
Kōyasan (town)
Kōyasan, or Mount Kōya, is a sacred mountain and town in Japan’s Wakayama Prefecture, known as the spiritual center of Shingon Buddhism. Established in 805 by the monk Kukai (Kōbō-Daishi), it features a network of temples, cemeteries, and religious sites. Visitors can explore historical Buddhist architecture, participate in meditation, and stay overnight in temple lodgings called shukubo. The mountain’s serene natural environment, along with its rich spiritual heritage, makes it a significant pilgrimage destination and a place for reflection and tranquility.