december-2011

PHOTOS INMAGINE (CAMERON HIGHLANDS), GETTY IMAGES (MOUNT KOYA)
The Oku-no-in cemetery with
its ancient tombstones.
Below: The Garan temple
complex is one of the most
important worship sites in
Shingon Buddhism.
C OZY CHRISTMAS
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Mount Koya, Japan
Scenic and spiritual
Located in the mountain ranges of Honshu, Koyasan isn’t
quite within Christmas country but its charms are well worth
its unlikely location. In fact, this is more of a Buddhist retreat,
its slopes regarded as sacred by Japan’s Shingon Buddhists.
A 1.5-hour train ride from Osaka takes you to the foot of the
mountain, where a cable car whisks visitors 800m up to the
top. Yes, the hillside views along the way are truly stunning.
Thanks to a constant stream of pilgrims, Mount Koya
possesses a distinctively spiritual vibe. Devotees usually head
for the Garan and Kongobuji temples, which are the sect’s
most important worship houses. Then there’s the atmospheric
Oku-no-in cemetery, where ancient tombstones sit amongst
a forest of centuries-old trees. When dusk arrives, this turns
into a magical locale, the thick evening fog casting a moody
blanket over the entire area. Nature enthusiasts, on the other
hand, can choose to trek the countless forest trails.
With surroundings like these, one can spend days simply
admiring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cultural gem
is best savored with an overnight stay at the local shukubo —
temple lodges that offer glimpses into the lifestyle of Shingon
Buddhist monks.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Osaka from Manila. www.cebupacifi cair.com