Kompon Daito, Koyasan
I've not yet jumped back into anything productive since our return, so here's a glimpse of our overnight visit to Koyasan, the spiritual center of Shingon Buddhism. Set in an alpine basin about 1000 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountain peaks, it's the home to over 100 temples, many of which provide overnight lodging. We hopped a train out of Osaka for the two hour trip, happy to escape the humidity for the cool mountain air.
Ekoin Temple (highly recommended!)
Molly booked our stay at EkoinTemple, centrally located in the center of town and staffed by young monks. Dinner and breakfast, included in the overnight fee, are served in room. We also found this perk outlined in their information for visitors.
Fortunately, we didn't need this.
Path through Okunoin
My favorite spot in Koyasan was Okunoin, site of the main temple (no photos allowed) and a massive cemetery of over a half million graves located in a dark, cool cedar forest. Its magical aura was broken by an unexpected onset of mosquito swarms in the late afternoon, but not before we had lots of time to wander and take in the fascinating shrines and statuary, many eerily encrusted with moss. A few of my favorites...
On our second day, after an early rise, we explored a bit more...several temples and the view from the edge of town..before heading back to Osaka for a bit of city shopping.
6:30 am services at our temple lodgings
Temple garden, Kongobuji Temple
Pathway to vista view...
...definitely worth the hike!
I wasn't familiar with Koyasan before Molly mentioned it but I would definitely suggest it as a destination if you're ever visiting the Kyoto-Osaka area. The town's historical sites are all within walking distance and it seemed much less touristy than many areas we've visited, with the added attraction of its gorgeous geographic setting.
The fog of jet lag has finally cleared and things are getting back to some routine around here. Faced with putting together a more personal photo travelogue for family & friends (whittling down from over 800 shots), I am feeling slightly overwhelmed on that front. Enticing me away from that task, my Ravelry invitation arrived yesterday, quite a surprise since there were over 15,000 people ahead of me when I left for Japan. *Danger, Will Robinson!* I can see that this will could be another serious time warp if I'm not careful. It's motivated me to cast something on tonight though, and I'm going to order some Finullgarn this afternoon, so we'll look at it as a positive for now.
Wow- what an incredible place. And the condolence money is a nice touch!
Posted by: mo | October 11, 2007 at 05:33 PM
We went to Koya San a few years ago while staying with my son and his in-laws. They live in Gojo which is quite close. Your photos brought back memories. I really appreciated the coolness because we were there in July/August and it was sweltering in Gojo. My son and his family went back to visit her family this summer and went to Koya San. I'd love to go back there some time.
Posted by: joyce | October 11, 2007 at 06:11 PM
My favorite part is that is says, "from the time the guest checks in to when the guest 'checks out'." HA! Good thing you didn't have need of the service.
Posted by: sarah | October 11, 2007 at 06:21 PM
What a beautiful place. But that gives new meaning to the term "checkout." *L*
Posted by: Sequana | October 11, 2007 at 06:26 PM
Nice vistas!
Posted by: molly! | October 11, 2007 at 07:02 PM
Jan, I am in love with these photos - it all looks so beautiful. I would really love to go to Japan one day - it all looks just amazing. The big cities as well as the rural aras. Wowowowowow!
And I too am glad you didn't require the condolence service!
Posted by: Cascade Lily | October 12, 2007 at 04:32 AM
What a beautiful place. Excuse me asking, but what are the aprons round the little statues for?
Posted by: Caroline | October 12, 2007 at 12:01 PM
Don't you hate it when you have to stay in a hotel that you know is not going to send a floral tribute if you die there? I am so interested to know what that is all about. Something religious?
Beautiful travel pics. A glorious burden to put them together. xo Kay
Posted by: Kay | October 12, 2007 at 12:57 PM
I have to go to Japan...
Posted by: monica | October 14, 2007 at 09:41 AM
What a beautiful place.
Kind regards,
Sonnja, from the Netherlands
Posted by: Sonnja | October 16, 2007 at 07:18 AM
Thanks you for posting all these photos - you have really showed us the beauty of Japan! And oh yes the things they will do if you die - just hilarious!
Posted by: Joanna | October 16, 2007 at 12:55 PM
well, there. now you have gone and done it.
i MUST visit japan in my lifetime. what beautiful photographs.
Posted by: susan | October 17, 2007 at 11:18 AM
Beautiful pictures! I'm glad you had such a great trip! Randomly, do you know why the statues are wearing dresses in that one picture from the cemetary? Actually, looking back over them, I'm noticing lots of spots of color. Was that a scared time maybe? Just wondering.
Posted by: Scribbles & Bits | October 17, 2007 at 03:04 PM
Great post. I got back from Japan last week & loved it so much. Can't wait to go back.
Posted by: frances | October 18, 2007 at 01:00 AM