By ITSUKA JAPAN

In this video, ITSUKA JAPAN takes us on a solo two-day journey to Koyasan (高野山), one of Japan's most significant Buddhist sites with a history spanning over 1,200 years. Nestled in the mountains at an elevation of approximately 800 meters, Koyasan is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its serene atmosphere and deep-rooted religious practices.

The trip begins at Osaka's Namba Station, where the special express 'Koya' train is boarded. After a ride on the Koyasan Cable Car, the video captures the mystical experience of arriving in Koyasan, enveloped in mist. The accommodation for the trip is Ichijo-in (一乗院), a traditional temple lodging just a five-minute walk from Senjuinbashi Station. The room provides a tranquil space to appreciate the changing seasons.

One of the highlights of this stay is the Shojin Ryori (精進料理) dining experience. This traditional Buddhist cuisine is entirely plant-based, prepared with fresh vegetables grown through natural farming methods. Both dinner and breakfast are beautifully presented on Wajima lacquer trays, with the option of upgrading to a special meal for an additional 5,000 yen.

In addition to the culinary experience, the video explores religious activities unique to Koyasan, including sutra copying (写経), Buddhist image tracing (写仏), and the meditative 'Ajikan' (阿字観) practice, which requires a reservation. More glimpses of the site include Danjo Garan (壇上伽藍), a significant temple complex in Koyasan.

Other practical insights include the bathhouse, which uses Koyasan’s pure spring water and is available from 16:00 to 21:00. The temple also offers religious services such as ancestral memorials and prayers for good fortune. Check-in is available until 17:00, with a strict curfew at 21:00 and check-out by 10:00.

This video showcases the peaceful and rejuvenating experience of staying at a shukubo (temple lodging) in Koyasan, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility and spiritual enrichment.