Mt. Koya

Leaving Osaka’s skyscrapers behind you’ll take an express train through the Wakayama countryside where a cable car will bring you to your shukubo temple accommodation on Mt. Koya. One of Japan’s holy mountains and, since the 9th century, the spiritual centre of Shingon Buddhism, its plateau hosts more than 100 temples and monasteries dotted throughout its dense woodland walks. Staying in quiet Fudo-in, you’ll interact with the temple’s monks and participate in their morning prayers. Its large gardens even contains the 12th century tomb of Empress Fujiwara no Tamako, a site still visited by the Imperial Family to this day. You’ll then return to Osaka to spend the night before a private airport transfer the next day.