Koyasan is temple town located in the wooded mountain
top of Mount Koya. It is the center of Shingon Buddhism,
which is an important Buddhist Sect t. Shingon Buddhism
combined both Shinto and Buddhist practices that can be
traced back to the 9th century. In the north eastern part
of Koya Ryujin Quasi National Park is where you can find
the temple, which is south of Osaka. In 2004 it was
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with
two other religious sites. Koyasan is also an important
stop for pilgrims to use while on their pilgrimage.
The Kongobuji Head Temple was founded by the Kobo
Daishi in 805. From the day it was founded the temple
has expanded into the size of a small town. In this
secluded location the monks that reside there still
practice the teachings and offer accommodations to
experience the lifestyle there. This includes the
vegetarian meals called shokubo and morning meditation
with the monks. It is one of the best ways to experience
life at the monastery and feel the spiritual energy
surrounding the premises. Koyasan is one of the places
where people can go to a university that focuses on
religious studies.
