Parking Lots in Koyasan (Mount Koya)
What kind of parking is available at Koyasan?
Koyasan can be reached by train and cable, but if you have a lot of luggage or want to enjoy driving around the area, it is convenient to drive from Osaka or Nagoya. Where should we park our cars if we want to drive around Koyasan's tourist attractions? Shukubo (Temple Logings) in Koyasan also have parking spaces, so if you are staying overnight at Koyasan, you can leave your car there and walk or take the local bus. However, if you want to take a day trip to the standard course, or if you want to drive to attractions away from Shukubo (Temple Logings), you will have to use a parking lot that is open to tourists.
In fact, Koyasan has many "public" parking lots, most of which are free. The reason I wrote "public" parking lots is that most of the major free parking lots, with the exception of the "town hall parking lot," are not public parking lots operated by the local government, but parking lots for visitors owned by the religious corporation "Koyasan Shingonshu." In other words, they are not strictly "tourist" parking lots, but they are de facto "public" spaces that can be used by anyone, since visitors cannot be distinguished on the basis of "religious beliefs" as is the case with some mosques and Hindu temples. This has contributed to the economic revitalization of Koya-machi and a reduction in illegal and nuisance parking. In other words, the opening of free parking spaces is a remnant of the history of the Koyasan Shingon sect's "public" role in this area. For tourists, the "almost all parking lots are free" feature of Koyasan, which, if taken lightly, is merely a matter of "being lucky to be able to park here and there for free," is also a factor in understanding the unique origins of this "religious city. However, in response to recent changes in the environment and other factors, a plan to charge for free parking has been discussed. Table of Contents
Koyasan "public" parking map
Below is a map of "public" parking lots located in the main part of Koyasan, in the vicinity of Danjo Garan. This map shows mainly permanent (or semi-permanent) free parking lots.
The round icons of buses shown on the map are "Nankai Rinkan Bus" bus stops. The green label is the name of the stop. Please refer to them when using the local buses from the parking lot.
The map below is a parking map for the entire Koyasan area, including Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary). Only the Ichinobashi Parking Lot at the entrance to Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary) is a paid parking lot; the rest are free parking lots.
In addition to these permanent parking lots, there are several temporary parking lots that are open during high season. Please refer to the individual parking lot guides that follow for more information on temporary parking, as well as the latest information published by Kongobuji Temple and the Koya Town Office. "Temporary Parking Map" by Koya Town
High season parking situation and strategies
Off-season (e.g., weekdays), especially in winter when there is snowfall, there is rarely a problem finding a place to park, except during events. However, during consecutive holidays such as Golden Week and summer vacation, when Koyasan is particularly crowded, you need to plan your visit with the parking situation in mind. Even on regular weekends and national holidays, it can be crowded in some cases. In winter, too, be careful between New Year's Eve and New Year's Eve. If you are driving to Koyasan in high season, it is recommended that you park at the place where you will be staying or at a large parking lot outside of town, and then take a local bus or walk to see the sights. For day trips, the most effective high season strategy is to try to arrive at Koyasan in the early morning hours. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to arrive at Koyasan by around 8:00 am. For example, if you are traveling from Osaka to Koyasan, you should leave by 6:00 a.m. (Earlier is safer if there is a possibility of traffic congestion along the way). Many parking lots are open 24 hours a day, so you can arrive early in the morning.
Recommended Parking by purpose and season
At first glance, there are so many options that first-time visitors to Koyasan by car may be at a loss as to which parking lot to aim for. Even parking lots that look convenient in terms of location may be small, highly competitive, paid, or temporary, with a high probability of being full. Therefore, as a guide to make a decision, the followings are recommended parkings by purpose and situation from among the free permanent parking lots.
If you want to tour the main part of Koyasan during the season when some crowds are expected
"Kongobuji Daini (No.2)" parking lot (金剛峯寺第2) Looking at location alone, the nearby "Kongobuji mae" parking lot, "Reihokan" parking lot, and "Chumon mae" parking lot are more convenient, but they are highly competitive due to their convenience. "Kongobuji Daini (No.2)" parking lot is not the best location, but it is larger than most permanent parking lots in the center of Koyasan and offers a better chance of parking. The Koyasan Tourist Information Center is a good starting point for a first visit to the main attractions, as you can get information and use the clean restrooms. If this parking lot is also full and the "Koyasan University" temporary parking lot is open on a day when it is open, that lot can be used as a substitute. If this lot is also full, "Koyasan University" temporary parking lot may be used on some days.
