JAPAN // Nestled in northern Wakayama Prefecture, Köya-san is as much  about the journey as the destination. The train trip winds through valleys  and mountains before the final cable-car leg up to the peaceful setting  of thickly forested Köya-san itself. Founded in the 9th century, more  than 110 temples make up this monastic complex, the headquarters  of the Shingon school of Esoteric Buddhism. Stay overnight in temple  lodgings for an insight into the life of a Japanese monk, complete with  morning meditations and vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.