Situated nearly 1000 metres above sea level on top of a soaring mountain in the Wakayama Prefecture, Mount Koya is the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism.

Mount Koya started as a small temple town, and has grown to a ‘city’ with over 100 temples and learning centres dedicated to the study of Buddhism.

Visitors and pilgrims can stay overnight at one of around 50 temple lodgings and experience a taste of the lifestyle of a Shingon monk.