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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 36 miles away
- Osaka 36 miles away
- Kyoto 58 miles away
- Tokushima 61 miles away
- Takamatsu 90 miles away
- Iya Valley 91 miles away
- Naoshima 95 miles away
- Kurashiki 109 miles away
- Kinosaki Onsen 109 miles away
- Tottori 120 miles away
- Shikoku 122 miles away
- Tsumago 149 miles away
- Shirakawago 162 miles away
- Takayama 164 miles away
- Matsuyama 165 miles away
- Matsue 169 miles away
- Kanazawa 175 miles away
- Hiroshima 181 miles away
- Kamikochi 186 miles away
- Miyajima Island 189 miles away
- Matsumoto 195 miles away
- Tateyama 198 miles away
- Izu Peninsula 198 miles away
- Hakone & Mount Fuji 207 miles away
- The Japanese Alps 209 miles away
- Hakuba 215 miles away
- Kamakura 237 miles away
- Yudanaka 237 miles away
- Beppu 247 miles away
- Noto Peninsula 249 miles away
- Yufuin 252 miles away
- Tokyo 258 miles away
- Kurokawa 269 miles away
- Kyushu 274 miles away
- Aso 278 miles away
- Nikko 290 miles away
- Kumamoto 299 miles 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 travelled 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