Photo Essay: Zen Mountain

In 819 the Japanese Monk Kobo Daishi founded what would become one of the sacred homes of Zen Buddhism atop Mt. Kōya in Wakayama Prefecture. The heart of Shingon Buddhism, Kōyasan is dominated by over 100 temples and hundreds of monks, religious students, and traveling pilgrims.

Kōyasan is a rare opportunity to experience shukubo, or buddhist temple lodging. Accommodations are traditional Japanese and have probably changed little for centuries. Guests wear cotton yakata, enjoy "shojin ryori", the vegetarian cuisine of the monks, participate in morning meditation, and are treated to traditional japanese baths.

In addition to the many temples & gardens, the main attraction of Kōyasan is Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery and location of the Kobo Daishi mausoleum. Situated amongst thousands of cedar trees (Cryptomeria) Okunoin contains thousands of ancient, moss-covered gravestones and tombs. The several kilometer walk will undoubtably leave an impression.

To get to Mt. Kōya: take the Nankai Koya Line from Namba Station (in Osaka) to Gokurakubashi Station. A cable car from Gokurakubashi ascends the remainder of the way.