Day 3: Koya San’s Ancient Forests

The day begins with a sunrise soak in Hotel Urashima’s Bokido cave onsen, one of Japan’s most iconic oceanfront baths, before we ferry back to Katsuura Port and follow a scenic road through the Wakayama mountains to Koyasan, the sacred heart of Shingon Buddhism. Here we explore the Danjo Garan complex, marvel at the vivid Konpon Daitō Pagoda and historic Kondo Hall, share a traditional shojin ryori monk’s dinner, and end the evening walking the torchlit paths of Okunoin Cemetery, where glowing lanterns and towering cedars lead to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi—a powerful encounter with Japan’s spiritual soul.