• 
• Image: Monks and Daito(Great Pagoda)
• 
• Image: Okunoin
• 
• Image: Shojinryori
• 
• Image: Ajikan Meditation
• 
• Image: Cable car
• 
• Image: The Tenku tourist trains
• 
• Image: Autumn in Koyasan
• 
• Image: Shabutsu

Koyasan (literally “Mt. Koya”) is home to an active monastic center founded 1,200 years ago by the priest Kukai as a place of religious study. He sought to establish a monastery deep in the mountains, a retreat far from worldly distractions where Buddhist monks could practice their faith and pray for peace and the welfare of the people. As its mountainous name suggests, Koyasan is situated in a valley atop a highland (altitude 900m). It stretches 4km east-to-west and 2 km north-to-south, and the eight mountains surrounding it are often compared to the eight petals of a lotus flower. Because of its location and position nestled in among the mountains, Koyasan is known as a true sanctuary, cloistered away from worldly existence. In 2015, Koyasan will celebrate its 1,200th anniversary, and is attracting increasing media attention in Japan and abroad in the run-up to that momentous occasion. If Kyoto is Japan’s most famous “face” to the world then Koyasan must surely be the country's best-kept secret. Often overlooked—even by those who purport to seek the “real Japan experience,”Koyasan is probably one of the most authentically Japanese attractions, offering, for instance, overnight stays in staying temple lodging and Ajikan meditation, not to mention a nutritious vegetarian diet.Koyasan delightfully juxtaposes the stark verdure of the abundant natural forest with the vibrancy of human warmth and spirit that flows throughout the settlement. So come, cast off your worldly cares and relax in the solemn dignity and tranquility of Koyasan, one of Japan’s truly unspoiled treasures.

● In July 2004, Koyasan was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a part of
　　“Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, and the Cultural landscapes
　　 that Surround them”.
● In 2009, Michelin Green Guide gave Koyasan top marks-a three-star rating. The guide says
　　 Koyasan is well worth the trip and place to immerse yourself in Japan’s mystyeries away
　　from the cares of the world.

Ajikan is a form of Shingon meditation which seeks to integrate the practitioner with the Buddha. It was introduced to Japan by Kukai. You begin by“centering” yourself, then you “watch your breath,” and gradually allowing yourself to enter into a state of slow, rhythmic breathing and relaxation.

Ajikan is a form of Shingon meditation which seeks to integrate the practitioner with the Buddha. It was introduced to Japan by Kukai. You begin by“centering” yourself, then you “watch your breath,” and gradually allowing yourself to enter into a state of slow, rhythmic breathing and relaxation.

Shabutsu is the practice of tracing the shape of the Buddha on paper. The more you concentrate on tracing, the more it heightens the senses. The absence of linguistic requirements means shabutsu is a popular activity among non-Japanese visitors to Koyasan.

Oku no In and Danjogaran are just two of many World Heritage Sites and nationally-designated cultural assets at Koyasan. What’s more, Koyasan’s natural splendor presents a unique vista in each season of the year: the watercolor beauty of cherry blossoms in the spring, vivid green in the summer, fiery red foliage in the autumn, and the purest of pure driven snowscapes in the winter.

Koyasan located Wakayama Prefecture, south of Osaka and Kyoto.
Koyasan is easily accessible from Kansai International Airport, one of Japan’s gateway airports with just a single change of train.

TRAVEL TIMES
・From Namba Station in central Osaka: Approx. 90 mins.
・From Kansai International Airport: Approx. 2 hrs 20 mins.
・From Shin-Osaka Station: Approx. 2 hrs.
・From Kyoto Station: Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins.