{"id":79488,"date":"2021-03-04T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-04T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=79488"},"modified":"2024-11-25T22:18:31","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T13:18:31","slug":"mount-yoshino-to-koyasan-kii-peninsula","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/mount-yoshino-to-koyasan-kii-peninsula\/","title":{"rendered":"From Mount Yoshino to Koyasan, a 4-Day Itinerary on the Kii Peninsula"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The <strong>Kii Peninsula<\/strong> (\u7d00\u4f0a\u534a\u5cf6) is a vast region that extends across the prefectures of Nara (\u5948\u826f), Wakayama (\u548c\u6b4c\u5c71) and Mie (\u4e09\u91cd), occupying most of southern <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/destinations\/kansai\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Kansai<\/a>. Its riches are manifold: <strong>pilgrimage routes<\/strong> across grandiose landscapes, a distinctive <strong>spiritual culture that combines Buddhism, Shintoism, and sacred nature<\/strong>, ancestral crafts, and deliciously healthy gastronomy, among many more wonders.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"962\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182438\/kii-peninsula-map.png\" alt=\"Map of Japan spotlighting the Kii Peninsula and temples and shrines in Nara and Wakayama prefectures\" class=\"wp-image-79490\" style=\"width:481px;height:512px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182438\/kii-peninsula-map.png 962w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182438\/kii-peninsula-map-470x500.png 470w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 962px) 100vw, 962px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Sometimes referred to as the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/reliving-history-in-asuka-village-the-birthplace-of-japan\/\" class=\"ek-link\">birthplace of Japan<\/a>,\u201d this region is <strong>one of the nation\u2019s oldest cultural and religious centers<\/strong>, which gave rise to Japan\u2019s first capitals: <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/green-tourism-in-the-rural-and-historical-village-of-asuka-nara\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Asuka (\u660e\u65e5\u9999\u6751), now a charming countryside village<\/a>, and the city of Nara (\u5948\u826f\u5e02), famous for its numerous temples, shrines, and sacred shika deer. The Kii Mountain Range is crisscrossed by the <strong>historical <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/hiking-pilgrimage-trails-kumano-kodo\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Kumano Kodo<\/a> <\/strong>(\u718a\u91ce\u53e4\u9053)<strong> pilgrimage trails<\/strong>, a World Heritage Site whose Kohechi (\u5c0f\u8fba\u8def) and Omine Okugakemichi (\u5927\u5cef\u5965\u99c8\u9053) routes link the three Grand Shrines of Kumano Sanzan (\u718a\u91ce\u4e09\u5c71) respectively to the <strong>sacred sites of Koyasan <\/strong>(\u9ad8\u91ce\u5c71)<strong> and Mount Yoshino <\/strong>(\u5409\u91ce\u5c71, Yoshinoyama).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182636\/peninsule-kii-nara-sakurai-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese rural landscape of green rice paddies and mountain in the background\" class=\"wp-image-79517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182636\/peninsule-kii-nara-sakurai-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182636\/peninsule-kii-nara-sakurai-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182636\/peninsule-kii-nara-sakurai-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182636\/peninsule-kii-nara-sakurai.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rural landscape along Yamanobe-no-michi pilgrimage route between Sakurai and Tenri in Nara prefecture \u23aa Photograph: Joachim Ducos<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It would take months, if not a lifetime, to explore all the riches of the Kii Peninsula. But if you have <strong>4 days, here is an itinerary through Nara and Wakayama prefectures, from Mount Yoshino to Koyasan<\/strong>, along historical pilgrimage routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"#day1\" class=\"ek-link\">Day 1: Nara prefecture, from Sakurai to Uda to Kashihara<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 <a href=\"#somen\" class=\"ek-link\">Miwa somen in Sakurai<\/a>, <a href=\"#muroji\" class=\"ek-link\">Muro-ji temple in Uda<\/a>, <a href=\"#imaicho\" class=\"ek-link\">Imaicho historical district<\/a>, <a href=\"#tama\" class=\"ek-link\">Gourmet dinner in Kashihara<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"#day2\" class=\"ek-link\">Day 2: Nara prefecture, Yoshino<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 <a href=\"#washi\" class=\"ek-link\">Fukunishi Washi Hanpo paper-making workshop<\/a>, <a href=\"#yoshinoyama\" class=\"ek-link\">Mount Yoshino<\/a>: <a href=\"#kakinoha\" class=\"ek-link\">Kakinoha sushi<\/a>, <a href=\"#kinpusenji\" class=\"ek-link\">Kinpusen-ji temple<\/a>, <a href=\"#hanayagura\" class=\"ek-link\">Hanayagura Observatory<\/a>, <a href=\"#mikumari\" class=\"ek-link\">Yoshino Mikumari-jinja shrine<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"#day3\" class=\"ek-link\">Day 3: Wakayama prefecture, hike to Koyasan<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 <a href=\"#choisimichi\" class=\"ek-link\">Koyasan Choishi-michi pilgrimage route, from Kudoyama to Koyasan<\/a> (<a href=\"#jisonin\" class=\"ek-link\">Jison-in temple<\/a>, <a href=\"#niutsuhime\" class=\"ek-link\">Niutsuhime-jinja shrine<\/a>, <a href=\"#daimon\" class=\"ek-link\">Daimon large gate<\/a>), <a href=\"#shukubo\" class=\"ek-link\">one night in a Buddhist temple<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"#day4\" class=\"ek-link\">Day 4: Wakayama prefecture, Koyasan<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 <a href=\"#kongobuji\" class=\"ek-link\">Kongobu-ji Temple<\/a>, <a href=\"#danjogaran\" class=\"ek-link\">Danj\u014d Garan<\/a>, <a href=\"#okunoin\" class=\"ek-link\">Okuno-in Cemetery<\/a>, <a href=\"#gomatofu\" class=\"ek-link\">Goma tofu lunch<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day1\">Day 1: Culinary, cultural and spiritual pleasures in Nara prefecture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our Kii Peninsula itinerary begins at lunchtime, in the city of Sakurai (\u685c\u4e95\u5e02) in Nara prefecture. Sakurai is located about a <strong>40-minute train ride south of central Nara<\/strong>, so don\u2019t hesitate to visit Nara Park or some of the other famous attractions before starting your journey off the beaten tourist path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re coming to Sakurai by train from elsewhere, it takes about 1 hour from Kyoto or Osaka, about 2 hours from Kansai International Airport (\u95a2\u897f\u56fd\u969b\u7a7a\u6e2f), or a little over 4 hours from Tokyo. In any case, this starting point is easily accessible by public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"somen\">Eat Miwa somen noodle in Sakurai<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of <strong>Nara\u2019s most famous regional culinary specialties<\/strong> is <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/specialties-nankan-somen-fried-tofu\/\" class=\"ek-link\"><em>somen<\/em><\/a> (\u305d\u3046\u3081\u3093). These extremely thin, white wheat noodles are particularly popular in the summer months when they are served chilled as a light and refreshing meal, although they are just as tasty when eaten hot in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While <em>somen<\/em> are also produced in other prefectures, Nara\u2019s <strong>Miwa somen<\/strong> (\u4e09\u8f2a\u305d\u3046\u3081\u3093) are the <strong>oldest noodles in Japan<\/strong>! The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitnara.jp\/lists-and-stories\/story\/flavors-of-nara-discover-the-regions-unique-cuisine\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">recipe was reputedly imported from China at the same time as Buddhism<\/a>, which makes Nara the birthplace of these two fundamental elements of modern Japanese culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Sakurai, you can taste these ancient noodles at a dedicated restaurant: <strong>Ikerimiwa Somenjaya Senjutei<\/strong> (\u6c60\u5229\u4e09\u8f2a\u7d20\u9eba\u8336\u5c4b \u5343\u5bff\u4ead).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"733\" data-id=\"79518\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182640\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-1-1024x733.jpg\" alt=\"Exterior of a somen noodle restaurant in Sakurai \" class=\"wp-image-79518\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182640\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-1-1024x733.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182640\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-1-500x358.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182640\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"79519\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182645\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Interior of a noodle restaurant in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-79519\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182645\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182645\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182645\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182645\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"79520\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182649\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-3-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Chilled Miwa somen noodles served in a bamboo bowl\" class=\"wp-image-79520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182649\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182649\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-3-375x500.jpg 375w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182649\/peninsule-kii-nara-somen-3.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Ikerimiwa Somenjaya Senjutei <em>somen<\/em> noodle restaurant in Sakurai \u23aa Photographs: Ikerimiwa Somenjaya Senjutei<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The menu includes items for all seasons: Miwa somen served hot or cold, cooked into a refined course or prepared as a simple dish, or along with other cooked dishes using local seasonal ingredients. <em>Kaiseki<\/em> (\u4f1a\u5e2d, a gourmet multi-course meal) is also available at a very reasonable price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ikerimiwa Somenjaya Senjutei somen noodle restaurant<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours: <\/strong>11:00-16:00, closed Friday<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Price:<\/strong> \u00a5820 &#8211; \u00a52,310<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Reservation:<\/strong> By phone +81 0744-45-0626<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Access:<\/strong> 15-minute walk from JR Miwa Station (JR\u4e09\u8f2a\u99c5)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ikeri.co.jp\/senjyutei\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Ikerimiwa<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ikeri.co.jp\/senjyutei\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\"> <\/a><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ikeri.co.jp\/senjyutei\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"muroji\">Visit Muro-ji temple, the \u201cWomen\u2019s Koyasan\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The next stop on our itinerary is <strong>Muro-ji<\/strong> (\u5ba4\u751f\u5bfa), a temple nestled in the mountains of Uda (\u5b87\u9640) to the east. It takes about 1 hour to get there by bus, but be sure to <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jorudan.co.jp\/bus\/rosen\/timetable\/\u5ba4\u751f\u53e3\u5927\u91ce\u99c5%E3%80%94\u5948\u826f\u4ea4\u901a\u30d0\u30b9%E3%80%95\/\uff14\uff13\u7cfb\u7d71\uff3b\u5ba4\u751f\u53e3\u5927\u91ce\uff3d\/?Dw=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">check the schedule beforehand<\/a> because the only bus that goes there doesn\u2019t run often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Muro-ji is nicknamed the \u201c<strong>Women\u2019s Koyasan<\/strong>\u201d (\u5973\u4eba\u9ad8\u91ce, Nyonin-Koya), due to its historical connections with the Koyasan religious center, which we will visit later on. <strong>Women were prohibited from entering Koyasan before 1872<\/strong>, but as early as the 7th century, they were welcomed by Muro-ji temple, which also had close ties to Koyasan\u2019s Shingon Buddhism (\u771f\u8a00\u5b97).