Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Kōya has declined steadily over the last 70 years.

History

The area of the modern town of Kōya was within ancient Kii Province. It has long been associated with the Shingon Buddhist temple complex on Mount Kōya, which was founded in 816AD. The village of Kōya was established with the creation of the modern municipalities system in April 1889. It was given town status in November 1918. The village of Fuki was annexed by Kōya in June 1958.

Government

Kōya has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 10 members. Kōya collectively with the town of Kudyama, contributes one member to the Wakayama Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Wakayama 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy

The economy of Kōya is centered on tourism. Since there are many temples, there are many people involved in Buddhist professions such as monks. There are many tourism related industry workers such as innkeepers, souvenir shops, and Buddhist equipment stores.

Education

Kōya has three public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the town government. One public high school is operated by the Wakayama Prefectural Board of Education throughout the year. Koyasan University (established in 1926), is a fully private university affiliated with Shingon Buddhism is located in the outskirts of the town.

Transportation

Railway

18px Nankai Electric Railway – Nankai Kōya Line

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18px Nankai Electric Railway – Nankai Cable Line

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Highways

Local attractions

  • Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
  • Mount Kōya
  • Kongōbu-ji
  • Kongō Sanmai-in
  • Koyasan Reihōkan

References

  • Kōya official website