We welcome all visitors to come and enjoy Koyasan, but we also kindly ask that visitors respect the holy sites in town.
General Rules to Observe While Visiting Koyasan
Things you must not do while visiting a temple or a shrine
・Talk loudly
・Smoke
・Eat/Drink
・Bring pets
・Walk while using your phone
・Talk on your phone
After crossing Gobyo-bashi Bridge please observe the following rules
・NO photography/recording is permitted
・Please remove your hat
Rules for Pilgrimages in the Kii Mountains
・Treat the paths with care so future generations may enjoy them as well.
・Tread respectfully on these paths.
・Greeting others along the trail is perfectly acceptable.
・Do not bring any animals or plants with you.
・Plan properly for your trip bringing any necessary equipment, and supplies.
・Do not stray from the path.
・Be careful when handling any materials that may be combustible.
・Please take your trash with you. These paths are everyone’s treasure, so please keep them clean for all to enjoy.
For more details on rules and tips for hiking on these trails please visit this website: Wakayama Prefecture – The World Heritage Registration Association
Temple Visits
Zuko
Zuko is a powder that is used for the purification of the body and soul. Zuko is thought to have been used since ancient times and utilizes a mixture of 10 Eastern herbs. It is rubbed on the hands to purify the body and soul during temple visits, sutra readings, or sutra copying known as Shakyo.
Mizumuke Jizo
With the clear, flowing Tama-gawa River behind, bodhisattvas of the Goddess of Mercy are lined up here. Visitors to Okuno-in seek out Mizumuke Jizo (Water-facing Jizo) and pray for the eternal rest of their ancestors by offering water.
How to worship:
1. Write the name of the ancestor on a Toba (wooden tablet).
2. Put the Toba into a basket in front of the statues.
3. Splash water onto the Jizo statue for the soul of the ancestor.
Toba
A “Toba” is a long slender stick used for memorial services. Tobas are used in memorial services for honoring ancestors.
Rental Cycles
￥400/hour (￥100 for each additional 30 minutes)
Rental cycles are available at the Koyasan Shukubo Association Central Office.
Please note that some areas, including Danjo Garan and Okuno-in do permit bicycles.
Combination Ticket (Shodo-Kyotsu-Naihaiken)
￥1,500
This ticket covers admission fees to six major tourist destinations or activities in Koyasan:
- Kongobu-ji Head Temple
- Konpon Daito Pagoda
- Kon-do Hall
- Tokugawa Mausoleum
- Jukai Ceremony at Daishi Kyokai
The tickets are on sale at the Koyasan Shukubo Association Offices, Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex, Daishi Kyokai Training Center, as well as a few select locations.