After leaving at 6:30, we take a bus to Saiin, then the train to Awaji. We change at Tengachaya, then again at Gokurakubashi. This third train only has four cars but large windows — perfect for enjoying the scenery comfortably seated. We finish the journey with a funicular to Koyasan Station, then a bus that drops us off at the Daimon Gate around 10am. Phew!
We walk around the gate, then stroll along the main road. We pass Kongobu-ji and its iconic pagoda. The weather is beautiful and the autumn colors are vibrant.
We keep following the road and end up at Okunoin. We have lunch at a café near the path, then venture deeper into the necropolis. The walk under the towering trees is really pleasant.
We circle around Kukai’s Mausoleum, then head back to the Fukuchi-in temple to take a hot bath and spend the night. Dinner is vegetarian — which is actually quite uncommon in Japan. Everything is delicious, but my favorites are the sesame tofu and the soy milk hot pot!
The next day it rains almost nonstop. We first visit the Tokugawa Clan Mausoleum, then the buildings of Kongobu-ji Temple and its stone garden. After that, we see the Kongo-sanmai-in Temple.
We have lunch at a small restaurant in town before heading back to Okunoin. There are far fewer people than the day before. The rain also changes the mood of the place. At some point we take a detour and find shelter in the same café we visited yesterday — this time for a hot chocolate!