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182631\/peninsule-kii-nara-murouji-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese temple and pagoda in the forest\" class=\"wp-image-79516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182631\/peninsule-kii-nara-murouji-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182631\/peninsule-kii-nara-murouji-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182631\/peninsule-kii-nara-murouji-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182631\/peninsule-kii-nara-murouji.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Main building of Muro-ji temple and pagoda \u23aa Photograph: Joachim Ducos<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <strong>main building dates back to 1308<\/strong> and contains fascinating old Buddha statues. The <strong>dense surrounding forest<\/strong> creates a tranquil atmosphere that encourages meditation; if you\u2019ve spent the past days visiting more touristy temples, you\u2019ll appreciate the contrast.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182626\/peninsule-kii-nara-murouji-pagoda-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese pagoda\" class=\"wp-image-79515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182626\/peninsule-kii-nara-murouji-pagoda-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182626\/peninsule-kii-nara-murouji-pagoda-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182626\/peninsule-kii-nara-murouji-pagoda.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Five-story pagoda at Muro-ji temple \u23aa Photograph: Joachim Ducos<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Muro-ji is especially famous for its elegant <strong>five-story pagoda<\/strong> perched atop a steep flight of stone steps. As many patches of rhododendrons and Japanese maples populate the temple grounds, the best times to see its blooming flora or fiery foliage is autumn and late April to early May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Muro-ji temple<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 8:30-17:00 (April to November) \u23aa 9:00-16:00 (December to March)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Admission:<\/strong> \u00a5600 (adult) \u23aa \u00a5400 (child)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Access:<\/strong> From Kintetsu Muroguchiono Station (\u5ba4\u751f\u53e3\u5927\u91ce\u99c5) take bus 43 all the way to Muroujimae (\u5ba4\u751f\u5bfa\u524d) at the end of the line<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.murouji.or.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Murou-ji Website<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"imaicho\">Wander through the historical district of Imaicho in Kashihara<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Head back west to spend the evening in <strong>Imaicho <\/strong>(\u4eca\u4e95\u753a), <strong>the historical merchant district of the city of Kashihara<\/strong> (\u6a7f\u539f\u5e02). It\u2019s surprising how few people visit or even know about Imaicho, given the unmistakable charm of its many <strong>narrow alleys full of tiled-roof houses, typical Japanese architecture of the Edo period<\/strong> (1603-1867).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"681\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"79493\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182451\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-3-681x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Traditional Japanese houses in the Imaicho district in Nara\" class=\"wp-image-79493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182451\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-3-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182451\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-3-332x500.jpg 332w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182451\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-3.jpg 851w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"681\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"79492\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182447\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-2-681x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Two traditional Japanese houses with tiled roofs separated by a narrow alley\" class=\"wp-image-79492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182447\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-2-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182447\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-2-332x500.jpg 332w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182447\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-2.jpg 851w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" data-id=\"79491\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182443\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-1-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Narrow alley between traditional Japanese houses in Imaicho, Kashihara, Nara\" class=\"wp-image-79491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182443\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182443\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-1-500x332.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182443\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182443\/kii-peninsula-nara-imaicho-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Traditional Japanese houses with tiled roofs line narrow alleys in the Imaicho district of Kashihara<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Imaicho is remarkably well preserved, with <strong>500 old buildings<\/strong> concentrated in an area of about 2 square kilometers. As it remains relatively undiscovered by tourists (for now), you can enjoy a <strong>peaceful, leisurely stroll<\/strong> through the alleys, watching the fa\u00e7ades of the houses glow in the setting sun, before their lights turn on inside one by one\u2026 By then, it will be the perfect time for dinner, as many <strong>fine restaurants<\/strong> hide behind the neighborhood <em>noren<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tama\">Dine on French cuisine in Kashihara<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are many typical Japanese restaurants in Imaicho, we recommend <strong>Tama, a gourmet French restaurant<\/strong>, for a memorable dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once past the discreet white <em>noren<\/em> and the wood-covered entrance of a traditional building, Tama\u2019s dining room evokes a blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian efficiency. The restaurant opens out onto a small garden, which can also be appreciated from inside through large sliding glass doors.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182653\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-1.jpg\" alt=\"Dining room of a modern Japanese restaurant inside a traditional house\" class=\"wp-image-79521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182653\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182653\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-1-500x333.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"79522\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182656\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"modern Japanese cuisine\" class=\"wp-image-79522\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182656\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182656\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182656\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182656\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"79523\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182700\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-3-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"red modern Japanese cuisine\" class=\"wp-image-79523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182700\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-3-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182700\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-3-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182700\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-3-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182700\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-3.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"79524\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182704\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-4-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"modern Japanese cuisine on plate\" class=\"wp-image-79524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182704\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-4-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182704\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-4-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182704\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-4-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182704\/peninsule-kii-nara-tama-4.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Tama serves fine French cuisine in a warm setting. \u23aa Photographs: Tama restaurant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The chef prepares a unique <strong>French-inspired menu<\/strong>, using exclusively <strong>premium local ingredients<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Tama gourmet restaurant<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> Lunch 12:00-14:30 \u23aa Dinner 18:00-22:00, closed Wednesday<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Reservation:<\/strong> By phone +81 744-24-886<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Price: <\/strong>Set menu \u00a54,500 (lunch), \u00a56,000 (dinner)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Access:<\/strong> 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Yagi-nishiguchi Station (\u516b\u6728\u897f\u53e3\u99c5)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.imaicho-tama.