[2025 Koya Attraction] Travel Guide for Kongobu-ji Okuno-in (Updated Apr)

#Osaka Attractions Okunoin is considered a holy place of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. Famous for its deep forests, ancient tombstones and solemn atmosphere, Okunoin attracts countless believers and tourists. On both sides of the approach to Oku-no-in Temple, there are thousands of stone lanterns and old trees, giving people a sense of the weight of history. In addition to its religious significance, Okunoin's natural landscape is also magnificent, changing with each season and each with its own unique features. Whether it’s cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery red leaves in autumn or blanketed in snow in winter, you can always feel its unique beauty whenever you visit. Okunoin is not only a place for spiritual practice, but also a great place to experience the harmony between Japanese culture and nature.

On our recent trip to Japan we visited a number of busy cities and we wanted to have a couple of days out and Mount Koya was a great choice. It took us a couple of hours and a number of train rides to get there but it was absolutely worth it. A very tranquil little town Koyasan was set among centuries old pine forests and the quiet Buddhist temples and serene setting was just what we needed to take a break from the neon lights. All the notable sights are within walking distance and the air is so clear you would be silly not to take leisurely strolls around the parks and the beautiful Okunoin cemetery. A tourist office in the heart of town can provide you more information on the sights and important events. This is one of the most spiritual places in Japan. Not yet part of the standard tourist trip in Japan but it’s worth a visit. I suggest to sleep in a temple to really feel the atmosphere of the place. #givethanks #givethanks

The small mountaintop Buddhist community of Mount Koya (Koyasan) is one of Japan’s most magical, if increasingly popular, destinations and the perfect place to spend a night at a Buddhist temple in shukubo temple lodgings. Located in a remote wooded area of Wakayama Prefecture, south of Kyoto and Osaka, Koyasan (as it is called in Japanese) is the headquarters of the Shingon school of Buddhism, and home to more than 100 temples and monasteries.

#aprilblooms Mt. Koya's "Mt. Koya Okuno-in" is a sacred place where Kobo Daishi enters and is the centre of faith visited by many worshippers. More than 200,000 tombstones, monuments, memorial monuments, etc. are lined up in the 800-year-old cedar grove. On both sides of the cobblestone path leading from the entrance to "Ichinobashi" to "Kobo Daishi Gomyo", there are tombstones and memorial towers of Sengoku busho such as Nobunaga Oda, Shingen Takeda, and Masamune Date, and memorial monuments of Matsuo Basho and Kyoko Takahama, and "Sweat Jizo" and "Makeup Jizo". You can walk about 2 km of the road while looking around carefully with a unique jizo with episodes.

During the Qingming Festival, embark on a soul-searching journey to Japan! Visit the Buddhist holy site of Mount Koya, meditate at the Ajikan Meditation Hall for inner peace, stroll along ancient Japanese paths in traditional attire, and experience the historical charm. Hike along the Koya-san section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, enjoying the beauty of nature. This 5-day itinerary is full of excitement. Start your Japanese adventure now! 🗺️Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Kansai International Airport (Osaka), take the shuttle or JR to Wakayama City. Meet your tour guide and take the JR line to Wakayama City center. We recommend arriving on a flight before 4pm to ensure a smooth group meeting. Day 2: In-depth tour of Mount Koya. First, visit Okunoin Cemetery and experience its mystical atmosphere. Then, head to Kongobu-ji Temple to experience Japanese Zen. After lunch, visit the Koyasan Reihokan Museum to learn about the history and culture. Finally, visit Danjo Garan Temple to appreciate the ancient Buddhist architecture. The whole day is immersed in Buddhist culture and historical sites. Day 3: Explore the Kumano Kodo. Hike along the ancient path, experiencing the charm of nature and the weight of history. Visit the Otorii Gate of Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and experience the unique charm of Japanese Shinto. Step onto the Kumano Kodo once more, each step feeling like a journey through time, conversing with the ancients. Day 4: Starting from the Koya-san Trail entrance (Miwasaki), hike to Daimonzaka Slope, enjoying the magnificent natural scenery along the way. Then, visit Nachi Falls and experience the power of the cascading water. Afterwards, visit Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple to delve deeper into Japanese religious culture. Day 5: Free time in Osaka to explore the city's charm. Go shopping, savor authentic cuisine, and enjoy the pleasures of travel. Finally, conclude your journey with cherished memories.🌟 **Things to note**: 🌸 March in Japan offers pleasant weather and blooming cherry blossoms. Remember to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery! ⏰ Japan is 1 hour ahead of China. Adjusting to the time difference is easy, and you'll adapt quickly. 🍣 Try the local cuisine. Don't miss out on sushi and ramen for an authentic taste of Japan. 🚌 The subway and bus systems are well-developed. Plan your routes in advance for smoother travel. 🎌 Respect local customs and be polite to others. Your trip will be even more enjoyable! 🌟Join a group tour to Japan for a hassle-free and relaxing experience! Don't forget to like and save this post to prepare for your trip to Japan!🌸

