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Koya-san · Kansai
Kansai · 関西
Koya-san
A mountaintop temple complex founded in 816 by the monk Kukai as the center of Shingon Buddhism, where about fifty of the remaining temples take overnight guests and serve the vegetarian shojin-ryori cuisine developed by the monks.
- Best seasons
- Autumn · Spring
- JR Pass covers
- Yes
- Interests
- Temples & Shrines · Culture & History · Nature
Highlights
What to see and do.
- Okunoin Cemetery
- Kongobu-ji Temple
- Temple lodging (shukubo)
- Shojin ryori
- Danjo Garan
When to go
Crowd levels by month.
Vermillion density shows how crowded the city feels each month. Darker cells mean more tourists and higher prices.
JanVery low
FebVery low
MarLow
AprModerate
MayModerate
JunLow
JulLow
AugLow
SepLow
OctHigh
NovHigh
DecVery low
Where to stay
Neighbourhoods to consider.
Central Koya-san
Near Okunoin and main temples, all accommodation is temple lodging
culturetemples
Book ahead
Reservations that matter.
Book temple lodging (shukubo) well in advance — there are no regular hotels.