When my friend asked me if I fancied this, I couldn’t say yes fast enough!
Koyasan is a mountain-top village between Kyoto and Osaka. It is one of Japan’s most sacred sites as it’s believed the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi, is resting here. Not resting as in deceased, rather in a state of eternal meditation.
Many high ranking monks are buried in Oku-noin, a cemetery with over 200,000 graves, and it is considered an honour to share the same grounds, the closer to his mausoleum, the better.
Koyasan offers Shukubo (temple stays), but you have to book in advance, as places fill up quick!
It’s beyond beautiful. Less is definitely more. It’s very traditional Japanese – the sliding paper doors, floor cushions, a set of pyjamas, and a barley husk pillow. And of course, an invitation to join the monks for morning prayers. The only noise I heard all night were toads croaking, and the odd prayer song from a happy monk. I could not believe I got the chance to experience this!
When you’re buying your ticket to Koyasan, go to the station ticket office rather than using the machine. They’ll give you a full ticket, including the cable car, and a 2 day unlimited bus ticket.
There’s also a load of other stuff to do in Koyasan. There’s stunning temples every 5 mins, and weather permitting, hiking is totally an option! Just beware of the bears (that’s not a joke).
