Why You Shouldn’t Visit Only Koyasan

Most travelers visit Koyasan as a day trip from Osaka.

But here’s the problem:

• Long travel time (2+ hours each way)
• Rushed experience
• Missing Wakayama’s hidden cultural layers

By adding one more day, you unlock a completely different side of Japan.

Overview: 2-Day Route

Day 1
Osaka → Koyasan → Temple Stay

Day 2
Koyasan → Wakayama City → Kada or Kuroe → Osaka

This route avoids backtracking and keeps travel efficient.

Day 1: Enter the Sacred World of Koyasan

Access from Osaka

Depart from Namba Station via Nankai Railway.

The journey gradually shifts from city to deep mountain forest—setting the tone for your experience.

Explore Koyasan

Okunoin Cemetery

Walk through Okunoin, one of Japan’s most atmospheric spiritual sites.

• Thousands of moss-covered graves
• Lantern-lit paths
• Resting place of Kukai

Danjo Garan

Visit Danjo Garan.

This is where Koyasan’s religious practices began.

Kongōbu-ji Temple

The head temple of the Shingon sect. It is characterized by its magnificent sliding screen paintings and solemn rock garden.

Stay at a Temple (Shukubo)

A temple stay is essential—not optional.

You’ll experience:

• Shojin ryori (Buddhist cuisine)
• Morning prayers
• A rare overnight stay in a sacred environment

👉 See our Koyasan Temple Stay Guide (→ related article)

Day 2: Discover Hidden Wakayama

Instead of returning directly to Osaka, explore areas most tourists never reach.

Option 1: Kada – Coastal Spiritual Japan

Head to Kada, a quiet fishing town with deep spiritual roots.

Awashima Shrine

Visit Awashima Shrine.

• Thousands of dolls placed as offerings
• Unique cultural atmosphere
• Strong connection to women’s beliefs and healing

Tomogashima Islands (Viewpoint)

From Kada, you can see Tomogashima Islands.

Known for:

• Ruins of military forts
• Nature and sea views
• A “Laputa-like” landscape

Even without visiting, the view itself is worth the trip.

Seaside Relaxation

• Ocean-view cafés
• Local seafood
• Quiet, slow-paced atmosphere

This is the opposite of Kyoto or Osaka.

Option 2: Kuroe – Traditional Craft & Everyday Japan

Visit Kuroe, a hidden gem rarely found in guidebooks.

Kuroe Lacquerware Culture

Kuroe is known for traditional Japanese lacquerware.

What makes it special:

• Still part of daily life, not just museums
• Shops and workshops side-by-side
• A living craft town

Café Experience with Lacquerware

You can actually use lacquerware in local cafés.

This helps visitors:

• Understand its real-life use
• Imagine bringing it home
• Connect craft with lifestyle

Option 2: Wakaura Bay

Explore Wakaura, one of Japan’s historic scenic spots.

• Calm inland sea views
• Small shrines and walking paths
• A poetic landscape celebrated for centuries

Why This Route Is Better Than a Day Trip

1. Less Travel Stress

No need to rush back to Osaka immediately

2. Deeper Cultural Experience

From Buddhism to coastal beliefs to daily crafts

3. Truly Unique Japan

Places most international tourists never see

Who This Itinerary Is For

• Travelers looking for hidden gems in Japan
• Visitors interested in spirituality and culture
• Those who want to avoid crowds

Travel Tips

• Public transport is possible but not always intuitive
• English signage is limited outside major spots
• Timing connections (especially from Koyasan) is key

Make the Most of Your Time in Wakayama

This route is difficult to execute smoothly without local knowledge—especially when combining mountains and coastal areas.

👉 Explore our Kii Peninsula Tour

👉See Hidden Gems Near Kansai Airport