High season expected to be very crowded
"Daimon Minami" parking lot If you are visiting Koyasan in high season when "Kongobuji No. 2" parking lot or the temporary parking lot at "Koyasan University" are likely to be full, it is recommended to park your car in a large parking lot away from the center, such as this "Daimon Minami" parking lot.This is the starting point for major bus routes, so connections are smooth.The "Middle Bridge" parking lot has similar features, but the Middle Bridge parking lot can be full during the season.
If you want to visit the northern and eastern parts of Koyasan on weekends or holidays, you can also visit the northern and eastern parts of Koyasan.
"Koyamachi Yakuba (Koya Town Hall)" parking lot (高野町役場) This parking lot is more likely to be available than others, as there are more spaces available for parking on non-weekdays. Access to the north as well as the east is relatively convenient.
If you wish to visit Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary) by the official route
"Kokudo 371 go (National Route 371)" parking lot (国道371号) The parking lot is located near Ichinohashi Bridge, the official entrance to Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary). There is another parking lot very close to Ichinohashi Bridge, but it charges a parking fee. Parking on "Kokudo 371 go (National Route 371)" is free. If you want to go around Okunoin, parking here will not make much difference in the overall walking distance.
If it is off-season or on a weekday, and all places are empty.
You can use a parking lot near your destination. However, it is smoother to check in advance whether it is permanent or not and whether it is open 24 hours a day. Below are information on the specific locations of each parking lot, nearby attractions, and Shukubo (Temple Logings).
"Daimon Minami" parking lot (大門南)
The "Daimon Minami (Daimon South)" parking lot is a permanent parking lot located in the southwestern part of Koyasan, a short distance from the center. It is also called "Parking Lot No. 1. It is about an 8-10 minute walk to the Daimon gate.
There are no major tourist attractions in the vicinity of "Daimon Minami" parking lot. However, "Daimon-minami Parking Lot" bus stop, the last stop on Nankai Rinkan Bus Senju Daimon Line, is located here, making it a convenient parking lot when using a bus. Therefore, "Daimon Minami" parking lot is a good base for day-trippers and overnight visitors, especially during the season when the parking lots in the central area are crowded. This is because visitors can park their cars here and tour the sights of the mountain by bus and on foot. "Daimon Minami" parking lot has space for 200 regular passenger vehicles. Table of Contents
"Otasuke Jizo mae" parking lot (temporary) (お助け地蔵尊前)
"Otasuke Jizo mae" parking lot is located in the southwestern area of Koyasan, slightly northwest of "Daimon Minami" parking lot. It is about a 5-minute walk to the Daimon gate.
This was originally a permanent parking lot, but is now a temporary parking lot open on weekends and holidays from April through November. It is more convenient to park in the Daimon South parking lot if you are taking the bus, but if you are going to the center on foot, this is closer to the center. Parking here is also an option when visiting Daimon. The "Otasuke Jizoson," from which the parking lot gets its name, is a Jizo who is said to have been saved by an old man in Kumano and brought here to Koyasan. To repay his kindness, he is said to listen to everyone's wishes one by one. "Otasuke Jizo mae" parking lot has space for 32 regular passenger vehicles.
"Atago Daiichi (No.1)" parking lot (愛宕第1)
"Atago Daiichi (No.1)" parking lot is a permanent parking lot located in the western area of Koyasan, west of the Danjo Garan. It is also called "Atago Parking Lot." It is a 3-5 minute walk to the Danjo Garan.
"Atago Daiichi (No.1)" parking lot has space for 38 standard passenger vehicles. Parking is free and always open.
Nearby attractions include two Benten shrines. In addition to guesthouses and Shukubo (Temple Logings), there are also restaurants and souvenir shops in the area. Shukubo (Temple Logings), Shochiin, Hojoin, and Seizenin, all located on the northwest side of Danjo Garan, are also relatively close.
From this point on, we will focus on the north side of the bus route. For the south side of the street, see "Atago Daini (No.2)" parking lot (temporary).
"Atago Daini (No.2)" parking lot (temporary) (愛宕第2)
"Atago Daini (No.2)" parking lot is a temporary parking lot located in the western area of Koyasan. It is located on the opposite side of the bus route from Atago Daiichi (No.1)" parking lot. It is a 3-5 minute walk to the Danjo Garan.
Although Atago Parking Lot No. 2 is a "temporary parking lot," it is available almost every day, except during certain periods, until about 7:00 p.m. It has space for 30 to 40 standard passenger vehicles. Parking is free of charge.
There are several Shukubo (Temple Logings), eateries, and souvenir shops around Atago Parking Lot No. 2, especially on the south side of the bus route.
