Koyasan Monastic Training and Temple Lodging

The Okunoin Cemetery within Koyasan centers on the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi Kukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Containing approximately 200,000 graves of historical figures and ordinary people, it is a vast burial ground. The approximately 2km path from Chumon Gate to Okunoin, lined with ancient pines, is mystical and is revered as an entrance to the afterlife.

The head temple of Shingon Buddhism located in Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture. Founded by Kobo Daishi over 1,200 years ago, it remains a pilgrimage destination. The temple preserves ascetic training culture through shukubo (temple lodging) experiences. Its gardens and architecture represent Japan's highest cultural heritage standards.

The headquarters of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai). A religious city with 117 temples, it offers unique experiences including temple lodging, vegetarian cuisine, and the atmospheric path to Okunoin cemetery. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

The Grand Lantern Hall within Koyasan's Okunoin (Innermost Sanctuary) in Wakayama. Over 10,000 donated lanterns create a phantasmagorical illumination when lit at night. As the final destination in pilgrimage to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, it concentrates the wishes of countless devotees. Offers a unique sacred experience blending traditional pilgrimage ritual with modern lighting.

Buddhist vegetarian cuisine served at Koyasan's temple lodgings. As part of Kobo Daishi's Shingon Buddhist practice, it uses only plant-based ingredients without meat or fish. Featuring seasonal vegetables, wild plants, and soy products, this unique culinary philosophy has been maintained for centuries as spiritual nourishment for practitioners.

The center of Shingon Buddhism in Wakayama Prefecture's Ito District. Founded by Kobo Daishi in the 9th century. Over 100 temples stand in a basin at approximately 800 meters elevation. Famous for shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at temple lodgings and meditation experiences. Approximately 1 million visitors annually, a sacred site for spiritual training.