Things to do in Koya

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Wakayama Prefecture

Koyasan

Koyasan is located in the northeastern part of Wakayama Prefecture. It is the general name of the mountain group (not a single peak) around 1,000 meters above sea level in Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to Koya Ryujin Quasi-National Park. In 2004, Mt. Koya was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Sacred Site and Pilgrimage Route in the Kii Mountains". The vegetation on the mountain is lush and layered, which is a natural oxygen bar. There are also many temples and shrines on the mountain. If you walk in any temple, it is very beautiful, and the Japanese-style courtyard design is full of sense. There are also tombstones of Japanese celebrities, such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Takeda Shingen, and more. As a Buddhist holy place in Japan, it is still worth visiting.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Universal Studios Japan

Here you'll find not only heart-pounding attractions themed around Hollywood blockbuster movies, but also live shows featuring popular cartoon characters—fun for everyone from kids to adults! This is home to the world's first Nintendo theme park, where you can immerse yourself in the world of Super Mario! Here we have holiday-exclusive parades and float tours! Everyone here is the star—join the passionate parade, ignite your excitement together, and feel full of energy! Located in OsakaUniversal Studios Japan("Universal Studios Japan") is one of the Universal Studios theme parks. It opened in 2001 and is a classic and wonderful world of fun in the hearts of many visitors. Its design is similar to Universal Studios Orlando in the United States, and it features popular areas such as "Jurassic Park," "Hollywood," and "Waterworld." With more than 60 fun attractions, you can keep playing and exploring all day long. Universal Studios JapanThere are also much-loved themed IP areas such as "Super Nintendo World (Mario/Super Mario)", "Minions", and "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter". Whether you're having fun interacting with the Minions, racing through the Mario Kart adventure, or weaving through the magical world of Hogwarts, these are all wonderfully unforgettable experiences. △The Nintendo area is a collaboration between Nintendo andUniversal Studios JapanThe world's first Nintendo theme park, jointly built, features the globally popular Super Mario as its main character. It offers a 1:1 ultra-realistic recreation of Bowser's Castle, Princess Peach's Castle, and the Mushroom Kingdom from the game, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of Super Mario! △"Despicable Me Minion Mayhem" and "Freeze Ray Sliders" pull you into the Minions' gigantic chaos and whip up a heatwave! A huge swarm of Minions is running wild and turning everything upside down in every street, alley, and corner! In the joyful and boisterous Minion Park, every visitor can't help but join in the mischievous mayhem! △Welcome to the magnificent area—The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, which faithfully recreates the world of the Harry Potter™ stories with overwhelming scale and meticulous attention to every detail. The towering Hogwarts™ castle stands tall, and in front of it lies the vast Hogsmeade™ where wizards live, along with many ride attractions and various shops. Here, you can step into "that world" from the films, as if everything is happening right before your eyes.

Kongobu-ji Okuno-in

Okunoin is the shrine of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon sect, Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai, who is one of the most revered people in Japanese religious history. Master Hongfa vowed not to go into extinction. According to legend, he still entered meditation in Koya Mountain, waiting for Maitreya Bodhisattva to assist him in Honghua. The spiritual Okunoin is the largest cemetery in Japan and a popular place of pilgrimage.

Kongōbu-ji

It is a temple of Koyasan Shingon sect. In the Heian period, it was opened as a place for religious activities and a practice place for Kukai, the founder of Shingon sect. When one thinks of a temple, one thinks of a single-family building, but Koyasan is the temple of Kongobuji Temple, the main mountain.

Kongobu-ji Danjo Garan (Elevated Precinct)

The main attractions of Kongobu-ji Danjo Garan (Elevated Precinct) include the "Kondo" (Golden Hall), which was the lecture hall when Koyasan was founded and has been rebuilt 7 times. "Kongobu-ji Miedo (Founder's Hall)" is where Kobo Daishi once lived. It opened once in 2015 and will not open again until 2065. "Fudo-do" was built in 1197 by Retired Emperor Toba to pray for his daughter. Originally, the hall housed 8 statues of acolytes, which have now been moved to the "Reihokan Museum" for preservation. "Sanko no Matsu (Trident Pine)" is where Kobo Daishi, while in the Ningbo area of China, threw a "sanko-ko" (trident) toward his homeland to find a place to propagate Buddhism. Later, when the master returned to Japan and was searching near Koyasan, he discovered the glowing ritual implement on this pine tree, which became known as "Sanko no Matsu (Trident Pine)." Today, Japanese people consider the three-leaf pine needles that grow on the "Sanko no Matsu (Trident Pine)" to be a good luck charm. "Kongobu-ji Kompon Daito (Grand Central Pagoda)" is a prominent building when entering "Kongobu-ji Danjo Garan (Elevated Precinct)." Its distinct red and white colors are typical of most Buddhist pagodas in Japan, and the current pagoda was rebuilt in 1937.

No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Wakayama Prefecture

Koyasan Ski Area

Koyasan Ski Area is a ski resort. The resort features multiple ski slopes of varying difficulty, suitable for ski enthusiasts of all levels. From beginners to professional skiers, everyone can find a slope that suits them here. In addition, the resort is equipped with multiple lifts and cable cars, making it easy to access different slopes. The surrounding environment is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. You can enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery and experience the wonders of nature here. Furthermore, the resort offers a variety of ski lessons and activities, including ski instruction, ski competitions, and snow hiking. Whether you are a novice or an experienced skier, this place offers a pleasant skiing experience.

Niutsuhime Shrine

The ancient shrine built 1,700 years ago is the main shrine for more than 180 worshippers across the country. The four main halls have magnificent carvings and colorful colors, and their construction methods and gates are designated as one of the important cultural properties of the country. From the vermilion Taiko Bridge spanning the Mirror Pond, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in every season.

Roadside Station Kaki no sato Kudoyama

Daimon Gate

The gate is the gate of Koyasan, which was previously thought to be the entrance to Koyasan. The original location of the gate was lower than the current location, and the current location is said to have been moved 1100 years ago. Burned down several times since then, the current gate was rebuilt in 1705. The 25-meter-high vermilion gate has the majesty as the entrance to Koyasan. In addition, next to the gate, there is a statue of King Kong Rishi, which is the second largest statue in Japan after the Nio statue in Todaiji Temple in Nara. A image and Hum image are both about 5.5 meters high.

Kongobu-ji Kompon Daito (Grand Central Pagoda)