高野山大学

"Home to over 100 Shingon Buddhist temples and the site of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, Koyasan is considered to be one of Japan’s most sacred areas. I came here in the fall when the air was crisp and the leaves were a beautiful mix of autumnal hues, adding to the magical ambiance. When you visit Koyasan, you don’t stay at a traditional hotel. Instead, you overnight at a shukubo (temple lodging), where you’re given the opportunity to get a glimpse into a monk’s lifestyle, sample their vegetarian cuisine known as shojin ryori, and participate in morning meditation and prayers. It provided me with a different perspective on life, even if fleeting, and the serenity that I felt while I was there is something I long for until this day. How to experience: Book a stay at a shukubo in Koyasan. I stayed at Ekoin, but there are dozens to choose from. "