Things to do in Koya
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Top 10 attractions in Koya
Koyasan
Koyasan is located in the northeastern part of Wakayama Prefecture. It is the general name of the mountain group (not a single peak) around 1,000 meters above sea level in Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to Koya Ryujin Quasi-National Park. In 2004, Mt. Koya was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Sacred Site and Pilgrimage Route in the Kii Mountains". The vegetation on the mountain is lush and layered, which is a natural oxygen bar. There are also many temples and shrines on the mountain. If you walk in any temple, it is very beautiful, and the Japanese-style courtyard design is full of sense. There are also tombstones of Japanese celebrities, such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Takeda Shingen, and more. As a Buddhist holy place in Japan, it is still worth visiting.Koya · 319m from downtown
Kongobu-ji Okuno-in
Okunoin is the shrine of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon sect, Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai, who is one of the most revered people in Japanese religious history. Master Hongfa vowed not to go into extinction. According to legend, he still entered meditation in Koya Mountain, waiting for Maitreya Bodhisattva to assist him in Honghua. The spiritual Okunoin is the largest cemetery in Japan and a popular place of pilgrimage.Koya · 1.9 km from downtown
Daimon Gate
The gate is the gate of Koyasan, which was previously thought to be the entrance to Koyasan. The original location of the gate was lower than the current location, and the current location is said to have been moved 1100 years ago. Burned down several times since then, the current gate was rebuilt in 1705. The 25-meter-high vermilion gate has the majesty as the entrance to Koyasan. In addition, next to the gate, there is a statue of King Kong Rishi, which is the second largest statue in Japan after the Nio statue in Todaiji Temple in Nara. A image and Hum image are both about 5.5 meters high.Koya · 1.3 km from downtown
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park is located in the center of Osaka. The iconic view in the park is Osaka Castle tower, along with Nishinomaru Garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and Osaka Castle Plum Grove. It also has well-equipped public facilities such as a softball field, outdoor music hall, and rugby/soccer field. Osaka Castle Park is lush with vegetation, and during the flower season, groups of visitors come to enjoy the scenery. Scenery varies with the seasons Osaka Castle Park is surrounded by various vegetation and planted with numerous trees. Cherry blossoms are everywhere in Nishinomaru Garden, and you can also enjoy night cherry blossoms in spring. The plum grove has thousands of plum trees with many varieties. There is also the peach garden in the north and the stunning red leaves of the memorial forest. Its ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons captivates countless travelers. Stone walls and moats The massive stone walls built with huge rocks are a symbol of the impregnable Osaka Castle of the Tokugawa shogunate. The moat is 70-90 m wide, with towering stone walls on both sides, often exceeding 20 m in height. Travelers visiting the site are all amazed by the grandeur of the architecture. Osaka Castle Main Tower (Osaka Castle Museum) The Osaka Castle Main Tower standing in the park is very famous. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top floor of Osaka Castle Main Tower. Other facilities Osaka Castle outdoor music hall and Osaka Castle gymnasium often host concerts. In addition, there are sports facilities such as an archery range and a dojo.Osaka · 52.6 km from Koya
Umeda Sky Building
•Unfind with the sky •A building connected by the Kuchu Teien Observatory •Take in the Osaka cityscape with a bird's-eye view from the 360-degree open air rooftop The Umeda Sky Building is located in the Umeda district of north Osaka. A rather uniquely designed building, it consists of two towers that are connected at with a rooftop observatory deck, from which visitors can view the dazzling streets below. The building has become a landmark in Osaka, with visitors coming to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. △ Space filled with excitement on the way to the sky △ A 360-degree open air rooftop observation floor for changing views at any time △ Stand at the 173-meter-high Sky Garden Observation Deck and enjoy the dynamic night view of Osaka CityOsaka · 55.1 km from Koya
Shinsekai
Shinsekai is a famous old district in Osaka, including Tsutenkaku Tower and many historic shops. It's an iconic scene showcasing Osaka's unique character, filled with the charm of a traditional downtown area. Its distinctive neon signs and various 3D billboards are its visual landmarks, and it has appeared in many films and television shows. The northern part of Shinsekai was modeled after Paris, while the southern part was modeled after Coney Island in New York. Tsutenkaku Tower, one of Osaka's landmarks, is located in the northern part of Shinsekai. Although this iron tower reaching into the sky looks somewhat simple and dilapidated, it evokes a sense of nostalgia for many Osaka residents. Shinsekai has many nostalgic alleyways, one of which is Takumi-Yokado in the southeast. It is said to have gotten its name from the "takumi" sound made when geisha played the taisho koto (a traditional Japanese stringed instrument). Its official name now is Nanyo-dori Shopping Street.During Osaka's post-World War II reconstruction period, Takumiyoko Alley was a popular shopping and dining street for locals, and it still retains its original appearance. Lined with izakayas (Japanese pubs), yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants, general stores, and chess rooms filled with middle-aged men, it's a lively area. Another must-try food in Shinsekai is kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), one of Osaka's most famous snacks. This delicacy comes in a variety of fillings, including chicken, beef, pumpkin, asparagus, banana, and ice cream desserts. Kushikatsu shops are almost everywhere in Shinsekai, and they become incredibly crowded after nightfall.Osaka · 49 km from Koya
