Koyasan

Mount Koya is one of Japan's holiest places and is the centre of Shingon Buddhism in the country. The forested mountaintop is home to more than 100 temples and at many of them, it's possible to stay a night and participate in the morning prayers.

Staying overnight at a temple (a practice called shukubo) allows you to sample the traditional vegetarian cuisine of the monks (shojin ryori). Sleeping in mystical surroundings and experiencing sacred traditions makes for a wonderful night.