"Chumon mae" parking lot (中門前)
"Chumon mae" parking lot is a permanent parking lot located in the western area of Koyasan. Also called "Danjo Garan Parking Lot," it is located in front of the entrance to Danjo Garan, Chumon Gate. Kongobuji Temple is also within an 8 to 10 minute walk.
"Chumon mae" parking lot is extremely convenient for sightseeing, and parking is free and always open.
However, parking spaces are the smallest of the permanent parking lots, with only 18 spaces available for regular passenger cars. During the daytime in high season, it may not be available unless you are lucky.
The following tourist attractions, Shukubo (Temple Logings), restaurants, and souvenir shops are located nearby.
"Reihokan" parking lot (霊宝館)
"Reihokan" parking lot is a permanent parking lot located on the southwest side of the central Koyasan area. This parking lot is also conveniently located for sightseeing, but in principle it is reserved for visitors to the Koyasan Reihokan. Kongobuji Temple is about a 5 to 8 minute walk away, and Kongosanmai-in Temple is about a 10 to 15 minute walk away.
The Reihokan parking lot has space for 31 regular passenger vehicles. Parking is free and always open.
There are many tourist attractions, Shukubo (Temple Logings), restaurants, and souvenir shops in the surrounding area.
"Kongobuji Daini (No.2)" parking lot (金剛峯寺第2)
"Kongobuji Daini (No.2)" parking lot is a permanent parking lot located south of the central Koyasan area.It is a 7-10 minute walk to Kongobuji Temple and a 5-7 minute walk to Kongosanmai-in.
"Kongobuji Daini (No.2)" parking lot has space for 72 regular passenger vehicles.Parking is free and always open.
"Kongobuji Daini (No.2)" parking lot is recommended as a base for sightseeing and visiting the temple, although it is a little farther from the main tourist attractions than the nearby "Chumon-mae Parking Lot,"Reihokan Parking Lot," and "Kongobuji-mae Parking Lot.
The parking lot has more parking spaces than other parking lots and is more likely to be empty. In addition, you can get information at the adjacent Koyasan Tourist Information Center and use the clean restrooms before beginning your sightseeing and visit to the temple.
"Kongobuji mae" parking lot (金剛峯寺前)
"Kongobuji mae" parking lot is a permanent parking lot located in the center of Koyasan.
"Kongobuji mae" parking lot is located at a major transportation hub in Koyasan. Kongobuji Temple and Danjo Garan are within close proximity.
Furthermore, as you can see from the map above, there are few permanent and free public parking lots in the eastern part of Koyasan, so it is convenient to use this parking lot when touring around the "Odawara-dori" area.
Convenience makes it more competitive.Therefore, during the high season, "Kongobuji mae" parking lot is quite crowded. In such cases, it may be better to park in "Kongobuji Daini (No.2)" parking lot, which is located a little to the south, if possible, to make it easier for the elderly and other visitors to use.
"Kongobuji mae" parking lot has space for 39 regular passenger vehicles. Parking is free, and in principle, the parking lot is always open. However, during temple events, parking may not be available.
The following tourist attractions, Shukubo (Temple Logings), restaurants, and souvenir shops are located nearby.
Odawara Dori (Odawara Street / 小田原通り) area
Below are some of the sights and Shukubo (Temple Logings) temples located in the area of "Odawara-dori" on the east side of Koyasan. There is no free "public" parking in this area, and the "Kongobuji-mae" parking lot is often the nearest parking lot, so we will introduce them together.
"Koyasan Daigaku (University)" parking lot (temporary)(高野山大学)
The Koyasan University parking lot is a temporary parking lot located south of central Koyasan. Kongobuji Temple is about a 3-minute walk away, and Kongosanmai-in is about 8 to 10 minutes away.
"Koyasan Daigaku (University)" parking lot is used by Koyasan University faculty and students on weekdays, but is open to the public on weekends and holidays from April through November. There is space for 75 standard passenger vehicles. Table of Contents
"Koyasan Shogakko (Elementary School)" parking lot (temporary) (高野山小学校)
"Koyasan Shogakko (Elementary School)" parking lot is a temporary parking lot located in the southern area of Koyasan.
The Koyasan Elementary School parking lot may also be open to the public on weekends and holidays from April through November, but less frequently than the Koyasan University parking lot to the north. It will also be unavailable in case of rain. There is space here for 72 regular passenger cars.