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Imaicho Tama Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After dinner, you can retire for the night in any one of a <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.fr.html?label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaHWIAQGYAQ24AQfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQuIAgGoAgO4AvfH6IAGwAIB0gIkNmRjM2NkZTEtNmU4Yi00ZjYwLThmZGYtZTBiZjI2MTk0Zjdm2AIG4AIB&amp;sid=2ee4ea2f289099cd29f533e07df8564c&amp;sb=1&amp;src=searchresults&amp;src_elem=sb&amp;error_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.fr.html%3Flabel%3Dgen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaHWIAQGYAQ24AQfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQuIAgGoAgO4AvfH6IAGwAIB0gIkNmRjM2NkZTEtNmU4Yi00ZjYwLThmZGYtZTBiZjI2MTk0Zjdm2AIG4AIB%3Bsid%3D2ee4ea2f289099cd29f533e07df8564c%3Btmpl%3Dsearchresults%3Bac_click_type%3Dg%3Bclass_interval%3D1%3Bdtdisc%3D0%3Bfrom_sf%3D1%3Bgroup_adults%3D2%3Bgroup_children%3D0%3Binac%3D0%3Bindex_postcard%3D0%3Blabel_click%3Dundef%3Bmap%3D1%3Bno_rooms%3D1%3Boffset%3D0%3Bplace_id%3DChIJC4ZBs94yAWARmCsDypMIYTk%3Bplace_id_lat%3D34.5069809%3Bplace_id_lon%3D135.7840935%3Bpostcard%3D0%3Braw_dest_type%3Dlandmark%3Broom1%3DA%252CA%3Bsb_price_type%3Dtotal%3Bsearch_selected%3D1%3Bshw_aparth%3D1%3Bslp_r_match%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dindex%3Bsrc_elem%3Dsb%3Bsrpvid%3D03361e535e990076%3Bss%3DImaich%25C5%258D%252C%2520Kashihara%252C%2520Nara%252C%2520Japan%3Bss_all%3D0%3Bss_raw%3Dimaicho%2520kashiha%3Bssb%3Dempty%3Bsshis%3D0%3Btop_ufis%3D1%26%3B&amp;ss=Kashihara%2C+Pr\u00e9fecture+de+Nara%2C+Japon&amp;is_ski_area=&amp;ssne=Imaich\u014d%2C+Kashihara%2C+Nara%2C+Japan&amp;ssne_untouched=Imaich\u014d%2C+Kashihara%2C+Nara%2C+Japan&amp;checkin_year=&amp;checkin_month=&amp;checkout_year=&amp;checkout_month=&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;from_sf=1&amp;ss_raw=kashihara&amp;ac_position=0&amp;ac_langcode=fr&amp;ac_click_type=b&amp;dest_id=900050507&amp;dest_type=city&amp;place_id_lat=34.509499&amp;place_id_lon=135.792725&amp;search_pageview_id=03361e535e990076&amp;search_selected=true&amp;search_pageview_id=03361e535e990076&amp;ac_suggestion_list_length=5&amp;ac_suggestion_theme_list_length=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">wide selection of hotels in Kashihar<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.fr.html?label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaHWIAQGYAQ24AQfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQuIAgGoAgO4AvfH6IAGwAIB0gIkNmRjM2NkZTEtNmU4Yi00ZjYwLThmZGYtZTBiZjI2MTk0Zjdm2AIG4AIB&amp;sid=2ee4ea2f289099cd29f533e07df8564c&amp;sb=1&amp;src=searchresults&amp;src_elem=sb&amp;error_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.fr.html%3Flabel%3Dgen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaHWIAQGYAQ24AQfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQuIAgGoAgO4AvfH6IAGwAIB0gIkNmRjM2NkZTEtNmU4Yi00ZjYwLThmZGYtZTBiZjI2MTk0Zjdm2AIG4AIB%3Bsid%3D2ee4ea2f289099cd29f533e07df8564c%3Btmpl%3Dsearchresults%3Bac_click_type%3Dg%3Bclass_interval%3D1%3Bdtdisc%3D0%3Bfrom_sf%3D1%3Bgroup_adults%3D2%3Bgroup_children%3D0%3Binac%3D0%3Bindex_postcard%3D0%3Blabel_click%3Dundef%3Bmap%3D1%3Bno_rooms%3D1%3Boffset%3D0%3Bplace_id%3DChIJC4ZBs94yAWARmCsDypMIYTk%3Bplace_id_lat%3D34.5069809%3Bplace_id_lon%3D135.7840935%3Bpostcard%3D0%3Braw_dest_type%3Dlandmark%3Broom1%3DA%252CA%3Bsb_price_type%3Dtotal%3Bsearch_selected%3D1%3Bshw_aparth%3D1%3Bslp_r_match%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dindex%3Bsrc_elem%3Dsb%3Bsrpvid%3D03361e535e990076%3Bss%3DImaich%25C5%258D%252C%2520Kashihara%252C%2520Nara%252C%2520Japan%3Bss_all%3D0%3Bss_raw%3Dimaicho%2520kashiha%3Bssb%3Dempty%3Bsshis%3D0%3Btop_ufis%3D1%26%3B&amp;ss=Kashihara%2C+Pr\u00e9fecture+de+Nara%2C+Japon&amp;is_ski_area=&amp;ssne=Imaich\u014d%2C+Kashihara%2C+Nara%2C+Japan&amp;ssne_untouched=Imaich\u014d%2C+Kashihara%2C+Nara%2C+Japan&amp;checkin_year=&amp;checkin_month=&amp;checkout_year=&amp;checkout_month=&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;from_sf=1&amp;ss_raw=kashihara&amp;ac_position=0&amp;ac_langcode=fr&amp;ac_click_type=b&amp;dest_id=900050507&amp;dest_type=city&amp;place_id_lat=34.509499&amp;place_id_lon=135.792725&amp;search_pageview_id=03361e535e990076&amp;search_selected=true&amp;search_pageview_id=03361e535e990076&amp;ac_suggestion_list_length=5&amp;ac_suggestion_theme_list_length=0\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">a<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day2\">Day 2: Exploring Yoshino, in Nara prefecture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After a final walk through the alleys of Imaicho, take an hour-long train ride to <strong>Yoshino<\/strong> (\u5409\u91ce\u753a). But before climbing past a majestic temple and thousands of cherry blossoms on your way to the peak, consider making a short detour to the paper-making workshop Fukunishi Washi Honpo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"washi\">Make Yoshino washi paper at Fukunishi Washi Honpo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Washi<\/strong> (\u548c\u7d19, literally \u201cJapanese paper\u201d) is <strong>artisanal paper<\/strong> made from the bark fiber of a hybrid paper mulberry tree (\u696e, <em>kouzo<\/em>). Besides the plant fiber, another crucial element that determines the quality of washi is the water. The Yoshino region is blessed with particularly pure water, which is behind the reputation of <strong>Yoshino washi <\/strong>(\u5409\u91ce\u548c\u7d19),<strong> produced here for more than 1,300 years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nara prefecture is actually known for its craftsmanship related to calligraphy (ink, brushes) due to its ancient and profound links to Buddhism\u2014imported from China, along with the artisanal techniques\u2014and the practice of <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/reliving-history-in-asuka-village-the-birthplace-of-japan\/\" class=\"ek-link\">copying sutras developed in the temples<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can buy Yoshino washi in Nara or elsewhere, but we suggest <strong>participating in a hands-on workshop<\/strong>, where you can learn to make it yourself and fully appreciate its various qualities. <strong>Fukunishi Washi Honpo<\/strong> (\u798f\u897f\u548c\u7d19\u672c\u8217) offers precisely this type of experience, guided by recognized masters of their craft: the Fukunishi family also supplies the Japanese Imperial Agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"678\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"79528\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182721\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-washi-1-678x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese artisan making washi paper in his workshop\" class=\"wp-image-79528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182721\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-washi-1-678x1024.jpg 678w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182721\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-washi-1-331x500.jpg 331w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182721\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-washi-1.jpg 848w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 678px) 100vw, 678px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" data-id=\"79529\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182725\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-washi-2-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Washi paper in different pastel colors\" class=\"wp-image-79529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182725\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-washi-2-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182725\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-washi-2-500x331.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182725\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-washi-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">At Fukunishi Washi Honpo, premium-quality washi paper is carefully crafted by hand. \u23aa Photographs: Fukunishi Washi Honpo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During this workshop, you can <strong>make your own custom washi paper using dyes or plants<\/strong>. The <strong>shop<\/strong> also sells professional paper and other items, so you can buy gifts and souvenirs while helping to preserve this centuries-old craft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fukunishi Washi Honpo paper workshop<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 8:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00, closed at irregular times<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Price:<\/strong> \u00a51,500 per person<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Reservation:<\/strong> By <a href=\"mailto:fukutora@kcn.jp\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">e-mail<\/a> or phone +81 746-36-6513<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Access:<\/strong> About 15 minutes by taxi from Kintetsu Yamato-Kamiichi Station (\u5927\u548c\u4e0a\u5e02\u99c5)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"http:\/\/fukunishiwashihonpo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Fukunishi Washi Honpo Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"yoshinoyama\">Hike Mount Yoshino<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you return to Kintetsu Yamato-Kamiichi Station (\u5927\u548c\u4e0a\u5e02\u99c5), it\u2019s only a 5-minute ride to Yoshino Station (\u5409\u91ce\u99c5). From here to the peak, you can either take the <strong>ropeway<\/strong> or venture on a short <strong>20-minute hike<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182508\/kii-peninsula-nara-station-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Yoshino train station with souvenir shops before hiking in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-79497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182508\/kii-peninsula-nara-station-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182508\/kii-peninsula-nara-station-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182508\/kii-peninsula-nara-station-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182508\/kii-peninsula-nara-station.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yoshino station with souvenir shops \u23aa Photograph: Joachim Ducos<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Mount Yoshino is the <strong>starting point of the Omine-Okugakemichi<\/strong> (\u5927\u5cef\u5965\u99c8\u9053). This mountainous pilgrimage route is especially used by <strong><em>yamabushi<\/em> <\/strong>(\u5c71\u4f0f), <strong>ascetic hermits who follow the Shugendo<\/strong> (\u4fee\u9a13\u9053) doctrine, which integrates esoteric Shingon Buddhism, mountain worship, as well as Taoist and Shinto elements. Even without the rigorous training of a <em>yamabushi<\/em>, walking along this mountain path is a good way to appreciate the <strong>intimate relationship between nature and spirituality throughout the Kii Peninsula<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kakinoha\">Lunch on kakinoha sushi, Nara\u2019s famous sushi<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>But first, now might be a good time to break for lunch. There are many restaurants on Mount Yoshino, but it\u2019s worth finding one that specializes in the regional specialty of <strong>kakinoha sushi<\/strong> (\u67ff\u306e\u8449\u5bff\u53f8).