A three-day trip to Japan, exploring the essence! Here's a super practical guide to help you easily experience the charm of Japan. Don't miss out! ✨ / 🛤️Suggested Itinerary DAY 1: Mount Koya—Kongobuji Temple Gate—Kongobuji Temple—Danjo Garan—Okunoin Visit the mystical Mount Koya, starting your journey from the magnificent Kongobuji Temple Gate. Delve into the tranquility of Kongobuji Temple, then visit the historic Danjo Garan, and finally arrive at Okunoin to experience the profound cultural atmosphere. DAY 2: Kumano Hongu Taisha—Kumano Hayatama Taisha—Kumano Nachi Taisha—Nachi Falls—Sandanbeki Cliff—Shirahama Onsen A day trip to the Kumano Sanzan, experiencing the mystical charm of Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha. Admire the magnificent Nachi Falls, explore the unique Sandanbeki Cliff, and finally relax and rejuvenate at Shirahama Onsen. DAY 3: Wakayama Castle—Kuroshio Market—Osaka Castle Park—Osaka Castle Main Keep—Namba Yasaka Shrine—Namba Visit the ancient Wakayama Castle and savor the delicious seafood at Kuroshio Market. In the afternoon, head to Osaka Castle Park, ascend the main keep for a panoramic view of the city. Finally, visit Namba Yasaka Shrine, experience the unique charm of Japanese culture, and end your day in the bustling Namba district. / Recommended Attractions: Osaka Castle Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka Opening Hours: Open all day Duration: 1–3 hrs A great place to enjoy cherry blossoms 🌸 and plum blossoms 🌺, with lush vegetation and natural beauty waiting for you to discover! Osaka Castle Main Keep ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka Opening Hours: January 2–December 27, 9:00 am–5:00 pm Duration: 1–2 hrs With a magnificent golden exterior and a collection of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Warring States period historical materials inside, history buffs must visit! Namba ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 〒542-0076 Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan Opening Hours: Unlimited Duration: 1–2 days The bustling commercial center of southern Osaka, with shopping and gourmet food galore, enjoy the urban prosperity! / Pre-trip Essentials: 🧳Things to bring to Japan 📞 Prepare a phone card for convenient communication and staying connected. 🔌 Don't forget a plug adapter, as Japan's voltage is different from ours. 🪪 Make sure to bring all necessary documents, including your passport and visa. 👗 March in Japan is still chilly, so bring a thick coat and a thin sweater. 🔋 Prepare chargers and power banks to keep your phone and camera charged. 💰 Credit cards and cash are also essential for shopping and dining. / Hope this guide helps you create unforgettable memories in Japan. Have fun!

Take a hot spring dip! 3-day hot spring trip in Japan, super comfortable guide is here! Unlock the healing hot spring experience and collect it now! . 🚩Itinerary: DAY1️⃣: Koyasan🏞️——Kongobuji Gate🚪——Kongobuji🏯——Danjo Garan🕍——Oku-no-in🛕 Visit Koyasan and start from the grand gate of Kongobuji to feel the majesty of the ancient temple. Visit Kongobuji Temple to immerse yourself in the peaceful Buddhist atmosphere, then head to Danjo Garan and Okunoin Temple to experience the rich cultural heritage. DAY2️⃣: Kumano Hongu Taisha 🛕——Kumano Hayatama Taisha 🏯——Kumano Nachi Taisha 🏛️——Nachi Falls 💦——Sandanbeki 🪨——Shirahama Onsen ♨️ Travel through the long river of history, visit the three Kumano shrines one after another, and feel the ancient faith. Admire the majestic Nachi Falls and the unique Sandanbeki, and finally relax in the healing waters of Shirahama Onsen. DAY3️⃣: Wakayama Castle🏰——Kuroshio Market🦐——Osaka Castle Park🌳——Osaka Castle Tower🏯——Namba Yasaka Shrine🎋——Namba🌆 Visit Wakayama Castle and appreciate the ancient city. Then head to Kuroshio Market to taste the delicious seafood. Stroll through Osaka Castle Park and climb the castle tower to overlook the city. Finally, visit Namba Yasaka Shrine to experience Japan's shrine culture and end your pleasant journey in Namba. . Must-visit attractions: Osaka Castle Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: 1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka ⏰Opening hours: open all day 🕰️Visiting time: 1-2 hours The park is densely vegetated and is beautiful when the cherry blossoms and plum blossoms are in full bloom. It is a great place to take photos. Osaka Castle Tower ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: 1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka City ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 from January 2nd to December 27th 🕰️Visit duration: 3-4 hours The exterior is magnificent, and the interior houses precious historical materials from Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Warring States period. History lovers must go. Namba ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan 〒542-0076 ⏰Opening hours: all day 🕰️Visit duration: 1-2 days A bustling commercial center in southern Osaka, with shopping and food, it is a good place to experience the urban style of Osaka. Namba Yasaka Shrine ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: 2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016 Japan ⏰Opening hours: 06:30-17:00 🕰️Visit duration: 1-2 hours The festival in the shrine is shocking, especially the Lion Hall, which is unique and very eye-catching, and worth a visit. . Some tips: * 🕒Time difference: There is a 1-hour time difference between Japan and China, so remember to adjust to the time difference~ * 🌦️March climate: In March, Japan has a moderate temperature but a lot of rain, so remember to bring rain gear🌂! * 📇Visa information: You need a visa to travel to Japan, prepare the materials in advance and travel easily🌟. * 🗾Transportation: Japan has well-developed transportation, and subways and buses are very convenient. It is recommended to purchase a transportation card💳. * 🍱Dining: Try authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi 🍣 and ramen 🍜 are both good choices! * 🏨Accommodation: Book a hotel in advance and choose a place with convenient transportation to make your trip more convenient😊. . 🌟Explore Japan, every step is a beautiful scenery, looking forward to your next travel story! 🌟

