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Mt. Koya, Koya-cho

4.6

#1 of 44 in Nature in Wakayama Prefecture

Mountain Nature / Park Must See

• ©

World Heritage Site and headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, Mt. Koya blends nature and spirituality in utmost harmony. The monk Kūkai first settled here in 816 CE as a retreat from the courtly intrigues of Kyoto; an eternally lit mausoleum in the middle of the immense east-side graveyard pays tribute to him. Visit the western side as well, to see a temple complex with a Kanpon Daitō pagoda in its center. Explore some of the 100 wooden temples dotting the area, and the nearby town's university dedicated to religious studies. To visit Mt. Koya on your holiday in Koya-cho, and find out what else Koya-cho has to offer, use our Koya-cho road trip app .

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Mt. Koya Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

786 reviews

• By Armando L

  One of the most spiritual places in Japan. Not yet part of the standard tourist trip in Japan but it’s worth a visit. There are different temple to see and the Okunoin (cemetery). I suggest to sleep i...  more »

• By danielegY6607YR

  Un posto dove non essendo preso d'assalto come altre zone, potete assaporare tutto con gran tranquillità. Si respira davvero un qualcosa di profondo. Il paesetto sembra in alcuni punti un set cinemato...  more »

  A place where you are not as stormed as other areas, you can enjoy everything with great tranquility. You really breathe something deep. The village looks like a movie set in some places. Stunning experience
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