Kudoyama Town is a charming historic town in northern Wakayama Prefecture, known for its deep connections with Japanese Buddhism, the samurai warrior Sanada Yukimura, and the sacred pilgrimage routes leading to Mount Koya.
Located at the gateway to Mount Koya, Kudoyama has flourished for centuries as a place associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism. The town is also famous as the place where the father-and-son samurai Sanada Masayuki and Sanada Yukimura (Nobushige) lived in confinement after the Battle of Sekigahara.
Today, traces of this history can be found throughout the town. Historic temples, traditional streets, museums, pilgrimage routes, and scenic valleys offer visitors many ways to discover Kudoyama’s unique heritage.
Several important sites in and around the town, including Jison-in Temple, Niukanshofu Shrine, the Koya Pilgrimage Route known as Choishimichi, and Kurokomichi, form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Jison-in is also associated with a designated Japan Heritage story, further highlighting the cultural importance of Kudoyama.
The name “Kudoyama” is connected to a heartwarming legend about Kobo Daishi Kukai and his mother.
In the period when Mount Koya was closed to women, Kukai’s mother, Tamayori Gozen, was unable to enter the sacred mountain. Instead, she lived at Jison-in Temple at the foot of Mount Koya.
Kukai is said to have been deeply concerned about his mother and traveled from Mount Koya to Jison-in nine times each month to visit her.
The area therefore came to be known as “Kudoyama,” meaning “Nine Visits Mountain.” Even today, Jison-in preserves an atmosphere that evokes the strong bond between Kukai and his mother, and many visitors come to pray at this historic temple.
Kudoyama lies along the southern bank of the Kino River, with the Fudotani River and Nyubu River flowing through its mountainous landscape.
The surrounding mountains and valleys change dramatically with the seasons. Fresh green foliage in spring, clear streams in summer, colorful autumn leaves, and the quiet beauty of winter each offer a different reason to visit.
For centuries, pilgrims, monks, travelers, and worshippers have passed through the area on their way to Mount Koya. These historic routes have helped create a landscape in which nature, religious traditions, and local history exist side by side.
One of Kudoyama’s most famous attractions is Sanada-an Temple, officially known as Zenmyosho-in.
The temple is closely associated with Sanada Masayuki and his son Sanada Yukimura, who were placed under confinement in Kudoyama after their defeat in the Battle of Sekigahara.
Yukimura later became famous for his role in the Siege of Osaka, particularly the Summer Campaign of 1615. His exceptional military ability earned him the legendary title “Japan’s Number One Warrior.”
A visit to Sanada-an allows travelers to imagine the years Yukimura spent in Kudoyama before returning to the battlefield and becoming one of the most celebrated samurai figures in Japanese history.
Near Sanada-an is a historic site known as Sanada Kofun.
According to local legend, a secret underground passage once connected this location with Osaka Castle. Although the story belongs to the realm of legend, it adds an exciting sense of mystery to the Sanada-related sites in Kudoyama.
The Kudoyama Sanada Museum introduces the history of Sanada Yukimura and the Sanada family in an accessible and engaging way.
Visitors can learn about the family’s time in Kudoyama and the turbulent history of the Warring States period through video presentations, models, panels, and other exhibits.
The museum is an excellent destination for history enthusiasts, while its easy-to-understand displays also make it enjoyable for families and children.
Jison-in Temple has a deep connection with the founding of Mount Koya and is widely known throughout Japan as “Nyonin Koya,” or “Koya for Women.”
Because women were traditionally prohibited from entering Mount Koya, Jison-in became an important place of worship for women who wished to pray to Kobo Daishi. The temple has therefore played a significant role in the religious history of the Koyasan area.
The temple’s Miroku-do Hall houses a seated wooden statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva, designated a National Treasure of Japan. Numerous other historically significant cultural properties have also been preserved at the temple.
Jison-in is additionally known as a place of worship for safe childbirth and fertility, attracting visitors who come to pray for children and healthy families.
Climbing the stone steps from Jison-in leads to Niukanshofu Shrine, another important component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The shrine enshrines Karihata Myojin, a deity traditionally said to have guided Kobo Daishi to Mount Koya. It has long served as an important center of the religious traditions surrounding Mount Koya.
The shrine’s vivid vermillion buildings contrast beautifully with the surrounding deep green forest, creating a peaceful and sacred atmosphere.
