The small mountaintop Buddhist community of Mount Koya (Koyasan) is one of Japan’s most magical, if increasingly popular, destinations and the perfect place to spend a night at a Buddhist temple in shukubo temple lodgings.
Located in a remote wooded area of Wakayama Prefecture, south of Kyoto and Osaka, Koyasan is home to more than 100 temples and monasteries.
The headquarters of the Shingon school of Buddhism, Mount Koya was originally established in the year 819 by the famous monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi), and to this day remains one of the holiest places in Japan.
Koyasan is fairly easy to access from Osaka and Kyoto, which undoubtedly contributes to its recent boom in visitors. Yet despite the rise in tourism, Mount Koya remains a rewarding destination for travelers interested in Buddhism, history, traditional culture, and nature. Originally written in 2014, this post was updated and republished on July 15, 2020.

When to Visit Mount Koya
There’s no bad time to visit Mount Koya, but it’s wise to know what to expect.
If you like warmer weather, consider visiting in late spring, summer, or early fall. In late autumn it begins to get quite chilly, and winters are cold and often snowy (making this beautiful destination even more gorgeous).
For more on Japan’s seasons and weather, see When Is The Best Time To Visit Japan"
Getting to Mount Koya
It’s possible to visit Koyasan as a long day trip from Osaka (or even Kyoto), but for a r...