Mt. Koya is one of my favorite places to be. You’re away from everyone, you’re hanging out in the middle of a bunch of temples on the top of a mountain, and you pretty much always stay with some Buddhist monks (who make a wicked vegetarian meal). I’ve been here a few times now, and I have to say, I always come away relaxed. I’d love to spend a month up here in the winter, just writing and getting to know all the monks of the area.