- Kanazawa 281 kilometers away
- Hiroshima 291 kilometers away
- Kamikochi 300 kilometers away
- Miyajima Island 304 kilometers away
- Matsumoto 313 kilometers away
- Tateyama 318 kilometers away
- Izu Peninsula 318 kilometers away
- Hakone & Mount Fuji 333 kilometers away
- The Japanese Alps 336 kilometers away
- Hakuba 346 kilometers away
- Kamakura 381 kilometers away
- Yudanaka 382 kilometers away
- Beppu 397 kilometers away
- Noto Peninsula 400 kilometers away
- Yufuin 405 kilometers away
- Tokyo 414 kilometers away
- Kurokawa 432 kilometers away
- Kyushu 441 kilometers away
- Aso 447 kilometers away
- Nikko 467 kilometers away
- Kumamoto 480 kilometers away
Photos of Mount Koya
Our expert guides to exploring Mount Koya
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Mount Koya, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Mount Koya at its best.
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What to do in Japan: our highlights guide What to do in Japan: our highlights guide
What to do in Japan: our highlights guide
Having lived and traveled across the country, our Japan Specialist Caitlin has compiled her highlights, from observing centuries-old rituals to the learning about the most modern technology.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Mount Koya
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Mount Koya. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Souji-in Shukubo
Mount Koya -
Ekoin
Mount Koya