Koyasan; Skipping the Crowds, Finding the Silence

Visiting Koyasan is one of those journeys that stays with you. The area itself is simply breathtaking—serene cedar forests, centuries-old temples, and a spiritual atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Once you pass through the initial crowd of tourists at the entrance points, the calmness of the place starts to unfold, and you begin to understand why this mountain town has been a center of Japanese Buddhism for over a thousand years.

A highlight for me was trying shojin ryori, the traditional Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. It’s not just a meal, but part of the temple experience. My advice: don’t miss the goma tof: a silky, nutty dish made from sesame seeds rather than soybeans. It’s unique to Koyasan and a perfect expression of the temple’s deep culinary tradition.

Another must-try experience is staying overnight at a temple. A temple stay (shukubo) is unlike a typical hotel. You sleep in simple tatami rooms, join the monks for morning prayers, and eat carefully prepared vegetarian meals. It’s a chance to slow down, disconnect, and glimpse a way of life that’s centered on mindfulness and simplicity. It’s worth noting that not all temple experiences are the same. Some feel more touristy, while others preserve a more traditional, authentic spirit. We chose to stay at Shojoshin-in, and couldn’t be happier.

For the famous Okunoin cemetery, my advice is to skip the organized night tour. Instead, go by yourself, walk the lantern-lit paths in silence, and let the stillness of the forest and moss-covered gravestones sink in. It’s an experience that feels far more intimate and spiritual when you have the space to take it in at your own pace. #japanvibes #japan #japantrip

Post by VeRGi | Sep 24, 2025