Koyasan is a famous Buddhist holy place in Japan with rich history and culture. There are not only magnificent mountain views, but also ancient temples and beautiful natural scenery. Recommended 1️⃣ day tour route, let you feel the charm of this mysterious land~ 🛬【Itinerary】 Suggested tour time: about 8️⃣ hours Number of days to play: 1️⃣ day Recommended tours: Koyasan➡️ Danjo Garan➡️ Kongobuji➡️ Okunoin ⛺【Must-see attractions】 ✅Koyasan: It is the birthplace of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism and has many temples and shrines. The natural scenery here is also very charming🌲, and it is a good place for mountaineering and meditation ✅Danjo Garan: It is the core area of ​​Koyasan, including many important temples, such as Kongobuji Temple and Danjo Garan Honbo👍, with unique architectural style and long history ✅Kongobuji Temple: It is one of the most famous temples in Koyasan, dedicated to Mahavairocana, and the Buddha statues and murals🎨 here are very exquisite. It is a good place to learn about Japanese Buddhist art ✅Oku-no-in: There are many cemeteries and monuments🪦 here, and the environment is quiet, suitable for walking and meditation 🍩【Must-eat food】 Koyasan vegetarian🍽️: The temples in Koyasan offer vegetarian cuisine, which is both healthy and delicious. Recommended to try "Shojin Ryori", a traditional Japanese vegetarian dish Wakayama Ramen🍜: You can taste authentic Wakayama Ramen in restaurants near Koyasan, with rich soup and chewy noodles 🏨【Accommodation Guide】 If you plan to stay in Wakayama for a few more days, it is recommended to stay in a hot spring ♨️ inn in Koyasan. The hot spring water here is of excellent quality and relaxing, perfect for the last day of your trip 🚌【Transportation Guide】 From Osaka: Take the Nankai Electric Railway🚄 to Koyasan Station, then transfer to the mountain cable car or bus to the central area of ​​Koyasan. From Koyasan Station, you can walk to Danjo Garan and Kongobuji Temple, but you need to take a bus to Okunoin Temple. Chartered car/day tour: You can go directly to the temple by chartering a car, which gives you more freedom of time; you can sign up for a small tour group with a travel agency, which is more worry-free. 🧡【tips】 Some areas of Koyasan require more walking, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. The scenery of Koyasan is most charming in autumn and winter, but the weather is cold, so remember to keep warm. Check the weather forecast in advance and choose the right time to travel.

In autumn, Okunoin at Mount Koya is a special place where the autumn leaves create a fantastical landscape. The old trees and moss-covered stone towers along the approach are colored in vibrant reds and oranges, and the beauty of autumn blends into the solemn air. If you visit in the quiet of the morning, you will feel an even more mystical atmosphere in the cool air. Once you cross the Gobyō Bridge, the sacred area will clear your mind and give you time to face nature. Okunoin, where the beauty of the autumn leaves and the depth of history blend together, is also extremely photogenic! You will discover something new every time you visit, and you are sure to have a special time that is unique to autumn. #domestictraveltrip #MountKoya #autumnleaves #Okunoin

