Best Things to do in Koyasan | Must-see attractions 2025

Sekishoin

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

571 Koyasan

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Sekishoin in Koyasan, Japan, is a historic temple founded in 1872 by the Japanese Buddhist Shingon sect, featuring traditional architecture and tranquil gardens.

Duration: Around 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events or tours may incur additional charges.

Hojoin Temple

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

223 Koyasan

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Hojoin Temple, founded in 1800, is a serene Buddhist temple in Koyasan, Japan, known for its beautiful gardens and tranquil environment for meditation.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free entry. Donations are welcome for maintenance.

Kangaku-in Temple

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

338 Koyasan

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Kangaku-in Temple, founded in 1586 in Koyasan, Japan, represents a significant cultural site with its traditional architecture and serene natural surroundings.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free.

Henjoson-in Temple

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

303 Koyasan

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Henjoson-in Temple in Koyasan, Japan, is a historical Buddhist temple founded in 805 AD, known for its serene gardens and ancient architecture.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated but not mandatory.

Jimyo-in Temple

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

455 Koyasan

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Jimyo-in Temple, nestled in Koyasan, Japan, offers a tranquil atmosphere, historical significance, and beautiful gardens, attracting visitors interested in spirituality and culture.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for temple upkeep.

Honno-in Temple

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

610 Koyasan

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Honno-in Temple, located in Kōya, Wakayama, Japan, is a historical Buddhist temple known for its tranquil atmosphere and unique architecture.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Joki-in

Open all day for guests

Church

365番地 Koyasan

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Joki-in in Koyasan is a significant Buddhist temple founded in 1173, featuring traditional architecture, serene gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Lodging starts at approximately ¥8,000 per person including meals.

Kumagaiji

Open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

501 Koyasan

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Kumagaiji, a Buddhist temple in Koyasan, Japan, offers spiritual insight and tranquility amid beautiful natural surroundings and traditional architecture.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for general maintenance and events.

Ichijo-in Temple

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

606 Koyasan

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Ichijo-in Temple in Koyasan, Japan, is a historic Buddhist temple founded in 1185, known for its tranquil gardens and traditional architecture.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations welcome for temple upkeep.

Eko-in Temple

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

497 Koyasan

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Eko-in Temple, founded in 1235, is a significant temple in Koyasan, Japan, known for its serene atmosphere and unique moss garden.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

500 yen for adults, 300 yen for children. Discounts available for groups.

Chumon Middle Gate

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

152 Koyasan

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Chumon Middle Gate in Koyasan, Japan, is a significant Buddhist temple gate, part of the historic Danjo Garan complex, featuring modern reconstructions and rich cultural heritage.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may have a paid entry.

Karukayado

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Pagoda

478 Koyasan

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Karukayado is a Buddhist temple located in Kōya, Wakayama, Japan, known for its serene environment and traditional architecture, attracting visitors seeking spiritual solace.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated but not required.

Oku-no-In

6:00 AM–5:00 PM

Temple

550 Koyasan

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Oku-no-In in Koyasan features Japan's largest cemetery with 200,000 tombs and Kōbō Daishi's mausoleum. A spiritual site deeply rooted in Shingon Buddhism.

Duration: About 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

Daimon Gate

Open 24 hours

Temple

Koyasan

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Daimon Gate in Koyasan is an impressive entrance to a Buddhist temple, featuring traditional architecture and significant cultural importance in Japan.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are accepted for temple maintenance.

Hongakuin

Open 24 hours

Pagoda

618 Koyasan

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Hongakuin in Koyasan, Japan, is a traditionally decorated hotel offering a vegetarian restaurant, bathhouse, and serene garden for tranquil retreats.

Duration: Stay recommended for at least 1 night.

Paid accommodation rates apply; inquire directly for pricing.

Yochi-in Temple

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

293 Koyasan

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Yochi-in Temple in Koyasan, Japan, offers serene accommodations with tatami floors, garden views, and vegetarian meals amidst a tranquil setting.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Paid. Fees apply for overnight stays and meals.

Hoon-in

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Temple

Kōya

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Hoon-in is a serene Buddhist temple in Koyasan, Japan, notable for its tranquil atmosphere and architectural beauty, attracting spirituality seekers and tourists alike.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free.

Koyasan Reihokan Museum

Mo-Su 08:30-17:00

Museum

306 Koyasan

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Koyasan Reihokan Museum, located in Koyasan, Japan, houses over 28,000 Buddhist art treasures from local temples, showcasing significant cultural heritage.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

500 JPY for adults, 300 JPY for children. Special discounts available for groups.

Kongobuji

9:00 AM–4:30 PM

Church

132 Koyasan

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Kongobuji, located in Koyasan, Japan, is the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism, featuring notable artifacts, a rock garden, and significant historical architecture.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special offerings may have additional charges.

Jofukuin Temple

Open 24 hours for guests, daily activities vary.

Monument

593 Koyasan

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Jofukuin Temple, located in Koyasan, Japan, offers peaceful lodging run by friendly monks, providing a serene experience in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Duration: Overnight stay recommended.

Free for entry. Lodging fees may apply for overnight stays.

Muryokoin

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

611 Koyasan

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Muryokoin, a Shingon Temple in Koyasan, Japan, offers traditional accommodations and hosts various Buddhist ceremonies in a historical setting.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free entry. Overnight stays involve a fee for accommodation and meals.