25 Beautiful Religious Towns Around the World To Add To Your Bucket List

10. Koyasan, Japan: The Sacred Mountain

Koyasan, a sacred mountain in Japan, is the center of Shingon Buddhism and a place of profound spiritual significance. Founded by the monk Kobo Daishi in the 9th century, Koyasan is home to over 100 temples, many of which offer lodging to pilgrims and visitors. The Okunoin Cemetery, where Kobo Daishi is believed to rest in eternal meditation, is a site of reverence and reflection. Visitors can participate in meditation, sutra copying, and other spiritual practices, immersing themselves in the serene atmosphere of Koyasan. The mountain's mist-shrouded forests and ancient temples create a setting that invites contemplation and spiritual awakening.