The following is a suggested 2-day itinerary for average-paced travelers which takes you through Koyasan, the center of Shingon Buddhism. Parts of the route, namely the Women Pilgrims Course, follow a nature trail, and proper walking shoes are recommended, especially during or after wet weather.

Day 1: Okunoin and Temple Lodging

Start
Start at Koyasan Station
Bus
15 minutes
Karukayado-mae bus stop
Walk
5 minutes
Okunoin Temple
Temple where Kobo Daishi is enshrined 2-3 hours
Okunoin is the site of the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism and an important figure in the religious history of Japan. The grounds contain a huge graveyard of those who want to be close to Kobo Daishi.
Walk
20 minutes
Head to your temple lodging in the town by bus or on foot
Temple Lodging
Overnight at a Buddhist temple
Stay overnight at a temple lodging (shukubo) and participate in the temple activities like meditation. Facilities at a shukubo tend to be simple, and meals served are vegetarian monks' cuisine (shojin ryori).
Finish

Day 2: Temples and a Pilgrimage Trail

Start
Check out of the temple lodging after breakfast
Walk
Kongobuji Temple
Head monastery of the Shingon sect 45-60 minutes
Kongobuji Temple is a large temple where visitors can see exquisitely painted fusuma doors from the 16th and 17th centuries. The rock garden in the back of the temple is one of Japan's largest.
Walk
5 minutes
Garan
Koyasan's central temple complex 45 minutes
The Garan consists of several buildings, of which the two most prominent ones are the Kondo Hall and the Konpon Daito Pagoda. Of note is also the Chumon Gate which was reconstructed recently.
Walk
10 minutes
Daimon Gate
Large vermilion gate 5 minutes
A large, two-story tall gate that marks the traditional entrance to Koyasan.
Women Pilgrims Course
Hiking trail that was traditionally for women 60 minutes
The Women Pilgrims Course leads around the town of Koyasan and was built for women who were banned from entering the town before 1872. We walk the section from the Daimon Gate to the only surviving Nyonindo Hall, halls built for female pilgrims.
Nyonindo bus stop
Bus
5 minutes
Finish
Koyasan Station

Hotels around Mount Koya

Top rated on Mount Koya
Budget:
    • Guest House hachi hachi
      Budget-friendly
      Offering quiet street views, Guest House hachi hachi is an accommodation situated in Koyasan, 37 km from Kishi Station and 43 km from Matsushita Park. The 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The accommodation features full-day security and bicycle parking for guests. At the guest house, each unit includes a desk. The units are equipped with heating facilities. A bicycle rental service is available at the guest house. Wanpaku Park is 45 km from Guest House hachi hachi, while Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Kansai International Airport, 60 km from the accommodation.
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    • Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu
      Budget-friendly
      Located just 40 km from Kishi Station, Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu offers accommodation in Koyasan with access to a terrace, a bar, as well as luggage storage space. It is set 45 km from Subaru Hall and features bicycle parking. The guest house provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement. At the guest house, every unit includes a shared bathroom with slippers. A continental breakfast is available daily at the guest house. The area is popular for hiking, and bike hire is available at this 1-star guest house. Matsushita Park is 47 km from Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu. Kansai International Airport is 63 km away.
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    • Guest House Suzumeno Kakurembo
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring 2-star accommodation, Guest House Suzumeno Kakurembo is set in Koyasan, 37 km from Kishi Station and 44 km from Matsushita Park. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, full-day security and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. Jigenin Temple is 47 km from the guest house and Subaru Hall is 48 km away. At the guest house, some units are soundproof. Wanpaku Park is 46 km from the guest house, while Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 46 km away. Kansai International Airport is 60 km from the property.
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    • Sojiin
      Luxury
      Sojiin, located in the center of Mt. Koya, is a Japanese-style accommodation in a Buddhist temple located to the west of Sohonzan Kongobu-ji and in front of Danjo Garan. For dinner and breakfast, we offer gluten-free vegetarian cuisine. Sojiin is 42 km from Sakai. The nearest airport is Kansai International Airport, 40km from the property.
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    • Kongo Sanmaiin
      Budget-friendly
      Situated in the famous Koyasan city, Kongo Sanmaiin is a property with 800 years of history. It boasts having a national treasure as well as over 10 important cultural properties on site. There is a Japanese garden and free on-site private parking is offered. Guests will find free WiFi connection available in some guest rooms. There is a drinks vending machine, and fax/photocopying services are offered for free. The property features a designated smoking area. Luggage storage space and personal lockers are offered free of charge. Guestrooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Rooms are air-conditioned/heated with a personal locker and a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, while free toiletries and slippers are provided. Vegetarian course meals are offered on site.
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    • Koyasan Shukubo Sainanin
      Budget-friendly
      Located in Koyasan, Koyasan Shukubo Sainanin is a historic temple approximately 1100 years old and located 300 metres from Daimon Gate. All rooms features tatami (woven-straw) flooring. The property has a hot spring bath with free toiletries. Guests can attend Buddhist morning services. There is a coffee shop on site. Kansai International Airport is 90 minutes by car from Koyasan Shukubo Sainanin.
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