Koyasan Reihokan Museum — Attraction in Koya

A lovely museum, although at a hefty price compared to similar establishments in more urban locations. Staff was very helpful and offered English pamphlets to assist us on our tour. Without the pamphlets, make sure you bring your smart phone with you and that it has the ability to translate text from Japanese to English or whatever language you prefer. Otherwise, you will see a paragraph or two of text written in Japanese, followed by a 1-liner in English just giving the name of the historical piece and/or the materials used to make it. Do bare in mind, however, that photography is not allowed, so you may be viewed with suspicion for whipping out your phone and taking pictures (although we both know you were just trying to translate whatever the sign said.)

It is a wonderful break from the area it is located in. Both interior and exterior layouts are truly beautiful, even in the full blazing heat of summer. Many pieces of historical art and sculpture that are truly awe inspiring. The gift shop near the entrance actually has a interesting selection of offerings, excellent for small presents or decorations, but nothing overly expensive or daunting. The outside area also has a break station with vending machines and water misting, which was tremendously useful during our summer visit. Make sure you remember to take your umbrella with you when you...

Absolutely essential! It is the highlight of Kōyasan, synergistically going hand-in-hand with Kongōbu-ji. Today, while visiting this museum of sacred treasures, I was so overwhelmed by its spiritual force, that I cried for the sheer beauty of its collection. Here, in the Reihõkan museum, you will see, preserved and displayed, all the Buddhist statues and imagery that once resided in Kongōbu-ji. A must for museum buffs and vital if you’re visiting Kōyasan for a...

It’s not the biggest museum but it’s nice. I went at 10 AM and only 1 other person was inside so I was able to take my time here.

Take off your out door shoes and put on slippers and you’ll be able to enter in 2 sections where they have scriptures and sculptures that you can see. It does have English description on most of it so anyone can go.

Knowing Japanese does help because you get more context. They also have a YouTube channel so you can learn about it...