On May 17, the main temple on Mount Koya, Japan, officially urged visitors arriving for summer 2026 to refrain from wearing revealing or immodest clothing. The appeal emphasized the need to maintain the dignity and sanctity of Mount Koya, a major Buddhist sacred site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
According to the announcement, the temple hopes that visitors, especially those participating in spiritual activities and tourism, will choose modest attire that covers their shoulders and knees, avoiding tank tops, overly short shorts, or short skirts. The temple also encourages visitors to bring a jacket or shawl to cover up when necessary.
This move comes amid an expected surge in tourism to Mount Koya during the summer season, and the temple aims to ensure a respectful atmosphere at this holy site. Previously, many other spiritual tourism destinations in Japan have issued similar dress-code guidance for visitors.
