Things to do in Koya
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Top 10 attractions in Koya
Koyasan
Koyasan is located in the northeastern part of Wakayama Prefecture. It is the general name of the mountain group (not a single peak) around 1,000 meters above sea level in Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to Koya Ryujin Quasi-National Park. In 2004, Mt. Koya was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Sacred Site and Pilgrimage Route in the Kii Mountains". The vegetation on the mountain is lush and layered, which is a natural oxygen bar. There are also many temples and shrines on the mountain. If you walk in any temple, it is very beautiful, and the Japanese-style courtyard design is full of sense. There are also tombstones of Japanese celebrities, such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Takeda Shingen, and more. As a Buddhist holy place in Japan, it is still worth visiting.Koya · 319m from downtown
Universal Studios Japan
There are thrilling rides themed around Hollywood's superstar movies, fantastic performances by popular cartoon characters, and more, so everyone can have fun! Featuring the world's first Nintendo theme park, experience the world of Super Mario in an immersive way! Festive limited parades and float tours! Everyone is a protagonist in this enthusiastic parade where everyone is full of passion and vigor! Universal Studios Japan (“USJ”) in Osaka is one of the world's five Universal Studios theme parks, which opened for business in 2001 and is a classic and wonderful world of fun in the hearts of many visitors. It is similar in design to Universal Studios Orlando in the U.S., with popular parks such as Jurassic Park, Hollywood, and Waterworld, and more than 60 fun-filled attractions. With these attractions, you can enjoy a day of fun and entertainment at Universal Studios Japan. Universal Studios Japan is also home to popular themed IP parks such as “Super Nintendo World (Mario/Super Mario)”, “Minion Park” and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. Whether it's interacting with the minions, riding on Mario Kart, or traveling through the Wizarding World of Hogwarts, it's an unforgettable experience that is full of excitement. △“Super Nintendo World” is the world's first Nintendo theme park built by Nintendo in cooperation with Universal Studios Japan. With the globally popular Super Mario as the protagonist, the game's Kuba Castle, Princess Brigitte's Castle, and the Mushroom Kingdom are reproduced 1:1 in a super-realistic way, providing immersive experiences of the world of Super Mario! △The “Freeze Ray Sliders” and “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” will get you involved in a huge farce and heat wave with the minions! The Minions have finally fulfilled their ambitions! All of humanity will be a part of the mayhem at the Minion Park! △Embracing a variety of areas with unique characteristics, wonderment and surprise, Universal Studios Japan covers a whole spectrum of world-class entertainment through thrilling rides and shows themed on blockbuster Hollywood movies, as well as seasonal events for all ages to enjoy. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ will reproduce the world from the Harry Potter™ stories, bringing it to life on a phenomenal scale at Universal Studios Japan.Osaka · 52 km from Koya
Kongobu-ji Okuno-in
Okunoin is the shrine of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon sect, Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai, who is one of the most revered people in Japanese religious history. Master Hongfa vowed not to go into extinction. According to legend, he still entered meditation in Koya Mountain, waiting for Maitreya Bodhisattva to assist him in Honghua. The spiritual Okunoin is the largest cemetery in Japan and a popular place of pilgrimage.Koya · 1.9 km from downtown
Kongōbu-ji
It is a temple of Koyasan Shingon sect. In the Heian period, it was opened as a place for religious activities and a practice place for Kukai, the founder of Shingon sect. When one thinks of a temple, one thinks of a single-family building, but Koyasan is the temple of Kongobuji Temple, the main mountain.Koya · 319m from downtown
Kongobu-ji Danjo Garan (Elevated Precinct)
