In the area around Ito District, Kōyasan brings together sacred architecture, museum collections and forest paths; further afield in the region, you’ll find pilgrimage routes, paper crafts and scenic landscapes. When choosing accommodation, it’s worth deciding first what you want to focus on: temples and cultural heritage, a craft experience that requires a reservation, or hikes of varying difficulty.

Temples, Architecture and Collections on Kōyasan

Danjō Garan was the first site established by Kōbō Daishi Kūkai as he developed Kōyasan; in 817, he built the complex with his disciples. On the grounds, you can visit Kōndō, Konpon-Daitō and Miedō. The vermilion Daimon Gate provides a striking architectural contrast: it is 25.1 metres high, has two storeys and three passageways, and is flanked by Kongōrikishi statues. Its dimensions are given as five jo.

The Tokugawa Family Mausoleum offers another perspective. It is the burial site of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Hidetada, and was built by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1643. Okunoin houses the mausoleum of Kōbō Daishi Kūkai and, alongside Danjō Garan, is one of Kōyasan’s two most important sacred sites. If you’re interested in religious teachings rather than buildings, you can hear the Buddha’s teachings from a senior monk at the Scripture Hall of Koyasan Daishi Kyokai throughout the year; check the schedule before your trip.

The Kōyasan Reihōkan Museum opened in 1921 with donations and support from Kongōbu-ji to preserve and display valuable cultural heritage. It houses 21 National Treasures, 148 Important Cultural Properties, 17 cultural properties designated by Wakayama Prefecture, and two significant works of art. The collection also includes around 28,000 items and approximately 100,000 undesignated objects. Collection and designation figures may change. The programme includes a summer special exhibition as well as special exhibitions, special presentations and a permanent exhibition throughout the year.

Shrines and Pilgrimage Routes Further Afield

Niutsuhime Shrine was founded more than 1,700 years ago; the deity enshrined there is believed to drive away all misfortune. The grounds lie in the Amano Basin at an elevation of about 450 metres. Together with Kōyasan, the shrine is inscribed as part of the World Heritage property “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Hachōzaka connects the grounds to the Kōyasan Chōishimichi pilgrimage route; at the junction stands the Futatsu Torii, used for worshipping the shrine from afar.

The Hanamori Festival is held there every year in April. Seasonal flowers adorn the approach, and a procession in historical costume makes its way through the area, led by Sarutahiko wearing a tengu mask. The exact programme may vary. Jison-in is known as “Women’s Kōya”: many women visit the temple and dedicate breast-shaped votive plaques to pray for conception, a safe birth, childcare, breastfeeding or good fortune in relationships.

The ancient Mitanizaka pilgrimage route starts at Niusakadono Shrine, passes Niutsuhime Shrine and the Chōishimichi pilgrimage route, and heads towards Kōyasan. The trail offers views across the Kinokawa River as it winds between mandarin orange and persimmon orchards. Most of the route is steep and slippery after rain; it is suitable for experienced hikers with good stamina. This makes it very different from the approximately 1.5-kilometre walking trail along Tamagawa Gorge.

Paper Crafts, Museums and History

Shiyu-en introduces the traditions and techniques of Kōya paper and offers papermaking in two formats: an introductory course and a full-day hands-on course. Reservations are required for both; check the latest information before your trip. The museum also holds themed exhibitions each year, for example on Japanese paper kites, morning glories and daffodils; themes may vary.

The Kudoyama Sanada Museum presents the history of Sanada Masayuki, Yukimura (also known as Nobushige) and Daisuke. Exhibits and dramatized films also cover Yukimura’s fourteen years living in Kudoyama. The museum includes an animation theatre about the legend of the Sanada Ten Braves and a mechanical room modelled on the historic Sanada residence.

Another craft experience is offered at the Sanada Braid Workshop, housed in a single-storey traditional wooden building near the Sanada Kofun. Visits and the approximately one-hour braiding workshop, which is limited to six people, are available only with a confirmed reservation. When including such activities in your travel plans, distinguish between exhibitions and sites on the one hand, and appointments requiring a confirmed reservation on the other.

Gorge and Regional Railway Heritage

Tamagawa Gorge is known for its unusual rock formations and waterfalls of various sizes, and is designated a prefectural scenic monument site. A former trolley track used to transport Kōya timber has been developed into an approximately 1.5-kilometre walking trail along the gorge, from Kōyashita Station to the centre of Kudoyama. The station opened in 1925. Its preserved wooden building has the unusual feature of a road running beneath it.

Food can also be part of the cultural experience: in Wakayama Prefecture, temple lodgings in Kōyasan serve shojin ryori to overnight guests. Buddhist lunches are also available at some restaurants in the temple town; offerings may vary between restaurants.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Koya, Higashimuro District, Nishimuro District.

Return to the main travel overview: Wakayama Prefecture.