Osaka Castle
Located in the center of Osaka, Osaka Castle is a major landmark of Osaka. It is also listed as one of the three famous castles in Japan's history together with Nagoya Castle and Kumamoto Castle. The Osaka Castle is divided into inner, middle, and outer castles (i.e., Honmaru, Ninomaru, Sannomaru). The magnificent city gate, the steep walls and the wide moats inside and outside are very spectacular. The pavilion also overlooks the streetscape around Osaka Castle. In the parks of the castle, plum blossoms and cherry blossoms bloom in their respective seasons, and they are famous places to enjoy plum and cherry blossoms in Osaka.Osaka · 52.7 km from Koya
Umeda
Located in the north of Osaka, Umeda is one of the city's major commercial and business districts. With Osaka Station at its center, the area gradually developed into shopping region with department stores and restaurants surrounded by skyscrapers. Attractions such as the Umeda Sky Building and various five star hotels are also in the vicinity.Osaka · 54.5 km from Koya
Tanize(Tanise) Suspension Bridge
This pedestrian suspension bridge is approximately 297.7 meters long and 54 meters high. It is a great place to experience the flowing Higashijin River and the magnificent surrounding mountains.Totsukawa · 20.6 km from Koya
Dotonbori
Located at the southern end of Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori is a well-known and bustling business district, famous for its neighboring theaters, commercial and entertainment venues, and as the birthplace of Osaka cuisine. Japanese people often say "eat in Osaka", which shows that there are many restaurants here. There are huge billboards on both sides of the river with exaggerated and attractive shapes. Among them, the big crab signboard of Glico's signboard and Kani Dōraku's crab are the places where tourists take photos of the most. At night when the neon lights are flashing, you can also take a sightseeing boat and enjoy the night view of the city.Osaka · 50.9 km from Koya
Experiences you can't miss in Koya
Featured Food & drink in Koya
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More ways to travel from Koya
Free things to do in Koya
Koyasan
Koya · 319m from downtownKongobu-ji Okuno-in
Koya · 1.9 km from downtownDaimon Gate
Koya · 1.3 km from downtownOsaka Castle Park
Osaka · 52.6 km from KoyaUmeda Sky Building
Osaka · 55.1 km from KoyaShinsekai
Osaka · 49 km from KoyaOsaka Castle
Osaka · 52.7 km from KoyaUmeda
Osaka · 54.5 km from KoyaTanize(Tanise) Suspension Bridge
Totsukawa · 20.6 km from KoyaDotonbori
Osaka · 50.9 km from Koya
What travelers say about Koya
Panda_vickMay 20, 2023
5.0
It is a very beautiful place, worth a visit. It is a unique place that reflects the Japanese way of life. It is easily accessible by public transportation. It is the most beautiful place for changing leaves.
Koyasan
空空CJJanuary 12, 2021
5.0
We only stayed one night in Kaohsiungsan, and if you are the same, I would recommend visiting the cemetery in the afternoon when you arrive and get off the main road to see everything. Then, in the evening, I would recommend joining the night tour arranged by Jingoji. This allows you to see the cemetery at night and learn about it through your monk guide. However, the night tour must be taken off the main road, and at night, you will not be able to see all the details.
Kongobu-ji Okuno-in
CrendelleeOctober 20, 2026
5.0
The castle is must a visit. Purchasing tickets from Trip ahead made the visit very convenient. We don't need to queue and we entered the castle immediately.
Osaka Castle Park
Aleksandr PetikovOctober 8, 2026
4.0
Довольно неплохая смотровая площадка с интересной архитектурой. Будьте готовы к очередям в предзакатное/ закатное время и к тому, что выход из здания занимает даже больше времени, чем вход в эти часы. В целом довольны посещением.
Umeda Sky Building
_TI***dvOctober 5, 2026
4.0
Osaka Shinseka is a must do if you are in Osaka. It was amazing to take a stroll as there are lots of shops, great restaurants, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Shinsekai
Anonymous userOctober 20, 2026
4.0
It was very crowded, this was the first castle I visited in Japan, quite impressive.
Osaka Castle
Vivian Chan888August 23, 2025
4.0
There aren't many tourists, so it's recommended to reach the top an hour before sunset so you can get a good shot of the sunset. The rooftop has full glass windows so you can see Osaka Castle from afar. You can also buy a drink and find a seat indoors to slowly experience the sky garden.
Umeda
CheavinApril 28, 2025
5.0
Must visit when arrive Osaka. Dotombori is the place where you can find fresh seafood/ shopping malls in one place easy to find. Ppl really polite and helpful
Dotonbori
