A Tranquil Stop During Your First (Hectic) Visit to Japan

When visiting Japan for the first time (and for me, it was also my first major solo trip), it's crucial not to get lost in the desire to see as many places as possible and to take a break from the urban chaos. Mount Koya (Koya-san) is perfect for this. 📅 Itinerary (I traveled from Osaka to Tokyo, leaving around 9 AM, and still couldn't see everything I wanted): Day 1: The journey from Osaka takes about 2.5 hours. First, get from your hotel to Namba. While you can buy individual tickets, it's not necessary. It's better to purchase a combined ticket at Namba (to Koya-san and back—if you're heading to Tokyo the next day, you'll need to return anyway since Shinkansen trains depart from Namba). The ticket also includes unlimited bus rides in Koya-san and perks like souvenir coupons and discounts for attractions. The journey to the mountain is an experience in itself: as soon as you leave the city, you'll encounter stunning rural landscapes, rice fields, and from Hashimoto, the mountains begin. I was taking photos every kilometer. Then, there's a 10-minute ride on a special cable car through the forest up the mountain, followed by a 15-minute bus ride along winding roads to the town. Check-in at the temples is usually by 6 PM. If you don't have heavy luggage, take a walk first. The area isn't very large, and you can get everywhere on foot (buses are only necessary if you're short on time). Points of interest include Kondo, Kongobu-ji (a fairly large complex with many traditional rooms featuring beautiful interiors, screens, and painted walls), the Reihokan Museum, Konpon Daito, and the Tokugawa Mausoleum. Check into the temple and enjoy the peace and tranquility. This is what captivated me about this place. It's incredibly serene: the sounds of birds, rustling trees, and the trickling of water in Japanese gardens surround you. I happened to visit during rain, which I cursed while walking under an umbrella but later found soothing as I opened the shoji to the balcony at night and fell asleep to its sound. The monks at Jimyo-in Temple speak good English. However, this isn't the case at every temple, as I discovered when I accidentally entered the wrong one and had difficulty communicating. Relax in the communal bath. Initially, I felt awkward, but it was incredibly rejuvenating after the travel fatigue. Dinner is excellent, but keep in mind that it's vegetarian and includes a lot of tofu. If this doesn't suit you, consider bringing some snacks in advance. At night, visit the cemetery for a walk. It's stunningly beautiful. Day 2: Temples usually hold morning prayers at 6:30 AM. Afterward, there's breakfast, and you can leave immediately if you're in a hurry. However, I recommend savoring the moment and sitting in the silence a bit longer. 🏨 Accommodation: Definitely choose one of the temples in Koya-san. It's essential for an unforgettable experience and immersion in Buddhist culture. 🍴 Food: The town offers a variety of options, from traditional Japanese cuisine to street food, sweets, ice cream, drinks, and coffee (note: there are no 24-hour establishments in the town). However, I recommend enjoying the vegetarian meals at the temple where you stay. IMPORTANT! When booking, opt for plans that include dinner and breakfast; otherwise, you'll miss out on a lot. 📌 If you're traveling from Osaka/Kyoto, just start early (at least by 8 AM, but earlier is better), and two days will be enough. 📌 If you're coming from Tokyo, I recommend allocating three days. 📌 Tickets for the rapid train to Koya-san come with unreserved seats (like in the subway), reserved seats, and first-class options. If you're not traveling during peak holiday seasons, don't worry—unreserved seats will have plenty of availability.