Kyoto, as well as much of Japan, is experiencing a tourist boom. It’s a beautiful place filled with cultural history and traditional sites. Most people want to visit Kyoto to see the temples and the Japanese cultural context in which they are settled.
If you want to see and experience the temples and traditional culture that is so characteristic of Japan without the massive crowds, you should visit Koya San.
Nestled on a mountaintop less than two hours from Kyoto, Koya San is a Buddhist village filled with a rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and a cultural experience visitors to Japan shouldn’t miss.
As a bonus for those who visit during the humid summer months, Koya San tends to be cooler than Kyoto by about 10 degrees Celsius.
An Origin Story
Mount Koya (高野山 – “Koya San” in Japanese) is the central location of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. This sect was established in 816 by a Japanese Buddhist monk named Kukai. He is also known as Kobo Daishi, an honorific name given to Kukai by the Emperor. Koya San is the home of 117 Buddhist temples and monasteries. In 2004, UNESCO added Koya San to the list of World Heritage sites.
3 Recommendations While in Koya San
1 - See the Temples
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Kongobuji Temple – Originally built in 1593, Kongobuji Temple later became the head temple for Shingon Buddhism. After paying the entrance fee of 1000 yen, visitors can see the Ohiroma room and the Banryutei Rock Garden, the largest rock garden in Japan. Even the entryway to the temple area is serene and peaceful.
Danjo Garan – The Danjo Garan is one of the first temple complexes built in Koya San. There are more than 20 temples, pagodas, and various structures in Danjo Garan.
Koya San Reihokan Museum – If you want to see many of the cultural and religious treasures of Koya San, you can do so for only 1300 yen at the Reihokan Museum. Tens of thousands of pieces of art and other cultural items are housed here.
2 - See the Mausoleum
Koya San is home to the largest mausoleum in Japan. One mausoleum, called Okunoin, is the home of over 200,000 graves and memorial monuments. Over 10,000 lanterns are continually lit in Torodo Hall, the hall that leads to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum.
Okunoin has graves for notable warlords and monks known in Japanese history. Many of them are very exquisite. You can also find gravesite areas in Okunoin that belong to big Japanese companies like Kirin Beer and Toyota Car Company.
Another mausoleum, the Tokugawa clan mausoleum, is specifically for the shoguns of the Tokugawa clan. Although there are mausoleums for the Tokugawa clan all around Japan, this one was build in 1643 so that the first two shoguns of the Edo era could be enshrined near Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum. They believed this proximity would bring greater peace to the dead.
3 - Stay in Temple Lodging
There are 52 temples that offer lodging for travelers. Staying overnight in temple lodging (shukubo) allows you to experience shojin ryori (traditional vegetarian meals that monks eat), observe early morning prayer gatherings, and participate in other events offered by the temples.
We stayed at Fukuchiin for an overnight stay this summer and it was a wonderful experience. The art and cultural artifacts alone were worth the visit. The Japanese gardens and Koi fish ponds were also incredibly beautiful.
An Alternative to Kyoto
If you’ve never visited Kyoto, I won’t tell you not to go. Everyone should visit Kyoto at least once. However, plan a visit there knowing you’ll face large crowds anytime of year and and high humidity if you visit during the summer.
Although Koya San is also a popular destination for tourists, it isn’t nearly as crowded as Kyoto. You’ll have the chance to experience Japanese culture and see beautiful temples. Plus, the mountaintop village is a cooler option for summer travelers. It is definitely a good choice to add to your bucket list of Japan destinations!