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cKakinoha\u201d literally refers to the <strong>persimmon leaf that is used to wrap the sushi made up of a slice of marinated fish over vinegared rice<\/strong>. Like vinegar, persimmon leaves have anti-bacterial qualities that preserve the kakinoha sushi at ambient temperature. For this reason, they are often found in <em><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/ekiben-the-railroads-bento-of-japan\/\" class=\"ek-link\">ekiben<\/a><\/em> (\u99c5\u5f01, boxed meals sold in train stations)\u2014and a personal favorite, as much for their vinegary taste as for their eco-friendly traditional wrapping!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182521\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-sushi-1-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holding kakinoha sushi in persimmon leaf in front of mountain view\" class=\"wp-image-79500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182521\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-sushi-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182521\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-sushi-1-500x332.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182521\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-sushi-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182521\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-sushi-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">During my visit to Mount Yoshino, I bought some kakinoha sushi to go and ate them while enjoying the view from Hanayagura Observatory.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>You can either purchase a box of kakinoha sushi to eat later in a setting of your choice or taste them in the context of a more elaborate menu at a <strong>specialized restaurant such as Hiraso<\/strong> (\u5e73\u5b97).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"884\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"79526\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182712\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-1-884x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Kakinoha sushi shop and restaurant in Yoshino\" class=\"wp-image-79526\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182712\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-1-884x1024.jpg 884w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182712\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-1-432x500.jpg 432w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182712\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-1.jpg 1105w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" data-id=\"79527\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182717\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-2-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Kakinoha sushi on laquerware\" class=\"wp-image-79527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182717\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-2-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182717\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-2-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182717\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182717\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-kakinoha-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Hiraso, in Yoshino, is famous for its kakinoha sushi. \u23aa Photographs: Hiraso<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Hiraso restaurant and shop<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 8:30-18:30, closed Monday<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Price:<\/strong> Eat in \u00a5860 &#8211; \u00a55,400 \u23aa Box of 8 kakinoha sushi to go \u00a51,183 &#8211; \u00a51,423<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Access:<\/strong> 20-minute walk from Yoshino-jingu Station (\u5409\u91ce\u795e\u5bae\u99c5)<br><em>*Other shops and restaurants also sell kakinoha sushi on Mount Yoshino<\/em><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hirasou-yoshinohonten.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Hiraso Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kinpusenji\">Visit Kinpusen-ji temple, sacred site of Shugendo<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve had your fill of sushi, head off to <strong>Mount Yoshino<\/strong> (\u5409\u91ce\u5c71, Yoshinoyama), which is especially famous for its <strong>30,000 cherry trees<\/strong> that transform the mountain landscape into a billowy carpet of pink blossoms and evergreen in spring. For centuries, it has been known as the <strong>most beautiful spot for <em><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/hanami-etiquette-cherry-blossoms-japan\/\" class=\"ek-link\">hanami<\/a><\/em><\/strong>. But Mount Yoshino is worth visiting all year round because these cherry trees are here for a reason. Sakura blossoms have been considered sacred since ancient times, and they play a central role in some of the rituals practiced at Kinpusen-ji temple.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182455\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Kinpusen-ji temple on Mount Yoshino, in Nara\" class=\"wp-image-79494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182455\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182455\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182455\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182455\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The impressive main building of Kinpusen-ji temple on Mount Yoshino \u23aa Photograph: Joachim Ducos<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Kinpusen-ji<\/strong> (\u91d1\u5cef\u5c71\u5bfa), which marks the exact starting point of the Omine Okugakemichi pilgrimage route, is the <strong>largest Shugendo temple<\/strong>. Its colossal main building is situated about a 10-minute walk away from the ropeway terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"79495\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182459\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Kinpusen-ji temple in Yoshino, viewed in the distance famed by trees\" class=\"wp-image-79495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182459\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182459\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182459\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182459\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"681\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"79496\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182503\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-3-681x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of the wooden roof architecture of Kinpusen-ji temple in Yoshino\" class=\"wp-image-79496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182503\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-3-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182503\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-3-332x500.jpg 332w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182503\/kii-peninsula-nara-kinpusenji-3.jpg 851w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">The architecture of Kinpusen-ji\u2019s wooden roof is just as impressive from afar as up close. \u23aa Photograph on left: Joachim Ducos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This imposing <strong>wooden temple structure is the second-largest in Japan<\/strong>, after the main hall of Todai-ji in Nara, which houses the famous Great Buddha. Kinpusen-ji is home to <strong>three 7-meter-tall, 1,300-year-old statues of Zao Gongen<\/strong> (divinity worshipped by followers of Shugendo), whose skin is painted a deep blue that contrasts with the gold and other warm hues of their surroundings. These statues are only visible in spring and autumn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" data-id=\"79498\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182512\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-1-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Inari shrine with vermillion torii and fox statues\" class=\"wp-image-79498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182512\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182512\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-1-500x332.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182512\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182512\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" data-id=\"79499\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182516\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-2-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Shinto shrine entrance on Mount Yoshino, guarded by a torii and komainu\" class=\"wp-image-79499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182516\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-2-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182516\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-2-500x332.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182516\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182516\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In line with the <strong>religious syncretism<\/strong> that characterizes the history and culture of Japan, a few modest Shinto shrines also intermingled with the temples around Kinpusen-ji.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Kinpusen-ji temple<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 8:30-16:00<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Admission:<\/strong> \u00a5800 (adults)\u23aa \u00a5600 (secondary school students)\u23aa\u00a5400 (primary school students)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Access:<\/strong> 10-minute walk from the at Yoshinoyama Ropeway Station (\u5409\u91ce\u5c71\u99c5)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kinpusen.or.jp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Kinpusen-ji Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hanayagura\">Take in the view from Hanayagura Observatory on Mount Yoshino<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>All the <strong>iconic photographs<\/strong> you might have seen of the sweeping views from Mount Yoshino, with white buildings tracing a sinewy crest through hills of billowy flora, were <strong>taken from Hanayagura Observatory<\/strong> (\u82b1\u77e2\u5009\u5c55\u671b\u53f0).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" data-id=\"79502\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182531\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-observatory-1-b-1-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"View from Mount Yoshino in autumn\" class=\"wp-image-79502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182531\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-observatory-1-b-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182531\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-observatory-1-b-1-500x332.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182531\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-observatory-1-b-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182531\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-observatory-1-b-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"79525\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182708\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-jnto-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"View from Mount Yoshino during cherry blossom season\" class=\"wp-image-79525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182708\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-jnto-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182708\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-jnto-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182708\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-jnto-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182708\/peninsule-kii-nara-yoshino-jnto.