"Koyamachi Yakuba (Koya Town Hall)" parking lot (高野町役場)
"Koyamachi Yakuba (Koya Town Hall)" parking lot is a permanent parking lot located in the northern area of Koyasan. It is about a 6-minute walk to Tokugawake Reidai(Tokugawa Family Mausoleum / 徳川家霊台) and about a 15-minute walk to Nyonindo (Women's Hall / 女人堂).
"Koyamachi Yakuba (Koya Town Hall)" parking lot is used on weekdays by town hall employees and users, but it also provides 46 spaces for regular passenger vehicles for tourists.
On weekends and holidays, other parking spaces will also be opened, with a total of 117 spaces available.
This parking lot is recommended on weekends and holidays when visiting the highlights of the northern area of Koyasan, as well as when going to the eastern and central areas of the mountain.
"Koyamachi Yakuba (Koya Town Hall)" parking lot also offers free parking. However, it is available from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The following tourist attractions, Shukubo (Temple Logings), restaurants, and souvenir shops are located nearby.
Places of interest and Shukubo (Temple Logings) Temples in the northern part of Koyasan
"Koyamachi Yakuba (Koya Town Hall)" parking lot is also convenient for those who wish to visit the World Heritage Site Tokugawake Reidai(Tokugawa Family Mausoleum / 徳川家霊台) and Nyonindo (Women's Hall / 女人堂) and other northern attractions that are located some distance away.
"Ichinohashi" parking lot (一の橋)
"Ichinohashi" parking lot is a toll parking lot located in the eastern area of Koyasan. It is operated by the Koyasan Shukubo (Temple Logings) Association.
"Ichinohashi" parking lot has space for eight regular passenger vehicles.
Most parking lots in Koyasan are free, but this parking lot charges a fee.
The parking fee is 400 yen for the first hour for small cars and regular passenger cars. Thereafter, 150 yen is added for every 30 minutes. For medium-sized vehicles, the fee is 600 yen for the first hour and 200 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter.
Hours of operation are from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. However, rates and hours of operation are subject to change.
Ichinohashi Bridge is also the official entrance to Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary) and is located near the memorial tower for famous warlords. A two-hour tour of Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary) will cost 700 yen for parking, and three hours will cost 1,000 yen, but if you do not mind the expense, you may park here.
The following tourist attractions, Shukubo (Temple Logings), restaurants, and souvenir shops are located nearby.
"Kokudo 371 go (National Route 371)" parking lot (国道371号)
"Kokudo 371 go (National Route 371)" parking lot is located in the eastern area of Koyasan, south of Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary). It is located near the halfway point between Ichinohashi and Nakanohashi bridges, and is a parking lot in an open space along the national highway.
"Kokudo 371 go (National Route 371)" parking lot has space for 51 regular passenger vehicles. There is no parking fee.
If you wish to visit Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary) by the official route from Ichinohashi Bridge, parking here is a viable option. It is also a good alternative in case "Nakanohashi" parking lot, which we will introduce next, is not available.
The area around "Kokudo 371 go (National Route 371)" parking lot is as follows.
"Nakanohashi" parking lot (中の橋)
"Nakanohashi" parking lot is a multi-story, permanent parking lot located at the east end of Koyasan, south of Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary).
"Nakanohashi" parking lot has space for 186 standard passenger vehicles. It can also park 16 large buses and 10 small buses. It is a huge parking lot along with the "Daimon Minami" parking lot at the west end. "Nakanohashi" parking lot is also the terminus for local buses, making it convenient for sightseeing by a combination of cars and buses.
Parking is free and always open. This "Inner Sanctuary" parking lot is convenient for sightseeing in Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary) and is one of the recommended parking lots as a base, as there are restaurants and souvenir shops in the area.
However, it may be full during busy times. In that case, "Kokudo 371 go (National Route 371)" parking lot (国道371号) a little to the west or the temporary parking lot to the south can be substituted.
The following tourist attractions, Shukubo (Temple Logings), restaurants, and souvenir shops are located nearby.
"Okeya" parking lot (temporary) (桶谷)
"Okeya" parking lot is a new temporary parking lot located south of the "Nakanohashi" parking Lot. It is a 15-minute walk to Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary).
This is a parking lot with spaces along the national highway for the same use as "Kokudo 371 go (National Route 371)" parking lot. This is open on holidays and other occasions from April to November. Table of Contents
"Daishi Daranisuke" parking lot (temporary) (大師陀羅尼助)
The "Daishi Daranisuke" parking lot is located south of the "Nakanohashi" parking lot. It is a 20-minute walk to the Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary).
