Mount Koya is a sacred place of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai. The cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are spectacular, but the silvery white scenery covered in snow in winter is also exceptional. This time, we will introduce the charm of Mount Koya in winter.
2025.12.17-
Table of Contents
- Can I visit Koyasan in winter?
- Highlights of Mount Koya in Winter
- What to wear in winter at Mount Koya?
- How to get to Mount Koya in winter?
Can I visit Koyasan in winter?
Even in winter, you can visit Kongobuji Temple, Danjogaran, and Oku.
After the autumn leaves have fallen in November, temperatures drop even further from December onwards on Mount Koya, and snow often accumulates.
The sight of trees and temples covered in snow creates a fantastical atmosphere that can never be seen in any other season.
*The visiting hours for the above spots may change depending on the season, so please inquire with each facility.
*The winter business hours of each temple lodging and restaurant within Mount Koya vary. We recommend that you contact each facility in advance before visiting.
Danjo Garan (Mieido Hall)
Highlights of Mount Koya in Winter
Now, let us introduce three spots in Mount Koya where the snow scenery is particularly beautiful.
Kongobuji Temple
Kongobuji Temple is the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect.
The first gate you pass through when entering the temple grounds from the parking lot in front of Kongobuji Temple is called the "Main Gate." In the past, only the Emperor, members of the Imperial Family, and senior officials of Mount Koya were allowed to enter and exit through the front gate. The sight of snow piled up on the Main Gate, which has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, creates a solemn winter atmosphere, a stark contrast to the gorgeous image of cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring.
Kongobu-ji Temple main gate
Danjo Garan
When Kobo Daishi Kukai founded Mount Koya, the first place he began developing was the Danjo Garan, and since ancient times it has been cherished as a center of faith alongside Oku. The Konpon Daito Pagoda, which continues to fascinate many people, shines beautifully with its vermilion color enhanced by the white snow.
Danjo Garan (Main Pagoda)
Danjo Garan (Mieido Hall)
Oku
Oku is the center of faith at Mount Koya and the sacred ground where the Gobyo, the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi Kukai, has been meditating since 835, praying for world peace and the happiness of all people. Officially, worship begins at Ichinohashi Bridge, but along the roughly 2-kilometer path from Ichinohashi Bridge to the Gobyo, you'll find more than 200,000 gravestones, monuments, and cenotaphs lined up among a grove of cedar trees some 1,000 years old.
Oku(Mausoleum)
Oku
What to wear in winter at Mount Koya?
Mount Koya, which is about 800 meters above sea level, typically experiences snowfall from the end of December through February.
In January and February in particular, the highest temperature is around 4°C, and there are many days when the minimum temperature drops below freezing.
Therefore, when visiting the shrine, be sure to dress warmly, including a down jacket, sweater, gloves, scarf, earmuffs, and a hat. We also recommend wearing non-slip shoes in case it snows.
How to get to Mount Koya in winter?
During this time of year when there is snow, we recommend taking the train if you are going to Koyasan.
Take the train from Nankai Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station, then transfer to the cable car to arrive at Koyasan Station.
When you go to Koyasan, it's convenient to use this great value digital ticket that includes a round-trip train ticket (available only at certain stations), a two-day free bus pass within Koyasan, and coupons that can be used at nine facilities!
Please make use of this service when you visit Mount Koya!
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