Mt. Koya in the north of Wakayama Prefecture, the top of which forms flatlands, is a holy place of Japanese Buddhism together with Mt. Hiei in Kyoto. These flatlands are dotted with some 117 temples, large and small, and half of them run pilgrims' lodgings. These lodgings are very popular among non-Japanese visitors to experience Buddhist training. It takes about 90 minutes by the fastest train from Osaka though, you will feel an air of dignity hanging over there right after the arrival. Autumn leaves, in particular, are stunning, and their beauty is exceptional. The autumn leaves here are earlier than in Kyoto by three weeks.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
