Koya-san
Why you should go:
Koya is a UNESCO site and an important Buddhist location. Access requires several forms of transportation: train, boat, funicular, and bus. If that sounds like fun then this is already a good destination for you. (If carrying your luggage on all that transportation makes you hesitate, see our tips section below.) This is a good destination for photographers, nature lovers, vegetarians, foodies, walkers (easy), and those interested in exploring Buddhism through practice.
Where to stay
Shojoshin-in is the only place we’ve tried, though there are several dozen options. Shojoshin-in is closest to the cemetery entrance, the accommodations are lovely and the food is good. The easiest way to make reservations is through Japanese Guesthouses, an online site where we first found this and many other lovely Ryokans (traditional accommodations).
This is a Buddhist temple; payment includes breakfast and dinner, plus accommodations. All food is vegetarian. Guests are encouraged/expected to attend morning services. Rooms in the main house are nice, but bathrooms are shared. The sharing isn’t an issue in Japan, but the walk down the hall might not thrill you. On our first visit we stayed in the hanare (private guest house) which was decadent for 2 folks but fun. You could fit a large family group here.
What to Eat and Drink
Meals at the Shojoshin-in are recommended. You can also find small sweets shops about town, but this is not a big restaurant area.
Tips
Take only the luggage you need for a 2-night stay. Have any other luggage stored and shipped to your next Japan destination using a luggage service [Takuhaibin (宅配便)] such as Yamato Transport These services are very safe and easy in Japan.
Photographers and nature lovers will enjoy a walk through the cemetery. This is a beautiful forested area and the many statues of Buddha throughout are decorated with clothing and offerings. At the end of the walk, you arrive at a temple. Seeing the 1,000’s of lanterns lit in this pavilion at dusk, after the long walk, remains one of the most memorable and moving travel experiences for us.
The cemetery in Koya is the largest in Japan. The natural path is fairly level and mostly shaded. Photographers and nature lovers will enjoy this walk. In another section of Koya, there are old temples to explore. The UNESCO site features placards like those shown below explaining history and tradition.
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