Surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere of history and spirituality, Mt. Koya is a place where you can experience memorable things, not just sightseeing. Here we will introduce five experiences that you should definitely try.

1. Participating in the morning work

At the Koyasan lodging, you can work with monks in the early morning (rituals of chanting sutras). You can only experience this feeling of calming your mind as you are surrounded by the voices of sutras reverberating in the quiet main hall.

2. Enjoy Shojin Cuisine

This shojin dish uses seasonal vegetables and the bounty of the mountains without using animal ingredients. Their beautiful appearance and tasteful dishes are a heart-heavy experience. We recommend enjoying it at the lodgings.

3. Walk to visit the inner shrine

Walk through the quiet forest to the inner temple where Kobo Daishi Kukai rests. Along the way, you can feel the depth of nature and history while looking at historic stone monuments and cedar trees.

4. Experience with copying sutras

Taking time slowly, copying the Heart Sutra, which is a time to settle your mind. Even beginners can rest assured that there will be information available. Once you have finished writing, you can place the copy of the sutras at the temple.

5. Zazen experience

Try zazen in a quiet room. Time to keep your breathing and be free from mind is a precious moment to get you away from the hectic daily life. The explanations are also thorough for beginners, so even first-time users can rest assured.

The appeal of Mt. Koya is that you can not only see it, but also have time to face your own heart. These experiences will make you a memorable journey.