Koya-san, or Mount Koya, is a sacred mountain and a major center of
Shingon Buddhism in Japan. To get to Koya-san, follow these steps:
- Take a Train to Gokurakubashi Station: From Osaka,
you can take the Nankai Electric Railway from Namba Station to
Gokurakubashi Station. The Limited Express “Koya” runs directly from
Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station in about 80 minutes.
- Cable Car to Koyasan: From Gokurakubashi Station,
transfer to the Koyasan Cable Car, which is also operated by Nankai
Electric Railway. The cable car takes you up the mountain to Koyasan
Station.
- Bus or Taxi to Koyasan Town Center: Once you arrive
at Koyasan Station, you can take a bus or a taxi to the town center,
where many of the temples and accommodations are located. The bus ride
takes about 10-15 minutes.
Keep in mind the following additional tips:
- Nankai Koya-san World Heritage Ticket: If you plan
to visit other attractions in the Kansai region, consider purchasing the
Nankai Koya-san World Heritage Ticket. This pass includes round-trip
train fare from Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station, unlimited travel
on Nankai Railway lines within the Kansai area, and discounts at various
attractions.
- Koyasan Access Bus Pass: Once you’re in Koyasan,
you can also purchase a Koyasan Access Bus Pass, which provides
unlimited rides on the buses that circulate around Koyasan. This pass is
useful for visiting different temples and sites around the
mountain.
- Plan Ahead for Temple Stays: Koyasan is famous for
its temple lodging (shukubo) experience. If you’re interested in staying
overnight at one of the temples, it’s recommended to make reservations
in advance, as these accommodations can fill up quickly, especially
during peak seasons.
By following these steps and tips, you should be able to easily reach
Koya-san and enjoy its serene atmosphere and cultural attractions.
Popular Temple Lodgings in
Koyasan
Staying in Koyasan (Mount Koya) is a unique experience, as it offers
the opportunity to stay in traditional Buddhist temple lodgings known as
“shukubo.” These temples offer visitors a chance to experience the
peaceful atmosphere of the mountain and participate in morning prayers
and vegetarian meals.
- Eko-in Temple: Eko-in is one of the largest temple
lodgings in Koyasan, offering a range of accommodations from simple
Japanese-style rooms to more luxurious options. Guests can participate
in morning prayers and enjoy vegetarian meals prepared by the
temple.
- Shojoshin-in Temple: Shojoshin-in is another
popular temple lodging with a history dating back over 1000 years.
Guests can experience traditional Buddhist practices, including
meditation sessions and sutra copying. The temple also offers vegetarian
meals.
- Henjoko-in Temple: Henjoko-in is known for its
beautiful garden and tranquil surroundings. Guests can participate in
morning prayers and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the temple grounds.
Vegetarian meals are served in the traditional shojin ryori style.
- Jokiin Temple: Jokiin offers a more intimate and
secluded experience, with fewer guest rooms compared to some of the
larger temples. Guests can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the temple
and participate in morning prayers and meditation sessions.
When staying in a temple lodging in Koyasan, it’s important to
remember that these accommodations offer a traditional and minimalist
experience. Rooms typically feature tatami mat floors, futon bedding,
and shared bathroom facilities. Meals are usually vegetarian and served
at specific times.
It’s recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during
peak travel seasons, as temple lodgings in Koyasan can fill up quickly.
Additionally, some temples may have specific requirements or guidelines
for guests, so it’s a good idea to inquire about these before booking
your stay.
