Spiritual Pilgrimage to Mount Koya-SHUN NAVI➕

Calming the mind in the sacred land of Koyasan, a moment like a Pure Land.

Koyasan, as the sacred site of Japanese Buddhism, is a place where ancient temples quietly stand, surrounded by sea of clouds, resembling a Pure Land that calms the mind.

The air is gently scented with incense, and the sound of Buddhist chanting softly resonates. Walking between towering ancient trees, sunlight filters through the leaves, gently showering down.

Okunoin is the most sacred place on Mount Koya and the site where Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, entered eternal meditation.

Walking along the roughly two‑kilometer approach, you pass towering ancient cedars and a quiet stone path carpeted with moss. Tens of thousands of historic gravestones and memorial stupas line both sides of the road, many belonging to famous military leaders and noble families of Japan, creating the feeling of stepping into a thousand‑year corridor of time. Beyond the tranquil forest lies the solemn and majestic mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. It is not only a destination for pilgrims but also regarded as the spiritual and natural heart of Mount Koya.

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Niu Myōjin Shrine is nestled among the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture and serves as an important guardian shrine of Mount Koya, as well as one of the origins of Koyasan’s spiritual tradition.

Its vivid vermilion buildings stand in harmony with the ancient forest, creating an atmosphere that is both solemn and serene. The taiko bridge spanning Kagami Pond is a symbol of the shrine, offering beautiful scenery in every season. Today, Niu Myōjin Shrine is recognized as a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,” making it an essential sacred place for exploring the culture and spiritual history of Mount Koya.

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DAY1.