How to spend Spring Festival in Japan? This super detailed 3-day travel guide will help you explore Japan without any pitfalls! Save it now! -------- 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Mount Koya -> Kongobuji Temple Gate -> Kongobuji Temple -> Danjo Garan -> Okunoin Visit Mount Koya and experience the rich Buddhist atmosphere. Start from the Kongobuji Temple Gate, visit the spectacular Kongobuji Temple, then head to Danjo Garan and Okunoin to immerse yourself in ancient religious culture. Day 2: Kumano Hongu Taisha -> Kumano Hayatama Taisha -> Kumano Nachi Taisha -> Nachi Falls -> Sandanbeki -> Shirahama Onsen Travel through the Kumano Sanzan and experience a mysterious religious journey. Visit the three great shrines and feel the power of sacred faith. Admire the magnificent Nachi Falls and the unique Sandanbeki, and finally relax in the comfort of Shirahama Onsen. Day 3: Wakayama Castle -> Kuroshio Market -> Osaka Castle Park -> Osaka Castle Main Tower -> Namba Yasaka Shrine -> Namba Explore the historical charm of Wakayama Castle and taste the delicious seafood at Kuroshio Market. Visit Osaka Castle Park and climb the main tower to overlook the cityscape. Finally, visit Namba Yasaka Shrine to experience the charm of traditional Japanese culture, and end your pleasant journey in the bustling Namba area. -------- Must-see attractions: 🌸 Osaka Castle Park: A great place to enjoy cherry blossoms and plum blossoms! The park is full of green trees and beautiful flowers in bloom. 🏯 Osaka Castle Main Tower: The exterior is resplendent and has a strong sense of history! Inside, there are precious historical materials from Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Sengoku period. 🛍️ Namba: The bustling commercial center in southern Osaka, with shopping and food galore, you won't want to stop! -------- Some tips: * 📝You need to apply for a visa to go to Japan, so remember to prepare the relevant materials in advance. * 🎁Japan has a wide variety of specialties, but they may be expensive, so it's recommended to compare prices before buying. * ⏰Japan is 1 hour ahead of China, so adjusting to the time difference is easy. * 💴The local currency is the yen, and the exchange rate fluctuates, so pay attention when spending money. -------- 🎉Enjoy your time in Japan and create unforgettable memories!

3-day Japan tour, hot spring tour must-see! Super detailed guide to hot spring towns, start a healing journey now! -- 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Mount Koya -> Kongobuji Temple Gate -> Kongobuji Temple -> Danjo Garan -> Okunoin A mysterious journey through Mount Koya, visit the ancient Kongobuji Temple, and feel the tranquil atmosphere of Danjo Garan and Okunoin. Day 2: Kumano Hongu Taisha -> Kumano Hayatama Taisha -> Kumano Nachi Taisha -> Nachi Falls -> Sandanbeki -> Shirahama Onsen Kumano Sanzan pilgrimage, admire the grandeur of Nachi Falls, explore the natural wonders of Sandanbeki, and finally enjoy the relaxation of Shirahama Onsen. Day 3: Wakayama Castle -> Kuroshio Market -> Osaka Castle Park -> Osaka Castle Main Tower -> Namba Yasaka Shrine -> Namba A journey through the ancient charm of Wakayama Castle, savor the seafood feast at Kuroshio Market, stroll through Osaka Castle Park, climb the main tower for a panoramic view of the city, and finally visit Namba Yasaka Shrine to experience the bustling nightlife of Namba. -- Attraction recommendations: Osaka Castle Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka - Opening hours: Open all day - Duration: 1-2 hours An ideal place for cherry blossom 🌸 and plum blossom viewing, with rich vegetation and different scenery in each season. Osaka Castle Main Tower ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka - Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 - Duration: 3-4 hours The exterior is resplendent, while the interior houses precious historical materials from the Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Sengoku periods, a must-visit for history enthusiasts! Namba ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka - Opening hours: - Duration: 1-2 days A bustling commercial center in southern Osaka, offering shopping and gourmet food, perfect for spending a whole day or even two days exploring at leisure. -- Travel tips: 🍣 Food: Try sushi and ramen, fresh and delicious, not to be missed! 🎁 Specialty prices: Electronics and cosmetics offer good value for money, compare prices before shopping for a smarter choice. ⏰ Time difference: Japan is 1 hour ahead of China, adjust the time difference for worry-free travel. 💴 Exchange rate: The yen exchange rate fluctuates, learn in advance for more cost-effective spending. -- 🎉 Hope you enjoy your trip to Japan and create unforgettable memories! 🎉

I visited Kongobu-ji Temple in Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture! We were lucky to have clear skies! The whole of Koyacho has a historic streetscape and it felt like I was in another world! What's interesting about Kongobu-ji Temple are the corporate graves! The graves of famous companies are unique and you'll never get bored looking around! I started looking around in the morning, and even in the evening it was such a wonderful place that I still couldn't get enough of it!