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Mount Yoshino and Kinpusen-ji temple, views from Hanayagura Observatory in autumn and during the cherry blossom season \u23aa Photograph (bottom): \u00a9JNTO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While some famous photogenic views risk disappointing when viewed in person, this was not at all the case when I arrived at Mount Yoshino in autumn, even without the 30,000 cherry blossoms. For me, the reason was not only the spectacular panorama itself but the sense of achievement in reaching it. The hike to the observatory takes about an hour on a paved path, and the rewarding view of the area, with the tiny Kinpusen-ji in the distance, gives a good idea of the mountain\u2019s topography. Ever since I encouraged my parents to join me on this adventure, they still talk about how fulfilled they felt to reach the summit, exhausted but elated to admire this exceptional landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mikumari\">Mysterious Yoshino Mikumari-jinja shrine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve made it up to Hanayagura Observatory, it\u2019s just a short walk to <strong>Yoshino Mikumari-jinja<\/strong> (\u5409\u91ce\u6c34\u5206\u795e\u793e) about 200 meters away. This Shinto shrine was transferred to its present location in the 9th century and dedicated to the goddess Ame-no-Mikumari-no-Kami. It may not be grandiose, but the singular <strong>architecture of its 17th-century buildings envelop it in a mysterious aura<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182525\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-mikumari-jinja-1-b-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Shinto shrine Mikumari-jinja on Mount Yoshino with rectangular architecture around an inner courtyard\" class=\"wp-image-79501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182525\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-mikumari-jinja-1-b-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182525\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-mikumari-jinja-1-b-500x332.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182525\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-mikumari-jinja-1-b-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182525\/kii-peninsula-nara-yoshino-mikumari-jinja-1-b.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">On the summit of Mount Yoshino, the buildings of Yoshino Mikumari-jinja have an original architecture that creates a spiritual atmosphere.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The shrine\u2019s<strong> austere and elegantly elongated buildings<\/strong> surround a narrow inner courtyard centered around a weeping cherry tree. It only takes a few minutes to walk around the grounds, but you can easily lose track of time within this captivating site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Yoshino Mikumari-jinja shrine<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 8:00-16:00 \u23aa 8:00-17:00 in April<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Admission:<\/strong> Free<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Access:<\/strong> 1-hour walk from Yoshinoyama Ropeway Station (\u5409\u91ce\u5c71\u99c5)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After a day of hiking, relax and <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.fr.html?label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaHWIAQGYAQ24AQfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQuIAgGoAgO4AoOizIEGwAIB0gIkN2JjZjQyYWItZmY3Ny00MDY4LWEyNjMtZTJmZGMxMTI1OGVm2AIG4AIB&amp;sid=3d4736e1bbb05211267fb37194507ccf&amp;sb=1&amp;src=searchresults&amp;src_elem=sb&amp;error_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.fr.html%3Flabel%3Dgen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaHWIAQGYAQ24AQfIAQzYAQHoAQH4AQuIAgGoAgO4AoOizIEGwAIB0gIkN2JjZjQyYWItZmY3Ny00MDY4LWEyNjMtZTJmZGMxMTI1OGVm2AIG4AIB%3Bsid%3D3d4736e1bbb05211267fb37194507ccf%3Btmpl%3Dsearchresults%3Bclass_interval%3D1%3Bdest_id%3D-248840%3Bdest_type%3Dcity%3Bdtdisc%3D0%3Bfrom_sf%3D1%3Bgroup_adults%3D2%3Bgroup_children%3D0%3Binac%3D0%3Bindex_postcard%3D0%3Blabel_click%3Dundef%3Bno_rooms%3D1%3Boffset%3D0%3Bpostcard%3D0%3Broom1%3DA%252CA%3Bsb_price_type%3Dtotal%3Bsearch_pageview_id%3D22a00e81b13200b0%3Bshw_aparth%3D1%3Bslp_r_match%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dindex%3Bsrc_elem%3Dsb%3Bsrpvid%3Dab300e85d158012b%3Bss%3Dyoshinoyama%3Bss_all%3D0%3Bssb%3Dempty%3Bsshis%3D0%3Btop_ufis%3D1%26%3B&amp;ss=Yoshino%2C+Pr\u00e9fecture+de+Nara%2C+Japon&amp;is_ski_area=&amp;ssne=Yoshinoyama&amp;ssne_untouched=Yoshinoyama&amp;city=-248840&amp;checkin_year=&amp;checkin_month=&amp;checkout_year=&amp;checkout_month=&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;from_sf=1&amp;search_pageview_id=ab300e85d158012b&amp;ac_suggestion_list_length=5&amp;ac_suggestion_theme_list_length=0&amp;ac_position=0&amp;ac_langcode=fr&amp;ac_click_type=b&amp;dest_id=900051416&amp;dest_type=city&amp;place_id_lat=34.39465&amp;place_id_lon=135.89398&amp;search_pageview_id=ab300e85d158012b&amp;search_selected=true&amp;ss_raw=Yoshino\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">spend the night in the heights of Mount Yoshino<\/a> in a <em>ryokan<\/em> (\u65c5\u9928, traditional Japanese lodge). In addition to tatami rooms and gourmet meals, most offer rejuvenating hot baths and a clear view of the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day3\">Day 3: Walking the pilgrimage route to Koyasan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On the third day of our itinerary, <strong>we leave Nara and cross over to Wakayama prefecture in the direction of Koyasan<\/strong>. Take the train from Yoshino (\u5409\u91ce) to Hashimoto (\u6a4b\u672c) (1-1.5 hours). From there, you can either take a local train or the <strong>Tenku <\/strong>(\u5929\u7a7a)<strong> tourist train<\/strong> to Kudoyama Station (\u4e5d\u5ea6\u5c71\u99c5) (10 minutes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" data-id=\"79547\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182842\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-train-tenku-1024x769.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese Tenku train going through the forest\" class=\"wp-image-79547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182842\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-train-tenku-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182842\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-train-tenku-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182842\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-train-tenku.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"79546\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182838\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-train-tenku-2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Interior of Japanese Tenku train, with seats facing view of mountain landscape through large windows\" class=\"wp-image-79546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182838\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-train-tenku-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182838\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-train-tenku-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182838\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-train-tenku-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182838\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-train-tenku-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Tenku tourist train \u23aa Photographs: Nankai Electric Railway Co., Ltd.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Tenku train treats its passengers to <strong>luscious views of the surrounding mountain landscape <\/strong>through large windows. Note that reservations are required, but it also runs all the way to Koyasan if you choose to go there directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Tenku tourist train<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 2-3 round-trips per day. Days and hours of operation vary according to season<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Price:<\/strong> Hashimoto to Koyasan: \u00a5950 (adult)\u23aa\u00a5480 (child)\u23aa+\u00a5520\/\u00a5260 for a reserved seat<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Reservation:<\/strong> By phone only +81 120-151519, 1-10 days in advance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nankai.co.jp\/koya\/tenku\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Nankai Website<\/a> \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nankai.co.jp\/koya\/tenku\/guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">detailed information<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"choisimichi\">Walk the Choishi-michi pilgrimage route to Koyasan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of taking the ropeway directly up to Koyasan, we suggest beginning your journey in Kudoyama, at the foot of the mountain, in order to <strong>hike the historical Koyasan Choishi-michi <\/strong>(\u9ad8\u91ce\u5c71\u753a\u77f3\u9053)<strong> pilgrimage route<\/strong>. Remember to start early because it\u2019s an approximately 20-kilometer, 7-hour trek to the peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This <strong>route was often taken by K\u014db\u014d Daishi<\/strong> (\u5f18\u6cd5\u5927\u5e2b), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, which he established on the peak of Koyasan. He also regularly descended the same path to visit his mother at Jison-in temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e0f2f4;font-size:15px\"><strong><em>If hiking is not your strong point, you can still visit Jison-in temple, situated just a 20-minute walk away from Kudoyama station, then take a taxi (40 minutes) to Niutsuhime-jinja shrine. Alternatively, you can walk back to the station, hitch a ride on the ropeway, and spend the rest of your day in Koyasan.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The path is marked by (and named after) <strong>stupa-shaped stone distance indicators<\/strong> called <em>choishi<\/em> (\u753a\u77f3). The Nankai Koya website provides more detailed information on the entire Choishi-michi route. Here are a few of the sites we passed along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"jisonin\">Pray for women at Jison-in temple<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Like Muro-ji temple from Day 1, <strong>Jison-in <\/strong>(\u6148\u5c0a\u9662)<strong> has always welcomed women<\/strong> who were turned away from Koyasan until 1872. But as Jison-in is also situated nearer to Koyasan, it has long served as a place of refuge for women. This history has left its mark on the temple, where people <strong>pray mainly for women\u2019s good health<\/strong>, safe childbirth, safe nursing, or the health of children. Don\u2019t miss the temple\u2019s distinctively <strong>thematic <em>ema<\/em> votive wooden plaques<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" data-id=\"79535\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182754\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-jisonin-2.jpg\" alt=\"Ema at Jison-in temple\" class=\"wp-image-79535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182754\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-jisonin-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182754\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-jisonin-2-500x375.