Top Things to do in Koya-cho
Top Restaurants in Koya-cho
Things to do in Koya-cho, Kinki: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Discover the best top things to do in Koya-cho, Japan including Koyasan Okunoin, Kongobu-ji Temple, Koyasan Danjo Garan, Kongosanmaiin, Kumagai-ji Temple, Torodo Temple, Eko-in Temple, Ichijo-in Temple, Kodai-in Temple, Fukuchi-in Temple.
Restaurants in Koya-cho
1. Koyasan Okunoin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,261 reviews
Reviewed By ggm96822 - Honolulu, United States
A place to let your soul re-awaken. Having last stayed in a monastery here 19 years ago, before it was added to the World Heritage list, I was apprehensive about returning, having heard of busloads of noisy tourists overunning everything, but it defies defilement; one of the world's truly sacred spaces. Early morning and dusk are the best time to visit, early there are monks chanting, at dusk as the shadows fall the 200,000 tombs of the cedar forest begin to stir quietly.
2. Kongobu-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
Reviewed By AB_Stb_OZ - Oud-Zuilen, The Netherlands
Kongobu-ji temple is the center of the Shogun Buddhist community. There are many temples and subtemples and there is an interesting (huge) Zen Garden. Staff is highly accomodating to visitors.
3. Koyasan Danjo Garan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
Reviewed By ggm96822 - Honolulu, United States
This is the spot where Kobo Daishi found the vajra he had hurled to determine where to build a monastery, 1200 years ago. Around twenty beautiful temples and pagodas, including the bright vermillion "great pagoda," Konpon Daito, rebuilt in the 1930s and kept freshly painted. Early in the morning, there are monks chanting in the Kondo (the main pavilion) and the 'no entry' apparently only applies to tour groups, a monk nodded me in without any objection.
4. Kongosanmaiin
5. Kumagai-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
6. Torodo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By AB_Stb_OZ - Oud-Zuilen, The Netherlands
This temple is just in front of the mausoleum of Kobe Daishi Kukai ( the founder of Shogun Buddhism in Japan. It is a place of peace and inspiration, particularly during the morning chanting of the monks at 5am.
7. Eko-in Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By saf51 - Chester, United Kingdom
The Eko-in is one of 52 Shukubo (Temple Lodgings) in Koyasan. We had a wonderful time here. The surroundings are beautiful. We were made to feel very welcome by the friendly monks. Our ryokan-like room was very comfortable with ensuite bathroom - I'm too old to go wandering down a corridor in the middle of the night anymore. The 4.30pm meditation was informative and uplifting (go the meditation room 5 minutes early if you want to meditate on a chair rather than a comfy looking cushion on the floor) We joined the very interesting night walk through the Okunoin cemetery - Eko-in is only a few minutes walk from the entrance. The morning Buddhist service was fascinating and moving; the fire ceremony quite exciting. Meals are vegetarian but don't expect many fresh vegetables-there's a lot of tofu and the normal staples of rice pickles and miso. Breakfast is similar to dinner just smaller. The futons are comfortable but the pillows are thin and filled with buckwheat/beans-an acquired taste.
8. Ichijo-in Temple
9. Kodai-in Temple
10. Fukuchi-in Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By ldthomas2015 - Calgary, Canada
This was everything I had hoped it to be and more. If you’re looking for a taste of tradition then this is where you’ll find it. The meals are 100% Buddhist-vegetarian and served in your room at a specific time. The futons are rolled out after dinner, and the gate closes at 9pm. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Morning prayer was at 5am. It’s optional so you need to go if you do not wish to, but it really is a profound experience so I’d definitely recommend going.
