Leave the modern civilization behind you as you make your way to the mountains and Koyasan's famous monastery and surrounding area, located in the Wakayama region. The city is reached by train through the mountains and then a noticeably steep cable car to the outskirts of the city. Upon arrival, discover your shukubo, a temple residence that has been visited by pilgrims for centuries. The accommodation is often simple, with comfortable rooms where you sleep on futon beds.
For dinner and breakfast, vegetarian meals called shojin ryori are served. In the late afternoon, visit the Kongobuji Temple and / or Tokugawa Mausoleum. In the evening you visit with a local priest Oku-no-in-the cemetery. In the dark of night, this mysterious place takes on another form, especially when the tour ends at the mausoleum of the famous priest Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Koya Temple complex, who is said to be dead, but in eternal meditation.
Early morning to attend the morning prayer at your shukubo lodge before your exciting breakfast.
If the weather is pleasant, hike on the trails surrounding Mt Koya. In the spring they are lined with cherry blossoms and in the autumn the golden pampas grass shines. Bring a picnic or go back to town for lunch at a local cafe. In the afternoon, you can explore the Dango Garan or visit the Oku-no-in cemetery again, this time in daylight.
A final dinner with the Buddhist vegetarian dishes served in the evening.
You can participate again in the morning prayer time or stay and rest before breakfast. You return to the cable car and on to Tokyo.