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"438\" data-id=\"79536\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182757\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-jisonin-3.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of an ema with raised female breasts\" class=\"wp-image-79536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182757\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-jisonin-3.jpg 780w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182757\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-jisonin-3-500x281.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Votive <em>ema<\/em> with raised female breasts \u23aa Photograph: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/johnmelic\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">John Melic<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A more recent story is the tale of <strong>Gon the dog, who regularly guided pilgrims<\/strong> on the route to Koyasan in the late 20th century\u2014much like a dog who might have guided K\u014db\u014d Daishi more than 1,200 years ago! Similar to the famous statue of Hachiko in Shibuya, Tokyo, a statue commemorating Gon stands at Jison-in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Jison-in temple<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 24 hours, reception 8:00-17:00<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Admission:<\/strong> Free<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Access:<\/strong> 20-minute walk from Kudoyama Station (\u4e5d\u5ea6\u5c71\u99c5)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"http:\/\/jison-in.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Jison Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another 10-minute walk away is the <strong>Takanoyama-cho Ishido Observatory <\/strong>(\u9ad8\u91ce\u5c71\u753a\u77f3\u9053\u5c55\u671b\u53f0), which offers a panoramic view over the cities of Kudoyama and Hashimoto, as well as Koyasan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"niutsuhime\">Niutsuhime-jinja shrine, where divinities watch over Koyasan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a slight detour off the main Koyasan Choishi-michi route to go to <strong>Niutsuhime-jinja<\/strong> (\u4e39\u751f\u90fd\u6bd4\u58f2\u795e\u793e). This 1,700-year-old Shinto shrine is worth the visit, not only as a good example of <em><a aria-label=\"kasuga-zukuri (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kasuga-zukuri\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">kasuga-zukuri<\/a><\/em> (\u6625\u65e5\u9020) architectural style but for its historical and religious significance. According to legend, two local Shinto <em>kami<\/em> (divinities), Niutsuhime-no-Okami and Takanomiko-no-Okami, guided K\u014db\u014d Daishi to Koyasan, where they gifted him this territory on which to build his school of Shingon Buddhism. Thus, these <strong>two Shinto <em>kami<\/em> are the divine protectors of one of the most important Buddhist sites in Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Niutsuhime-jinja shrine<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 24h\/24, reception 8:30-16:30<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Admission:<\/strong> Free<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Access:<\/strong> To reach the shrine directly without taking the pilgrimage route, take the local Katsuragicho (\u304b\u3064\u3089\u304e\u753a) bus from JR Kaseda Station (\u7b20\u7530\u99c5) to the end of the line at Niutsuhime-jinja-mae (\u4e39\u751f\u90fd\u6bd4\u58f2\u795e\u793e\u524d) (30 minutes, \u00a5150)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/niutsuhime.or.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Niutsuhime Website<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Near Niutsuhime-jinja, <strong>Caf\u00e9 Kyuden<\/strong> (Caf\u00e9 \u5ba2\u6bbf) is a good place to stop for lunch, set inside an old Japanese-style house\u200b (\u53e4\u6c11\u5bb6, kominka).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"79544\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182828\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-kyuden-2-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Patio of a caf\u00e9 in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-79544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182828\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-kyuden-2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182828\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-kyuden-2-375x500.jpeg 375w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182828\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-kyuden-2.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"79543\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182823\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-kyuden-1-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Cake set in a Japanese caf\u00e9\" class=\"wp-image-79543\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182823\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-kyuden-1-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182823\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-kyuden-1-1-375x500.jpg 375w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182823\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-kyuden-1-1.jpg 796w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Caf\u00e9 Kyuden, an ideal place for tea-time near Niutsuhime-jinja shrine \u23aa Photographs: Caf\u00e9 Kyuden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Caf\u00e9 Kyuden<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours: <\/strong>Weekends &amp; holidays 11:00-16:30 \u23aa Weekdays 11:00-15:30 (<a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/cafekyakuden.xyz\/info.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Caf\u00e9 Kyuden<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/cafekyakuden.xyz\/info.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\"> <\/a><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/cafekyakuden.xyz\/info.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">calendar<\/a>)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Price:<\/strong> Lunch \u00a51,500 \u23aa Cake set \u00a51,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"http:\/\/cafekyakuden.xyz\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Caf\u00e9 Kyuden Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"daimon\">Enter Koyasan through the large front gate Daimon<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>But don\u2019t get too comfortable, as the hike has only just begun! After walking along the main pilgrimage route for about <strong>4 more hours<\/strong>, you will see <strong>Daimon, the large front gate that leads into Koyasan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182535\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-daimon-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Daimon large front gate to Koyasan, a vermillion-painted two-story wooden building\" class=\"wp-image-79503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182535\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-daimon-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182535\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-daimon-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182535\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-daimon.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Daimon large front gate heralds your arrival in Koyasan. \u23aa Photograph: Claudia Mitsubori<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Indeed, this imposing 25-meter-high vermillion gate standing guard at the entrance to Koyasan says it all: You have arrived. Daimon (\u5927\u9580) literally means \u201clarge gate\u201d, and this one houses <strong>equally impressive <em>Nio<\/em><\/strong> (\u4ec1\u738b), the Buddhist guardian king statues who protect the sacred site from evil forces entering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"shukubo\">Spend the night in a Buddhist temple in Koyasan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, time for a well-deserved rest. There are <strong>51 <em>shukubo<\/em><\/strong> (\u5bbf\u574a) <strong>temple accommodations<\/strong> in Koyasan. As you might have guessed, these are not tourist hotels but religious centers, where bonzes host monks in training and pilgrims, as well as visitors who are curious to experience Japanese Buddhist culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spending the night in a temple is an immersive experience bound to leave you with lasting memories. Each temple hosts guests in its own way, ranging from comfortable to relatively spartan accommodation. Generally, you will be invited to participate in activities such as <strong>meditation sessions, copying sutras, or morning prayers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182807\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Morning prayer in a Japanese Buddhist temple in Koyasan\" class=\"wp-image-79539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182807\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182807\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-1-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182807\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Morning prayer at Henjo Sonin <em>shukubo<\/em> \u23aa Photograph: Claudia Mitsubori<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A stay includes dinner and breakfast of <strong><em>shojin ryori<\/em> <\/strong>(\u7cbe\u9032\u6599\u7406)<strong>\u2014traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine<\/strong> that is not nearly as austere as it sounds. Over the years, the monks have developed complex culinary techniques to create <strong>surprising flavors and textures<\/strong>, sometimes even creating meat substitutes using seitan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"621\" data-id=\"79541\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182814\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-3-1024x621.jpg\" alt=\"Common dining room in a shukubo temple accommodation in Koyasan\" class=\"wp-image-79541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182814\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-3-1024x621.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182814\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-3-500x303.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182814\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-3.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" data-id=\"79542\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182819\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-4-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Two people wearing yukata seated in front of a shojin ryori meal served in a Japanese-style room\" class=\"wp-image-79542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182819\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-4-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182819\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-4-500x332.