Visit Wakayama The Official
Wakayama Travel Guide

Koyasan is home to an active monastic center founded 1,200 years ago by the great monk Kukai (posthumously known as Kobo Daishi) for the study and practice of Esoteric Shingon Buddhism, a faith with a wide following throughout Japan. Even now it is home to a majestic and mysterious atmosphere that charms the people who visit there. 117 temples are scattered within Koyasan, and the 52 temples offer accommodation and meals for visitors as Shukubo (temple lodging). Koyasan including the pilgrimage routes has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and is also famous as a wonderful place for autumn foliage viewing.