Koya-cho Landmarks

THE 10 BEST Koya-cho Sights & Historical Landmarks

Koya-cho Landmarks

Types of Attractions
Sights & Landmarks
Traveler rating
Good for
63 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.


Showing results 1-30 of 63

What travelers are saying

  • ijohnsson
    Frisco, TX7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic buddhist cemetery, especially when the lanterns are lit in the evenings. Easy to take the bus there, or even walkable from downtown Kyoasan.
    Written December 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BestRegards FromFar
    Cape Town Central, South Africa426 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful temple with an incredible history. Definitely worth a visit as it was the first place of worship when Koyasan was created.
    Written May 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BestRegards FromFar
    Cape Town Central, South Africa426 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely loved the rock garden and the paintings in the sliding doors. This has become one of my favourite temples visited in Japan. It is large and a great one to explore as there is a lot to see. Highly recommend it.
    Written May 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Komator
    Barcelona, Spain894 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Daimon gate is a very large gate in Koyasan's edge. The gate itself is quite impressive, but you can see it in 5min. From the gate, you can walk 100m and you'll be near a cliff where you'll be able to enjoy nice views of the valley.
    Written April 12, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Charlie S
    Victoria, Australia945 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This prayer chapel is well worth the walk. Take the route around the back to see Kobo Daishi's mausoleum. Then continue on the route downstairs to see the rows and rows of minature, numbered, monuments.
    Written April 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ramadurai R
    Nashville, TN160 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting to ride on this cable car. Compared to other cable cars, the car itself was built in an angle and passengers sit in an elevated way. Love the intersection where cable cars cross each other
    Written November 2, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • koji6915
    Farmington, ME33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Long and tiring, but fun. Once I found the right path--ask at the garage/car place--the lovely lady there has koi/goldfish tanks and an English set of directions. Beautiful woods walk--lots of damage still visible in tree carnage from the 2018 typhoon. The Choishimichi is remarkable--think of the gangs of 70 men to drag even one huge stone monument up to Koya. Not to mention Kukai's charming visits to his mother.
    Written August 26, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AB_Stb_OZ
    Oud-Zuilen, The Netherlands600 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a big hall where many people can come together to worship the founder of Shogun Buddhism in Japan and of Koyasan,Kobo Daishi Kukai (774-834)
    Written December 30, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 峯村隆三
    Tokyo Prefecture, Japan4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    宿坊 アジカン体験 塗香作り 境内の文化財 素晴らしい空間でした  
    800年の歴史 北条政子の思い 住職のお醤油のお話など感銘を受けました

    Shukub Ajikan Taiken Zukou Zukuri. Cultural property in the precinct. It was a wonderful space. eight hundred years of history. Thoughts of Masako Hojo. The chief priest talked about soy sauce. I was impressed.
    Written August 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark T
    West Hartford, CT9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had the opportunity to stay at two different ryokan temples while on Mt Koya. This was the first of the two, and although I came to regret leaving this temple, I am glad that I had the chance to compare. Both were different experiences. Shukubo Koya-san Eko-In is in a beautiful building with a large adjoining temple. It is an older, creakier building than my other stay, but that lent a lot of character. The monks were very friendly and very focused on helping you. The meals were excellent and prepared with care. I had heard some comments in my research of individuals complaining about the vegetarian cuisine; you know that going in so there’s no right for anyone to complain. I personally found the food to be delicious. The temple also offered an onsen that proved to be a gathering place and where monks were also friendly and engaged with the guests.
    Written December 8, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amy B
    London, UK2,495 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yes, this is a temple, but they actually have rooms and you can stay. It was a very unique experience. The monks are very friendly and helpful. The location is central for seeing all of the sites. And the rooms are huge and absolutely beautiful. They overlook beautifully kept zen gardens. The breakfast and dinner provided it very traditional, and you are screened off from other guests.
    The best part is that very early in the morning, the monks come and get you and you take part in a Buddhist ceremony, which is a fantastic experience. However, we went in April and this part of the day was freezing, so layer up!
    Overall, whilst it was expensive, I would definitely recommend staying here when in Koyasan.
    Written February 3, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JuanMao 卷毛
    Shanghai, China95 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A spectacular trip to Koyasan, takes you to a haven of peace. Friendly welcome, with a short explanation about the temple and room. Most rooms are spacious, traditional with tatami mats, and a courtyard balcony. Sometimes a bit noisy. Toilet and shower are shared in the hallway. Dinner and breakfast are included, and prepared with care and love, delicious! *The visit to the cemetery and the extensive explanation is definitely worth it.
    Written July 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mattia_Fornari
    Piacenza, Italy983 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The monastery is beautiful and the atmosphere is incredible; all the rooms overlook a zen garden and the monks are all very kind and gentle. The food is depending by the days: the first day we ate very bad but the second one everything was very good! Hope you arrive the right day ;)

    Weak point: the staff don’t speak English very much
    Written August 22, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kwakaku
    Sakai, Japan2,124 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    "Sanko" is one type of vajra, which literally means both thunderbolt and diamond in Sanskrit and which used to be a weapon that became a ritual object. Vajra has one or more blades. When it has one blade, it is called "dokko" in Japanese. With two blades, it is called "niko". With three, it is called "sanko", and so on.
    When Kukai was returning from China to Japan, he threw his sanko to show the best place to base his missionary work. After he came back to Japan, he found it hanging in a pine in Mt. Koya. Believe it or not, this pine tree is believed to be the one.
    You may find some people searching the ground around the trident pine. They are looking for a kind of tripartite pine leaves. It's a kind of a four-leafed clover. From ancient times, the tripartite leaves have been believed to bring you a fortune.
    It's OK you give it a try, but never take one alive from the tree itself. And please remember that you are in a sacred place.
    Written May 4, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ldthomas2015
    Calgary, Canada64 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was everything I had hoped it to be and more.

    If you’re looking for a taste of tradition then this is where you’ll find it. The meals are 100% Buddhist-vegetarian and served in your room at a specific time.

    The futons are rolled out after dinner, and the gate closes at 9pm. The staff were friendly and welcoming.

    Morning prayer was at 5am. It’s optional so you need to go if you do not wish to, but it really is a profound experience so I’d definitely recommend going.
    Written December 14, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Koya-cho