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Koyasan: Okunoin and Kongobu-ji 高野山

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · On our list

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Visiting Koyasan: Okunoin and Kongobu-ji today

  • What it is: The mountaintop center of Shingon Buddhism. Okunoin's 2 km cedar-lined cemetery leads to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, and Kongobu-ji is the head temple.
  • Getting there: Nankai Koya Line from Namba to Gokurakubashi (about 80–90 minutes by limited express), then the cable car (5 minutes) and a bus into town. Okunoin-mae is about 20 minutes by bus from Koyasan Station.
  • Hours: Kongobu-ji 8:30–17:00 (reception until 16:30). Okunoin's path can be walked at any time; its halls open about 8:00–17:00 (May–October) and 8:30–16:30 (November–April).
  • Admission: Okunoin free. Kongobu-ji ¥1,000 (junior high and older), ¥300 elementary. Konpon Daito at Danjo Garan ¥500.
  • Tip: Stay overnight at a temple lodging (shukubo) for the vegetarian meals and the morning service. Book well ahead for autumn weekends.
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Cool in summer at about 800 m altitude; autumn colour in early November; cold and sometimes snowy in winter.

Checked against: GLTJP: Koyasan Okunoin · Jeepe: Koyasan guide · Kongobuji visiting time guide. Check opening times and prices before you go.

Koyasan: Okunoin and Kongobu-ji on Shibuya246

We haven't been yet, so there are no photos here. The notes above come from official sources and are checked every quarter. Our own photos and story will appear here after we visit.