There are 50 parking spaces, and they are open on holidays and other occasions from April to November, but please note that the hours of use are often until 4:00 p.m. Dalanisuke" is a gastrointestinal medicine derived from a "panacea" used by ascetic practitioners. Because of its bitter taste, it is said to have originated as a remedy to prevent sleepiness when reciting "darani," which Tokugawa Ieyasu's teacher, Tenkai, said was the secret to longevity. Table of Contents
"Gesui Shorijo (Sewage Treatment Plant)" parking lot (temporary) (下水処理場)
"Gesui Shorijo (Sewage Treatment Plant)" temporary parking lot is located further south of the "Daishi Daranisuke" parking lot.
"Gesui Shorijo (Sewage Treatment Plant)" temporary parking lot has 42 parking spaces and, in conjunction with the "Daishi Daranisuke" temporary parking lot, is open on Saturdays and Sundays from April through November. The hours of use here are often until 4:00 pm as well. Table of Contents
"Skyline" parking lot (スカイライン)
"Skyline" parking lot is located at the southeast entrance/exit of Koyasan. It is where the toll booth for the "Koya Ryujin Skyline" used to be, and is also a waiting area for buses. It is a 25-minute walk to Okunoin (the Inner Sanctuary).
It is available from April through November and has space to park 15 buses.
Will Koyasan parking be charged in the future? Furthermore, is the introduction of entrance fees being considered?
As we have mentioned, most of the major parking lots in the town of Koyasan are free of charge. This is a rarity for a World Heritage site that attracts many visitors from Japan and abroad, and is much appreciated by tourists. The religious corporation "Koyasan Shingonshu", the owner of the land, allows us to use many parking lots for free. The reason for this is that Koyasan as a whole is like a temple, and there is still the belief that parking fees should not be collected from visitors, and that if the parking lots are made chargeable and no longer "free parking for visitors," they may be subject to property taxation under Article 3 of the "Religious Corporation Law. It is also pointed out that the idea that parking fees should not be levied on visitors to the temple is still in place. However, in February 2019, Koyasan Shingon Sect announced a policy to charge for those free parking spaces. The reason is that the Koyasan University and Koyasan High School have become difficult to manage due to the declining birth rate and other factors, and it has become necessary to make up the cost of maintaining these schools. Koyasan was the center of the "Nanzan School of Buddhism" in the Middle Ages and was a place of study along with Hieizan, but its traditions seem to be in danger, as Koyasan University has been forced to abolish the Department of Humanities in the Faculty of Letters. If all the major free parking lots were to charge a fee, it would generate a significant amount of revenue. Depending on the fee, it is estimated that if each parking lot were to charge 1,000 yen, it would generate more than 100 million yen in revenue. If the number of tourists is large enough, the property tax paid would be sufficient to cover the cost of maintaining the school.
It is possible that it is not just a matter of funding. According to the May 2019 issue of Monthly Summit, overtourism has been discussed in Shingon Buddhism. Originally, visitors to Koyasan were mainly worshippers who believed in Kobo Daishi / Kukai, but with the designation of Koyasan as a World Heritage site, the number of tourists, including foreigners, has increased, and problems over manners and other issues have apparently become a problem. In addition, although the story is not about the head temple but about a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect in Fukuoka Prefecture, the "Monthly Jyusho" reports that some temples are now refusing admission to foreign groups of visitors. Is there an opinion to limit the number of non-believer tourists to some extent, as too many of them will cause a loss of the solemn atmosphere of the mountain? There has been discussion of a plan to charge an entrance fee even for those who come to Koyasan by train or other means. This is not limited to Koyasan or any other tourist destination in Japan. Just at the same time, Venice, Italy, which was attracting more tourists from all over the world than Koyasan, also decided to charge an "entrance fee to the town" in order to curb overtourism. It was decided that Koyasan's free parking lots would be subject to fees starting in the spring of 2020, but some people in the mountain were opposed to the idea of charging for parking. As a result of discussions, the policy was changed and the decision to charge for parking was once and for all withdrawn. While it was commonly agreed that the school needed to secure financial resources, it was decided to first explore other means. The plan to charge admission fees to the mountain was likewise withdrawn. It was right around this time that the outbreak of the new coronavirus began, and the number of tourists (especially foreign tourists) plummeted. As economic development in emerging countries has led to a dramatic increase in tourism and overtourism has become a worldwide problem, plans to charge for free parking and to collect entry fees to the mountain have been discussed. Although the plan has been withdrawn, there is no denying that if the number of tourists increases again, and if it is difficult to find new sources of revenue to maintain the 12th century tradition of education at Koyasan, another parking lot charge may be planned. Back toKoyasan (Mount Koya) Travel Guide