Beautiful. A great change of pace from the big cities I had visited along my trip through Japan. It feels far away but it still easily accessible by rail lines in Osaka, the trip taking about two hours each way. I would definitely recommend staying for at least one night, and taking one full day to explore the town, notable for its many temples, historic sites, and Okunoin Cemetery. Would highly recommend doing a temple stay, and having your meals included. Getting around Koyasan is easy - Without stopping, you could walk the length of the town in an hour. There are bus lines that run pretty frequently up and down the length of the town however, and you cannot walk to and from the cable car station so be sure to have yen on hand for fare. I would recommend taking the morning to hike part of a pilgrimage route, and going to Okunoin in early morning.

A beautiful, serene and holy environment enshrouds this place. In the early mornings and evenings, you can explore a number of places without seeing more than a handful of other travelers. The word most people I met used was “tranquil” when they described their visit.

I spent two nights at Koyasan. For people interested in esoteric Buddhism and ancient temple architecture, this place is memorable, one-of-a-kind. If staying on the West side, it's best not to stay too far from the intersection since bus service is infrequent. This side has the museum, a lower priority if time is limited, Kongobuji head temple, and an important temple complex which includes the red pagoda, Konpon Daito, and many interesting buildings. The East side has the Okunoin cemetery and the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi which are a good walk and worth it!

Koyasan is the peaceful place of the world. I am inspired by my friend's trip. It was an accidental trip of him, during he was in a flight going to Japan, he saw a leaflet about Koyasan and curious to know what is Koyasan, then he decided to change his trip immediately to visit Koyasan instead. I got a card from OKUNOIN a drawing of KUKAI a master of Buddhist Shiren, i am very appreciated, When I read his review and listened to his story and try to imagine how's peaceful and wonderland, and we plan to visit together. This place is a miracle place, not everybody can reach here, 2 years later that I plan to visit here, but this trip I have to come alone because he was busy. I was very serious how could I travel alone at a place that I've never been and also Ryokan there are full and flights were expensive at that Time. A night before all reservation, I beg to KUKAI for my attention visiting Koyasan, then tomorrow morning my reservation of flight and Ryokan is complete with sharp price. It was an alone trip and it was my first time travelling alone. I was nervous until i arrived, oh my god unbelievable I felt " I am home." It is very good experience of travel, and I will visit Koyasan again soon.

A very special experience, if you are interested in this type of travel experience! No beds tatami matts with mattres and a comforter. Simple living !The hikes and points of interest like temples and cemetery are very powerful. Not to mention a Redwood forest!

‘temple lodgings’ with no facilities or amenities might be OK for $50 a night but when Saizenin charges $260, off season, for a single - that’s a dreadful ripoff. Ridiculous that you are not allowed to use the showers in the morning before departure. There is no Onsen on site - even though Booking.com shows timings for its use. So have demanded refund.