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182819\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-4-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182819\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-4.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"79540\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182810\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese vegetarian shojin ryori cuisine with fried tofu\" class=\"wp-image-79540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182810\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182810\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-2-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182810\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-shukubo-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"><em>Shojin ryori<\/em> dinner at two different <em>shukubo<\/em> in Koyasan, served either in the common dining room or directly inside your room, depending on the temple. \u23aa Photographs (upper left and bottom): Claudia Mitsubori<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>More information is available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/eng.shukubo.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">official website of the association of shukubo in Koyasan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day4\">Day 4: Exploring Koyasan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At a temple, it\u2019s generally early to bed and early to rise for the <strong>morning service<\/strong>. Participating in this ritual is not mandatory, but it would be a shame to miss this unique experience. I still have strong memories of this moment from my first trip to Japan 10 years ago. We were the only guests in a small temple of just as many monks, and even without understanding the words, I was enraptured by the chanting of the sutras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the morning service and the <em>shojin<\/em> breakfast, it\u2019s time to set off on your <strong>final day exploring Koyasan<\/strong>. As all the sites are in the same general area, you can visit them all on foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kongobuji\">Kongobu-ji, the head temple of Koyasan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you\u2019re actually on site, let\u2019s review a bit of history: What is Koyasan (\u9ad8\u91ce\u5c71)? To summarize, it\u2019s <strong>one of the main Buddhist centers in Japan, founded in 816 by K\u014db\u014d Daishi (Kukai) as a training center for monks <\/strong>of his own esoteric Shingon Buddhism sect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today there are <strong>117 temples<\/strong> in Koyasan, including the <strong>head temple Kongobu-ji<\/strong> (\u91d1\u525b\u5cef\u5bfa), which is also the Shingon Koyasan school.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182547\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-1-1024x450.jpg\" alt=\"Wide view of Kongobu-ji temple in a snowy rock garden\" class=\"wp-image-79506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182547\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-1-1024x450.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182547\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-1-500x220.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182547\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Snowy rock garden of Kongobu-ji temple \u23aa Photograph: Claudia Mitsubori<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Kongobu-ji is open to the public, with much to please visitors: its elegant architecture, its famous <strong>Banryutei <\/strong>(\u87e0\u9f8d\u5ead)<strong> rock garden<\/strong>, its many <em>fusuma<\/em> (\u8956) sliding doors painted with delicate natural motifs, as well as <strong>religious artworks<\/strong> on display. Even its <strong>old kitchen<\/strong> is accessible for those interested in imagining how monks lived in past centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-13 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"79508\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182554\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-3-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Painted Japanese sliding doors at Kongobu-ji temple\" class=\"wp-image-79508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182554\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182554\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-3-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182554\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-3.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"560\" data-id=\"79507\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182550\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-2-1024x560.jpg\" alt=\"Mandala and other Buddhist artworks at Kongobu-ji temple in Koyasan\" class=\"wp-image-79507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182550\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-2-1024x560.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182550\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-2-500x273.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182550\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-koyasan-kongobuji-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Kongobu-ji temple contains many artworks, both sacred and profane. \u23aa Photographs: Claudia Mitsubori<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Kongobu-ji temple<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 8:30-17:00<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Admission:<\/strong> \u00a51,000 (adults)\u23aa \u00a5300 (children age 7-12)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.koyasan.or.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Koyasan Website<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"danjogaran\">Danj\u014d Garan, the heart of Koyasan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A 5-minute walk away from Kongobu-ji is <strong>Danj\u014d Garan<\/strong> (\u58c7\u4e0a\u4f3d\u85cd), a complex of 19 buildings. Among them, the most iconic is <strong>Konpon Daito<\/strong> (\u6839\u672c\u5927\u5854), a <strong>huge pagoda<\/strong> painted in vibrant hues of vermillion, green and white, standing at 49 meters tall. Danj\u014d Garan was another one of the original sites built by K\u014db\u014d Daishi as a <strong>training center for monks<\/strong> when he founded Koyasan.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182539\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-danjo-garan-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Danjo Garan in Koyasan\" class=\"wp-image-79504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182539\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-danjo-garan-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182539\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-danjo-garan-1-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182539\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-danjo-garan-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182539\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-danjo-garan-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Konpon Daito, the great pagoda that dominates Danj\u014d Garan \u23aa Photograph: Claudia Mitsubori<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This pagoda houses a number of statues and painted columns that together form a marvelous <strong>three-dimensional mandala<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182543\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-danjo-garan-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese Buddhist gold statues among painted columns\" class=\"wp-image-79505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182543\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-danjo-garan-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182543\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-danjo-garan-2-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182543\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-danjo-garan-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Partial view of the interior of Konpon Daito pagoda \u23aa Photograph: Claudia Mitsubori<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Konpon Daito<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 8:30-16:30<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Admission:<\/strong> \u00a5500<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"okunoin\">Visit Okuno-in cemetery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While it might be counterintuitive to visit a cemetery, <strong>Okuno-in<\/strong> (\u5965\u306e\u9662) is bound to be the highlight of your excursion to Koyasan. Of course, showing respect and discretion is advised, as this cemetery is hardly a tourist attraction. But with the right state of mind, you may find yourself easily enchanted.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182557\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-1-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Path through Okuno cemetery in Koyasan: lanterns and jiso among cedars\" class=\"wp-image-79509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182557\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182557\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-1-500x332.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182557\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182557\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The long paved path that runs through Okuno-in cemetery. \u23aa Photograph: Tomoko Matsuo<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This <strong>cemetery is the largest in Japan<\/strong>, extending over a vast area and inhabited by some 200,000 souls, both famous and anonymous. It also contains mausoleums built by companies for their employees, and even one erected by an insecticide company\u2026 in memory of the insects killed by its products. One can either chuckle at this seeming incongruity or seize the opportunity to reflect upon it as a <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Koan\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">koan<\/a>, paradoxical anecdote of Zen Buddhism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-14 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"79510\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182601\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Statue of the Buddhist divinity Fudo Myoo in the snow\" class=\"wp-image-79510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182601\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182601\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-2-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182601\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"79511\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182605\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Okuno cemetery in Koyasan in the snow\" class=\"wp-image-79511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182605\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182605\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-3-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182605\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-3.