Is tourism 'bubble' turning Japan's sacred Mount Koya into a 'theme park'?

Mount Koya, a revered Buddhist site in Japan, has transformed into a tourist hotspot, sparking concerns about its authenticity. This sacred mountain in Wakayama Prefecture, home to 117 temples, was established in 816 by monk Kukai and has long welcomed pilgrims and visitors seeking spiritual experiences. However, a recent surge in lodging prices has raised eyebrows, with some lodgings costing over 400,000 yen for a night, a price many find excessive.

The surge in lodging prices is attributed to the growing number of foreign visitors. Since Mount Koya earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 2004, the number of international guests has risen steadily, reaching a record 117,000 in 2025, accounting for about 60% of overnight guests. This influx has prompted some temple lodgings to modernize with luxurious amenities, catering to wealthy tourists.

While the influx of visitors has undoubtedly benefited the local economy, it has also led to a decline in the number of temple parishioners, a consequence of Japan's shrinking population and aging demographics. The shortage of personnel to manage these temples has contributed to the rise in lodging prices.

This transformation has sparked debate among worshippers. While some see the increased tourism as a boon for the country's cultural appeal, others lament the loss of the site's spiritual essence, describing it as becoming a theme park. A visitor in the article expressed disappointment, feeling that the spiritual significance of Mount Koya has been overshadowed by commercialization.