Koyasan UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in Japan

Koyasan is a UNESCO world heritage site and the centre of a Japanese Buddhist sect. It is a small town on a mountain with more than 100 temples to which the Japanese pilgrimage. Koyasan has the biggest graveyard in Japan, Okunouin, and more than a hundred temples; some provide accommodation.

From Kyoto to Koyasan

We took a train on a foggy morning from Kyoto station, where we purchased a Koyasan World Heritage Pass. It included train rides to and from and also bus rides in Koyasan.

The uphill ride was a treat for the eyes, with the greenery and glimpse of Japanese rural living. It was the most beautiful train ride I have ever taken in my entire life. Lots of greenery and rural houses on both sides. I was awestruck by nature’s beauty.

Once we reached the last station, Gokorakubashi, we had to take a “cable car”; it’s a 45-degree, thrilling train ride surrounded by thick forest.

We reached Koyasan before noon; the weather was chilly, and it started to drizzle. Gladly, I had my Minnie sweater in my backpack. There were buses waiting outside the station, so we hopped onto a crowded one hoping that the bus would take us to town, and after a few bus stops, we saw our inn.

Momijigari in Danjo Garan

Momijigari is an activity in Japanese culture to look for and enjoy the beautiful Autumn colours. Kind of like Hanami for Sakura (Cherry Blossom) in the Spring. And it was a beautiful Autumn morning to explore Danjo Garan, the birthplace of Koyasan.

Danjo Garan is a big monastery complex used to train monks. Danjo Garan has many temples in the complex; the most famous one is Daito. This striking red temple stands magnificently against the blue sky. We walked around the complex, enjoying the perfect morning views before taking the train back to Tokyo.

Koyasan had a calming effect and definitely an interesting experience. For tickets, do get a Koyasan World Heritage Pass, which will cover temples and the graveyard entrance fee in Koyasan. If you have an extra day or two in Japan, do visit and stay in a Shukubo.

Have you been to Koyasan?

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