The main temple on Mount Koya, a renowned spiritual tourist destination in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, has issued a request for summer visitors to avoid wearing revealing clothing when visiting the sacred area.
Mount Koya is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a complex of temples and training facilities for Shingon Buddhism. The head temple — a pilgrimage center — stated that in recent years, during the hot season, many visitors have worn tank tops, extremely short shorts, or midriff-baring athletic wear, which is considered offensive to the solemn atmosphere.
The temple's leadership emphasized: 'This is a sacred place, not a beach or a resort. We welcome everyone to visit, but ask that they wear modest, decent clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.' The temple also said it will place reminder signs at the main entrance and distribute informational leaflets to visitors.
This move comes amid a surge in foreign tourist numbers after the pandemic, and many religious tourism sites in Japan are tightening dress codes to preserve a dignified atmosphere. However, the temple does not intend to impose a strict ban, relying mainly on visitors' own discretion.
Mount Koya, with about 120 temples and the sacred Okunoin cemetery, is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, especially during summer festivals.
