Mount Koya - the holy ground of Mikkyo (Japanese Buddhism, literally “Secret Buddhism“)

Nestled in the misty mountains of Wakayama, Mount Koya is one of Japan's most sacred religious places. Since it was founded by Kukai, the grand Buddhist master, in 816, this mountaintop sanctuary has functioned as the headquarters of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism for over 1,200 years.

Mount Koya is located at an altitude of 900 meters and is surrounded by a vast temple complex, surrounded by majestic cedar groves. There are 117 temples in total, many of which offer accommodations, allowing pilgrims to experience the daily routines of monks, including vegetarian cuisine and morning services.

The spiritual crux of Mount Koya lies in the inner temple. It is the largest cemetery in Japan, with more than 200,000 gravestones and memorial towers along its otherworldly 2km approach deep in the woods. At its very back lies Kukai’s mausoleum. Followers strongly believe that the saint is still waiting for Maitreya Bodhisattva in eternal meditation there.

Ganan, the grand temple, has been the heart of Mount Koya since its inception. The Komponist Tower is its most distinctive feature, with an impressive vermilion color that represents the core value of the mandala that encompasses all of Japan. The temple's art, architecture, and sacred rituals all tell the long stories of Esoteric Buddhism over centuries.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”, Mount Koya draws pilgrims and visitors seeking spiritual reflection, cultural immersion, and the magnificent beauty of one of Japan's most powerful religious spots. By participating in the morning religious services, strolling through groves of centuries-old cedar trees, or simply meditating in the absolute silence of the mountains, we are in a realm where the supernatural power blends harmoniously with nature.

Niutsuhime Shrine - a goddess who protects Mount Koya

Located at the foot of Mount Koya, one of the oldest shrines in Japan, with an eventful past spanning over 1,700 years enshrining the goddess Nyutsuhime-no-Okami. The legend goes that the goddess bestowed Mount Koya on Kukai, the grand Buddhist master, so that he could build the temple.

The shrine is well known as a remarkable example of "Shinbutsu Shugo” (the harmony when Shinto and Buddhism coexist) as one of the core spiritual values in Japan for centuries.

As the guardian angel of Mount Koya, Nyutsuhime-no-Okami is worshipped by both Buddhist monks and Shinto believers as a symbol of the spiritual unity that defines this sacred spot.

The fascinating contrast between the elegant vermilion of the shrines and the lush mountains at the back is a living representation of architectural art in Japan. The main hall is designated an Important Cultural Property. It boasts exquisite craftsmanship and preserves centuries of artistic heritage. The grounds, filled with towering trees and a sacred atmosphere, make it ideal for meditation and spiritual renewal.

Niutsuhime Shrine marks the beginning of the Pilgrimage Route to Mount Koya. One hundred eighty stone markers mark this historic path and have been loved by pilgrims for over 1,000 years. This connection highlights the significant role of the shrine as a spiritual gateway to the sacred mountain.

Designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”, the shrine remains a religious symbol of cultural preservation. Visitors can experience not only the beauty of the ancient architecture and natural environment, but also the living traditions of faith that have guided pilgrims and seekers for millennia. It is a site with religious blessings and spiritual protection for visitors who come with respect.