The main attractions of Kongobu-ji Danjo Garan (Elevated Precinct) include the "Kondo" (Golden Hall), which was the lecture hall when Koyasan was founded and has been rebuilt 7 times. "Kongobu-ji Miedo (Founder's Hall)" is where Kobo Daishi once lived. It opened once in 2015 and will not open again until 2065. "Fudo-do" was built in 1197 by Retired Emperor Toba to pray for his daughter. Originally, the hall housed 8 statues of acolytes, which have now been moved to the "Reihokan Museum" for preservation. "Sanko no Matsu (Trident Pine)" is where Kobo Daishi, while in the Ningbo area of China, threw a "sanko-ko" (trident) toward his homeland to find a place to propagate Buddhism. Later, when the master returned to Japan and was searching near Koyasan, he discovered the glowing ritual implement on this pine tree, which became known as "Sanko no Matsu (Trident Pine)." Today, Japanese people consider the three-leaf pine needles that grow on the "Sanko no Matsu (Trident Pine)" to be a good luck charm. "Kongobu-ji Kompon Daito (Grand Central Pagoda)" is a prominent building when entering "Kongobu-ji Danjo Garan (Elevated Precinct)." Its distinct red and white colors are typical of most Buddhist pagodas in Japan, and the current pagoda was rebuilt in 1937.Koya · 668m from downtown
Koyasan Ski Area
Koyasan Ski Area is a ski resort. The resort features multiple ski slopes of varying difficulty, suitable for ski enthusiasts of all levels. From beginners to professional skiers, everyone can find a slope that suits them here. In addition, the resort is equipped with multiple lifts and cable cars, making it easy to access different slopes. The surrounding environment is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. You can enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery and experience the wonders of nature here. Furthermore, the resort offers a variety of ski lessons and activities, including ski instruction, ski competitions, and snow hiking. Whether you are a novice or an experienced skier, this place offers a pleasant skiing experience.Koya · 1.1 km from downtown
Niutsuhime Shrine
The ancient shrine built 1,700 years ago is the main shrine for more than 180 worshippers across the country. The four main halls have magnificent carvings and colorful colors, and their construction methods and gates are designated as one of the important cultural properties of the country. From the vermilion Taiko Bridge spanning the Mirror Pond, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in every season.Katsuragi · 7.9 km from Koya
Roadside Station Kaki no sato Kudoyama
Kudoyama · 9 km from Koya
Daimon Gate
The gate is the gate of Koyasan, which was previously thought to be the entrance to Koyasan. The original location of the gate was lower than the current location, and the current location is said to have been moved 1100 years ago. Burned down several times since then, the current gate was rebuilt in 1705. The 25-meter-high vermilion gate has the majesty as the entrance to Koyasan. In addition, next to the gate, there is a statue of King Kong Rishi, which is the second largest statue in Japan after the Nio statue in Todaiji Temple in Nara. A image and Hum image are both about 5.5 meters high.Koya · 1.3 km from downtown
Kongobu-ji Kompon Daito (Grand Central Pagoda)
Koya · 669m from downtown
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What travelers say about Koya
Panda_vickMay 20, 2023
5.0
It is a very beautiful place, worth a visit. It is a unique place that reflects the Japanese way of life. It is easily accessible by public transportation. It is the most beautiful place for changing leaves.
Koyasan
Jeffery_TOctober 27, 2026
5.0
It is super fun and especially excited at night. The Halloween event have so many zombie. Really enjoyed a lot
Universal Studios Japan
空空CJJanuary 12, 2021
5.0
We only stayed one night in Kaohsiungsan, and if you are the same, I would recommend visiting the cemetery in the afternoon when you arrive and get off the main road to see everything. Then, in the evening, I would recommend joining the night tour arranged by Jingoji. This allows you to see the cemetery at night and learn about it through your monk guide. However, the night tour must be taken off the main road, and at night, you will not be able to see all the details.
Kongobu-ji Okuno-in
宇喜多信家1March 29, 2020
5.0
I think it is a very good temple. If you listen to the explanation of the guide, you can understand how Buddhist monks live here. There is a tea room that provides free tea. You are not allowed to take pictures inside.
Kongōbu-ji
Miss 維也納December 31, 2022
5.0
During the red leaf season, there are many tourists and beautiful scenery everywhere. You can take beautiful photos wherever you want.
Kongobu-ji Danjo Garan (Elevated Precinct)
