All about Koyasan, Wakayama

Mount Koya or Koyasan is the center of a Buddhist sect. Shingon Buddhism was introduced to Japan by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) about 1200 years ago. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004 along with neighboring Kumano, Yoshino and Ominesan as the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Visitors can experience an overnight stay at a temple lodging (shukubo), experience eating a vegetarian monk's cuisine (shojin ryori) and attend morning prayers that are offered at about 50 temples.

Wakayama Koya-san Mountain Temple Museum