Mount Kōya

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Mount Kōya (高野山 kōya san) refers to a mountain in Wakayama Prefecture that houses the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, founded in 816 by the monk Kūkai (空海), more commonly known as Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師). It is considered a major holy site within Japan and is a popular destination for pilgrims as well as regular tourists.

Mt. Kōya has been designated part of a vast World Heritage Site which also includes Mie's own Kumano Kodō.

Getting There from Mie

By Train

Getting Around Town

Things to See

Accommodations

Food and Drink

  • Buddhist Monk Cuisine (精進料理 shōjin ryōri)
    Eating the purely vegetarian monk food is one of the main events when visiting Mount Koya. The many temples located within the town offer these meals to tourists; though the style is similar each temple has its own unique recipes. Guests who stay overnight at a temple will receive both a kaiseki-style dinner and breakfast comprised of this food, and as is the case with all kaiseki food there will be many small plates presented in a colorful and beautiful manner. The Koyasan tofu available with these meals is particularly well-known.
    Even if you aren't vegetarian, you will likely find yourself enjoying this food.

Nearby

  • Wakayama
    The prefecture's capital city is nearby, with its castle, ramen, and feline station master.
  • Shirahama
    Beaches, onsen, and the world's best panda zoo outside China
  • Osaka
    Serves as the gateway to Koyasan

Links

Japan Travel
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Kantō Tokyo • Yokohama
Central Japan Gifu • Kanazawa • Hamamatsu • Magome Pass • Matsumoto • Nagano • Nagoya
Kansai Himeji • Kobe • Kyoto • Mie • Mount Kōya • Nara • Osaka • Wakayama
Western Japan Aso • Beppu • Hiroshima • Nagasaki • Okayama • Tokushima • Tottori
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