Exploring the Temples and Shrines of Koyasan

Start your day by taking the Nankai Koya Line from Namba Station in Osaka to Gokurakubashi Station. From there, transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car, which will take you up the mountain to Koyasan Station. Once you arrive, drop off your bags at your accommodation and head to Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Explore the beautiful gardens and admire the famous sliding doors painted by artist Kano Tan'yu. Next, make your way to Okunoin, the largest cemetery in Japan. This sacred site is home to the mausoleum of Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, as well as thousands of gravestones and towering cedar trees. End your day with a relaxing soak in one of Koyasan's hot springs before enjoying a traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner at your temple lodging.

Start your day with a morning meditation and prayer service at your temple lodging. After breakfast, head to the Garan temple complex, which includes the impressive Konpon Daito pagoda and the Kondo main hall. From there, take a stroll through the quaint streets of Koyasan, stopping at smaller temples and shrines along the way. Don't miss the chance to try shojin ryori, a traditional Buddhist cuisine made with seasonal and local ingredients. In the afternoon, attend a fire ceremony at Nyonindo, a small temple known for its unique rituals. End your day with a visit to the Reihokan Museum, which houses a collection of important Buddhist artifacts and treasures. Before leaving Koyasan, make sure to stop by the souvenir shops to pick up some unique gifts to bring home.