Choishimichi is an ancient pilgrimage route connecting Jison-in with Mount Koya. The route has a history of more than 1,000 years and was used by pilgrims traveling toward the sacred mountain.
Stone pillars known as choishi were placed at regular intervals along the route, traditionally marking the distance and guiding travelers toward Mount Koya.
Today, this historic route is part of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape and is also a popular hiking trail. Walking through the forest and mountains while following the same route used by pilgrims centuries ago offers a unique way to experience the history of Koyasan.
Next to Shoriji Temple is the Kishu Koyagami Traditional Papermaking Museum, Shiyu-en, a facility dedicated to the traditional papermaking culture of Kudoyama.
The museum introduces the history and techniques of Koyagami, traditional Japanese handmade paper from the Koya area, also known as Furusawa-gami.
The building itself has an interesting history. It is a restored traditional structure that was once the residence of the chief priest of Shoriji and was also used as accommodation for emperors and retired emperors visiting Mount Koya.
Inside, visitors can learn about the history of Koyagami, traditional tools, and the various stages of handmade paper production. Exhibits include a diorama showing the papermaking process as well as examples of traditional washi crafts.
One of the highlights of Shiyu-en is the opportunity to make your own traditional Japanese paper.
Visitors can create handmade paper ranging from postcard size to A3 size, making a unique souvenir to take home.
For those who want a more comprehensive experience, an advanced program allows participants to spend an entire day learning the traditional process, from stripping the bark of paper mulberry (kozo) to forming, pressing, and drying the paper.
This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of the skills and knowledge that have been passed down through generations.
The Matsuyama Tsunejiro Memorial Museum introduces the life and achievements of Matsuyama Tsunejiro, a businessman and politician who was born in Kudoyama.
The museum occupies his former family home, preserving the atmosphere of a Taisho-period merchant house.
Inside, visitors can see valuable historical materials, photographs, letters, and other items related to his life and career. It offers an opportunity to learn about an influential figure who originated from the local community.
The Former Kayano Residence, Oishi Junko Memorial Museum is associated with Oishi Junko, a Buddhist nun and artist who became known as the “Saint Without Hands.”
After losing both arms in an accident, she learned to create calligraphy and paintings by holding a brush in her mouth. Despite the enormous challenges she faced, she produced many remarkable works of art.
Her life and works offer an inspiring message about human potential, determination, and the strength to continue living in the face of adversity.
Tamagawa Gorge is one of Kudoyama’s most beautiful natural attractions. The gorge stretches along the clear waters of the Nyubu River at the foot of Mount Koya.
The combination of crystal-clear water, unusual rock formations, and dense greenery creates an impressive landscape. During summer, the area is popular for river activities and camping.
In autumn, the surrounding mountains are covered in brilliant foliage, while spring brings fresh green leaves and winter offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Ryuokyo Gorge is a tranquil natural area surrounded by mountains and forest.
Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks and forest bathing while listening to birdsong and the gentle sound of flowing water. It is an ideal place for travelers who want to escape the crowds and experience the peaceful side of rural Japan.
Kudoyama is one of Japan’s best-known persimmon-growing regions. In autumn, the town’s orchards are filled with colorful persimmons, and locally produced varieties such as Fuyu persimmons and dried persimmons are widely sold.
Michi-no-Eki Kakinosato Kudoyama, a roadside station, is an excellent place to purchase fresh local produce and processed foods. The facility also includes a tourist information center and a World Heritage Information Center, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the town.
Local specialties include kaki-no-ha-zushi, sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, and Sanada soba, offering visitors a chance to enjoy regional flavors while exploring the town’s history.
Kudoyama hosts a variety of festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
One of the most famous is the Sanada Festival, which celebrates the legacy of Sanada Yukimura and attracts many visitors to the town.
Other traditional events, including the Niukanshofu Festival and the Shide Oni-no-Mai, are also carefully preserved as important expressions of local culture.
Michi-no-Eki Kakinosato Kudoyama is a popular gateway to the town and a useful starting point for sightseeing.
The facility includes a tourist information center and World Heritage Information Center, where visitors can learn about local attractions, pilgrimage routes, and upcoming events.
The farmers’ market is another highlight, offering fresh vegetables, fruits, and locally made products. Persimmon-based products are particularly popular and make excellent souvenirs.
