Ito District: Pilgrimage Routes, Temples and Landscapes

Pilgrimage routes, temple history and striking landscapes define Ito District and its surroundings. Kōyasan lies on a plain at an elevation of about 800 metres, surrounded by mountains around 1,000 metres high. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can plan your trip around whether you are particularly interested in sacred sites, exhibitions, hiking trails or regional craft traditions.

Kōyasan: History and Cultural Heritage

Nearby, the Kōyasan Reihōkan Museum preserves cultural heritage and presents it in a permanent exhibition, special presentations and special exhibitions. In addition to a summer special exhibition, special exhibitions are held throughout the year. The museum opened in 1921 with donations and the support of Kongōbu-ji. Its stated collections include 21 National Treasures, 148 Important Cultural Properties, 17 cultural properties designated by Wakayama Prefecture and two significant works of art. It also preserves around 28,000 collection items and approximately 100,000 undesignated objects. Collection and designation figures may change.

Danjō Garan and Okunoin are among Kōyasan’s important sacred sites. Danjō Garan was the first site established by Kōbō Daishi Kūkai as he developed Kōyasan; in 817, he built the complex with his disciples. Visitors can see the Kondō, Konpon-Daitō and Miedō there. Okunoin houses Kūkai’s mausoleum and, alongside Danjō Garan, is one of Kōyasan’s two most important sacred sites. The Tokugawa Family Mausoleum is the burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Hidetada. Tokugawa Iemitsu had it built in 1643.

The architecture also reflects the character of these sites: Daimon is a vermilion gate measuring five jo across, with three passages. The two-storey structure is 25.1 metres high, with Kongōrikishi statues on either side. At the Scripture Hall of Koyasan Daishi Kyokai, visitors can receive instruction in the teachings of Buddha from a senior monk throughout the year. Check the current schedule before your trip.

Shrines and Pilgrimage Routes

Niutsuhime Shrine is in Ito District and was founded more than 1,700 years ago. The deity enshrined there is believed to drive away all misfortune. In the wider region, the shrine is located in the Amano Basin at an elevation of about 450 metres. Together with Kōyasan, it is listed as part of the World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Hachōzaka connects the shrine grounds to the Kōyasan Chōishimichi pilgrimage route. At the junction stands the Futatsu Torii, from where visitors can worship the shrine from afar.

Every April, the Hanamori Festival is held at Niutsuhime Shrine. Seasonal flowers decorate the approach, and a procession in historical costumes makes its way through the area. It is led by Sarutahiko wearing a tengu mask; the precise proceedings may vary. Another historic pilgrimage route, Mitanizaka, starts at Niusakadono Shrine, passes Niutsuhime Shrine and the Chōishimichi, and heads towards Kōyasan.

Forest and Landscape

Nearby, the forest therapy trail starts at the path beside Nyonindō and leads through the protected Koyamaki plant community. In Ito District, Mitanizaka offers a different kind of trail: most of it is steep and slippery after rain, and it is suitable for fit, experienced hikers. It passes through mandarin and persimmon orchards and offers views over the Kinokawa River.

In the wider region, Tamagawa Gorge is also a scenic spot. Unusual rocks and waterfalls of various sizes characterise the gorge, which is designated as a prefectural scenic monument. A former cart track used to transport Kōya timber has been developed into an approximately 1.5-kilometre walking trail along the gorge. It runs from Kōyashita Station to the centre of Kudoyama.

Crafts and History in the Wider Region

Shiyu-en introduces the traditions and techniques of Kōya paper and offers paper-making activities. There is an introductory course and a full-day practical course; reservations are required for both. The museum also holds annual themed exhibitions, including ones on Japanese paper kites, morning glories and daffodils. Check the current course details before your trip.

At the Kudoyama Sanada Museum, you can learn about the history of Sanada Masayuki, Yukimura, also known as Nobushige, and Daisuke, as well as Yukimura’s fourteen years in Kudoyama. Exhibition panels and dramatised films present these subjects. There is also an animation cinema about the legend of the Sanada Ten and a mechanical room modelled on the historic Sanada residence. The Sanada Braid Workshop is in a traditional single-storey wooden house near the Sanada Kofun. Visits and the approximately one-hour braid-weaving course for up to six people are possible only with a complete reservation.

Jison-in is known as “Women’s Kōya.” Many women visit the temple and dedicate breast-shaped votive plaques to pray for conception, a safe birth, childcare, breastfeeding or a good relationship. In Katsuragi, fruit-picking options depend on the season. Contact the individual orchard directly to ask about ripe fruit, reservations and other enquiries.

Kōyashita Station is also part of the region’s history: it opened in 1925, and its preserved wooden station building has the unusual feature of a road passing beneath it.

Location in Wakayama Prefecture

Kōyasan is in the north of Wakayama Prefecture. The World Heritage Site is dedicated to esoteric Buddhism and has a history stretching back more than 1,200 years. Its extensive grounds contain more than 100 temples. For culinary guidance: temple lodgings in Kōyasan serve shojin ryori to overnight guests; some restaurants in the temple town also serve Buddhist lunches. The availability of individual meals may vary.

You can also discover Koya.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Nishimuro District, Higashimuro District.

For the broader travel overview: Wakayama Prefecture.