Four Itchy Feet

August 18, 2025. Wakayama, Japan.

If you’re visiting Japan for its shrines and temples and could only choose one destination, Koyasan (Mount Koya) is the place to go.

We rented a car at Wakayama Station and drove about an hour through winding mountain roads to reach this sacred site. Once there, we explored numerous temples, shrines, historic structures, and finally, the renowned Okunoin Cemetery.

Located in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, Koyasan is the center of Shingon Buddhism, a sect introduced to Japan by the monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) in the 9th century. The area is home to over 100 temples, many of which offer lodging to visitors, providing a unique opportunity to experience monastic life, including vegetarian meals and morning prayers.

Okunoin Cemetery, Japan’s largest, is a particularly spiritual and atmospheric site. It holds over 200,000 tombstones and memorials, including that of Kobo Daishi himself, who is believed by followers to be in eternal meditation.

We recommend you spend a few day, there is just so much to see and learn a day visit simply doesn’t do it justice.