What this area is like
Founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) about 1,200 years ago, Koyasan has more than 100 temples. Okunoin cemetery’s lantern-lit path through giant cedars leads to the founder’s mausoleum. Dozens of temples offer lodging with vegetarian meals.
Nankai trains from Namba connect with a cable car up the mountain; about two hours in total.
Choose your next step
Places to see in this area
Okunoin
A 2 km path through giant cedars and some 200,000 graves and memorials, leading to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi.
- Access
- From Koyasan Station, Nankai Rinkan bus about 20 minutes to Okunoin-mae, then about 15 minutes on foot. The traditional start is Ichinohashi Bridge.
- Hours
- Lantern Hall: May–October 8:00–17:00; November–April 8:30–16:30. The path is open daily.
- Fee
- Free.
- Address
- 550 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito District, Wakayama
Photography is not allowed beyond Gobyobashi Bridge, so take pictures before it.
Kongobuji
Head temple of Shingon Buddhism, with painted sliding doors and Japan’s largest rock garden.
- Access
- Nankai Koya Line to Gokurakubashi, cable car to Koyasan Station, then bus into town.
- Hours
- 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30).
- Fee
- Adults ¥1,000, elementary ¥300. Multi-site ticket ¥2,500. Cash only.
- Address
- 132 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito District, Wakayama
The Danjo Garan complex with its vermilion pagoda is a short walk away.
How to plan your time here
- Stay a night at a temple lodging (shukubo) for vegetarian shojin cuisine and the morning service.
- From Namba, the Nankai Koya Line and cable car take about 2 hours. Okunoin is also beautiful after dark on a guided night tour.
Information checked 26 October 2026. Plans are JapaLens editorial suggestions, not on-site reviews. Hours and fees can change; check the official page before you go.