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"79513\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182615\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-5-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Torii and tombstones at Okuno shrine in Koyasan\" class=\"wp-image-79513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182615\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182615\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-5-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182615\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-5-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182615\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-5.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"79512\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182610\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Jizo statue in the rain\" class=\"wp-image-79512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182610\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182610\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-4-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182610\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-4-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182610\/kii-peninsula-wakayama-okunoin-4.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Okuno-in in the snow and during a typhoon \u23aa Photographs (top): Claudia Mitsubori<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To get to the mausoleum in the inner sanctuary dedicated to K\u014db\u014d Daishi (Kukai), walk across the cemetery along a <strong>2-kilometer paved path<\/strong> bordered by great cedars and a <strong>multitude of monuments erected over the centuries<\/strong>: mausoleums, tombstones mounted with a <em><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gorint\u014d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">gorint\u014d<\/a><\/em> (\u4e94\u8f2a\u5854, \u201cfive-ring tower\u201d), statues of Jizo or other divinities, torii, and lantern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It goes without saying that Okuno-in holds great spiritual power, which visitors can feel independently of their personal beliefs. Weather conditions can also transfigure the site and amplify its mystery\u2014our contributor Claudia visited in the snow while I discovered the cemetery under the pouring rain of a typhoon, leaving me with an indelible impression.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182802\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-okunoin-temple-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese Buddhist monks at Okuno-in temple in Koyasan\" class=\"wp-image-79538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182802\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-okunoin-temple-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182802\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-okunoin-temple-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182802\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-okunoin-temple-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182802\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-okunoin-temple.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Buddhist monks in front of Okuno-in temple \u23aa Photograph: \u00a9JNTO<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Two kilometers later, you will arrive at the <strong>mausoleum of K\u014db\u014d Daishi <\/strong>and Toro-do (\u706f\u7c60\u5802, \u201chall of lanterns\u201d). According to the legend, Kukai is not dead but remains in a <strong>state of meditation<\/strong> for almost 1,200 years.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182759\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-okuniin-torodo-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Dark lantern hall inside Okuno-in temple in Koyasan\" class=\"wp-image-79537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182759\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-okuniin-torodo-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182759\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-okuniin-torodo-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182759\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-okuniin-torodo-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182759\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-koyasan-okuniin-torodo.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Toro-do hall of lanterns, inside Okuno-in temple<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Okuno-in temple<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 8:00-17:00 (May to October) \u23aa 8:30-16:30 (November to April)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Admission:<\/strong> Free<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"gomatofu\">Lunch in a restaurant specialized in goma (sesame) tofu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before ending your journey, it might be worth enjoying <strong>one last <em>shojin ryori <\/em>meal<\/strong>, as restaurants offering this Buddhist vegetarian cuisine are few and far between outside religious sites such as Koyasan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One element of <em>shojin ryori<\/em> that is also a local specialty of Koyasan is <em><strong>goma tofu<\/strong><\/em> (sesame tofu). This so-called \u201ctofu\u201d actually contains no soja; rather, its similarly smooth texture is created by <strong>white sesame<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-15 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"79532\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182741\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-goma-tofu-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Goma tofu dish at a restaurant in Koyasan\" class=\"wp-image-79532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182741\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-goma-tofu-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182741\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-goma-tofu-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182741\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-goma-tofu-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182741\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-goma-tofu-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"79533\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182746\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-goma-tofu-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Goma tofu dessert with kinako powder\" class=\"wp-image-79533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182746\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-goma-tofu-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182746\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-goma-tofu-2-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182746\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-goma-tofu-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/01182746\/peninsule-kii-wakayama-goma-tofu-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"><em>Goma tofu<\/em>, savory and sweet versions, at Kadohama restaurant \u23aa Photographs: Kadohama<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Various restaurants in Koyasan serve <em>goma tofu<\/em>, which was said be a favorite dish of K\u014db\u014d Daishi himself. We recommend <strong>Kadohama Goma Tofu<\/strong> (\u89d2\u6ff1\u3054\u307e\u3069\u3046\u3075\u7dcf\u672c\u8217), which makes<em> <\/em>the specialty using no additives according to an ancestral recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Kadohama Goma Tofu restaurant<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Hours:<\/strong> 9:30-17:00, irregular closing days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Price:<\/strong> Meal \u00a51680 &#8211; \u00a51860 \u23aa desserts \u00a5250 &#8211; \u00a5480<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Reservation:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/ssl.xaas3.jp\/s0682921\/login\/enqueteEdit\/index\/EnqueteId\/2\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Online<\/a> or by phone +81 736-26-8700<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gomatohu.com\/kadohamagomatofu.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Gomatohu Website<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This 4-day itinerary concludes here, at the heart of a sacred mountain, on a full stomach, and hopefully, with a peaceful soul enlightened by Japanese nature and spirituality. Now you\u2019re ready to hop back on the train and head back to the big cities or embark on new adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Except in certain cases mentioned in this article, <strong>all the sites on this itinerary are accessible by public transportation, using the Kintetsu, Nankai, and JR train lines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yoshino<\/strong> is directly accessible from Osaka and Kyoto on Kintetsu Railways. The train ride takes around 75 minutes from Osaka or 100 minutes from Kyoto with a transfer at Kashiharajingu-mae Station (\u6a7f\u539f\u795e\u5bae\u524d\u99c5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Koyasan<\/strong> is directly accessible from Namba (Osaka) on Nankai train lines, which link central Osaka to the Koyasan ropeway in 90 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For <strong>more about Nara and Wakayama prefectures<\/strong>, the official websites of their respective tourist boards provide a wealth of information to help you plan your trip:<br>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitnara.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Visit Nara<\/a><br>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/en.visitwakayama.jp\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Visit Wakayama<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1bAeeqgGpsZ0Jhu37p7xVoYfWtZ1ao4fB&amp;hl=en\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>The Kii Peninsula\u2019s ancient history and exceptional natural sites make it a prime destination to discover the cultural and spiritual riches of Japan. We hope that this suggested 4-day itinerary, walking on Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails from Mount Yoshino to Koyasan, will inspire you to experience your own personal journeys through this enchanting region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>Article sponsored by KANSAI DISTRICT TRANSPORT BUREAU, Wakayama and Nara prefectures<\/em><br><em>Translated by Cherise<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Kii Peninsula (\u7d00\u4f0a\u534a\u5cf6) is a vast region that extends across the prefectures of Nara (\u5948\u826f), Wakayama (\u548c\u6b4c\u5c71) and Mie&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":96,"featured_media":79495,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pgc_meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[26,1412,23,1],"tags":[2101,2172,2169,1282,1306,2063,1280],"class_list":{"0":"post-79488","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-culture","8":"category-kansai","9":"category-sightseeing","10":"category-sponsored","11":"tag-buddhism","12":"tag-kii-peninsula","13":"tag-kumano-kodo","14":"tag-nara","15":"tag-shrine","16":"tag-temple-stay","17":"tag-wakayama"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Discover sacred sites along historical pilgrimage trails on the Kii Peninsula<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hike Mount Yoshino to Koyasan &amp; discover historical 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