With a spacious lawn area and large playground equipment, the roadside station is also well suited to families traveling with children.
Sanada-no-Michi is a walking area around Sanada-an and the Sanada Museum where visitors can explore historic streets associated with the Sanada family.
Traditional-looking buildings, old shops, stone-paved lanes, rest areas, and souvenir stores create a nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk while discovering Sanada Yukimura-themed goods and local specialties.
Taimentseki, or the “Meeting Stone,” is a historic site associated with a local story from Kudoyama’s past.
Located near the Oishi Junko Memorial Museum, it can easily be visited as part of a walking tour through the town. Although relatively small, the site provides an interesting glimpse into the legends and stories connected with local history.
Komekin is a distinctive local attraction in central Kudoyama that is familiar to local residents and popular with visitors.
Its unusual size makes it an amusing stop for photographs, and its location near Sanada-no-Michi makes it easy to include during a stroll through the historic town center.
Shoriji Temple is a historic temple traditionally said to have existed even before the founding of Mount Koya.
The temple is associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai and is known for enshrining a Kannon statue for protection against misfortune. Its distinctive layout includes the main hall, Jizo Hall, and bell tower connected by covered corridors.
Shoriji also flourished as a place where pilgrims and distinguished visitors traveling toward Mount Koya could stay. Traces of its long history can still be found throughout the temple grounds.
An observation point along the Choishimichi World Heritage pilgrimage route offers impressive views across Kudoyama Town.
From here, visitors can look out over the agricultural landscapes and settlements of the Kino River valley, surrounded by mountains.
On clear mornings, sea-of-clouds scenery may sometimes appear, making the viewpoint especially appealing to photographers and nature lovers.
Tamagawa Gorge is one of Kudoyama’s signature natural attractions. Located along the Nyubu River at the foot of Mount Koya, it features exceptionally clear water and dramatic rock formations.
The gorge is beautiful throughout the year, with fresh greenery in spring, river activities in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and a quiet winter landscape.
It is also popular for hiking and camping, making it an excellent destination for travelers who want to combine Kudoyama’s cultural attractions with outdoor activities.
Strawberry Land Capri is a popular agricultural attraction for families. Located near the foot of Mount Koya, it offers opportunities for strawberry picking during the winter and spring seasons.
The farm is known for carefully cultivated strawberries, including popular varieties such as Beni Hoppe and Oi C Berry.
Visitors can enjoy freshly picked strawberries and also purchase products such as jams made with blueberries and peaches, which make convenient local souvenirs.
The Yotte-tte Farmers’ Market at Michi-no-Eki Kudoyama offers a wide selection of fresh agricultural products and locally processed foods.
Kudoyama is particularly famous for its persimmons, and during autumn, the market is filled with different varieties of fresh and dried persimmons.
Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and local specialty products are also available, making the market popular with both travelers and local residents.
In addition to Choishimichi, several other historic routes to Mount Koya pass through the Kudoyama area.
Kurokomichi is a particularly important historic pilgrimage route and, together with Choishimichi, forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was used by many pilgrims from the medieval period through the early modern era.
Kyoto-Osaka-michi and Makio-michi were also important routes leading toward Mount Koya. Today, they offer opportunities for hiking, trekking, and historical exploration.
Along these routes, travelers can encounter forests, mountain scenery, old stone monuments, and traces of the pilgrims who traveled to the sacred mountain centuries ago.
Kudoyama Town brings together many layers of Japanese history and culture. The town’s attractions range from the Buddhist traditions associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai to the samurai history of Sanada Yukimura, the ancient pilgrimage routes of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the traditional craft of Koyagami papermaking, and the beautiful natural scenery of its mountain valleys.
A walk through the town center reveals stories from Japan’s samurai era, while the World Heritage sites introduce visitors to more than a thousand years of religious history surrounding Mount Koya.
Travelers can also enjoy hands-on cultural experiences such as traditional Japanese papermaking, explore peaceful mountain landscapes, sample locally grown persimmons, and discover regional cuisine.
Whether you are interested in Japanese history, Buddhist culture, samurai stories, traditional crafts, nature, or family-friendly activities, Kudoyama offers a rich variety of experiences.
Take your time exploring Kudoyama and discover a unique side of Japan where ancient pilgrimage traditions, samurai history, traditional culture, and beautiful rural landscapes come together.