Overview: The sacred area of Koyasan was founded in the year 816 by Kukai, a Japanese monk who went to China to learn the practices of esoteric Buddhism. Kukai is also known by his posthumous name, Kobo Daishi. Together with other sacred sites in the Kii mountains, Koyasan has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are about 50 temple lodgings (known as shukubo) at Koyasan. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Jenn Barr stays at one of these lodgings and experiences the way the New Year is welcomed at this traditional power spot.