Koyasan is a small town set in forested hills in the Wakayama prefecture, south of Osaka.

Koyasan (Mount Koya) is a pilgrimage site for the Shingon sect of Buddhism which is followed by 10% of the Japanese population.

The area has a special atmosphere with misty cedar-lined paths, enchanted woods, temples, pagodas and rock gardens.

It is not so well known to foreign travellers but perhaps here you will experience the true essence of Japan more readily than in touristy places like Kyoto or Nara.

There are over a hundred monasteries, many of which take paying guests. Do not think of a spartan monk’s cell.

These temple lodgings (shukubo) offer the same sort of luxurious accommodation and lavish meals as those found in a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan), with prices to match.

The only difference is that the food is vegetarian (you will like it – no boring nut cutlets here) and you might be invited to observe the monks chanting their morning prayers, if you wish.

The journey to Koyasan is itself memorable.

After taking a train from Osaka, you switch to a cable railway (like the Peak tram in Hong Kong) where the weight of the ascending car is counterbalanced by the descending car.

Alternatively, if you have the energy, you could take the traditional pilgrimage trail, the Koyasan Choishi Michi, a 23km trail which would take seven hours or so. Shorter trails are also possible.

The photo at the top of the article is from Japan-guide.com’s website and it captures the atmosphere of the place.

Go in November to enjoy the beautiful colours of the autumn leaves.

This article first appeared on thriftytraveller.wordpress.com