Mount Koya

The mountain is home to the following famous sites:

To the east of town is Oku-no-In 奥の院, the mausoleum of Kukai, lit by thousands of lanterns. According to tradition, the lights have been lit since Kukai's death over 1000 years ago.

The mausoleum is surrounded by an atmospheric and immense graveyard, set among giant cedar trees with winding paths throughput. Particularly interesting are the many fanciful gravestones, including giant spaceships and cups erected respectively by an astronautical and coffee company, and a monument erected by a pesticide company to commemorate all its insect victims.

The Garan 伽藍 is a temple complex designed by Kukai on the western side of town. In its center is the Konpon Daitō 根本大塔 pagoda, which according to Shingon doctrine represents the central point of a mandala covering not only Mt. Koya but all of Japan.

Kongōbu-ji Temple

金剛峯寺 is the sprawling yet atmospheric headquarters of the Shingon sect, with a stone garden that outclasses many of Kyoto's best. Entry ¥500, including a rice cracker and a cup of tea.

Most if not all sights close at 5 pm, so there's only little to do in the evening unless you are staying in a temple.