Koyasan: Random Impressions

One of the top ten places to visit in Japan

Nicole Bauer Jun 08, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Nice interaction between light and shadow</p>

<p>Priests waiting to enter a temple</p>

<p>Hojo-in, maybe one of most unique temples to stay at</p>

<p>This memorial is a nice colorful surprise on the cemetery. Watch out for it in the middle of the forest, just off the main path. Although it is obviously a little run down, the colors are still very beautiful and make for a nice contrast.</p>

<p>The moss on the trees and gravestones is incredible.</p>

<p>Banryutei Rock Garden behind Kongobuji, the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism</p>

<p>A corridor of a building facing the rock garden</p>

<p>It is worth going there early in the morning or late in the afternoon to get the best views.</p>

<p>Watch out for details everywhere you go, like this nice iron-work on an old wooden door.</p>

It took me five years to finally make it to Mount Koya, although I lived in Japan at the time. Maybe because it is quite a train ride (or better said several train rides) to get there, but actually the journey itself is already worth the trip.

It is the religious center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan and you can actually feel it throughout the whole valley. I highly recommend to stay at a temple overnight, visit the Okunoin, Japan's largest graveyard, and if you like hiking, try one of the hiking trails that go around the center of Koyasan, offering beautiful views from above.

Nicole Bauer @nicole.bauer

Travelling abroad to discover new places, getting to know different cultures and learning foreign languages has always been my passion. I was born and raised in Germany; however, for a few years now I've been very lucky to be able to spend my life abroad. I lived for some time in England and Ital...