
- Home›
- Guides
Mount Koya Private Tour Guides
Contact a private tour guide to plan your Mount Koya itinerary and Book Online.
Popular Mount Koya Tour Guides
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/f91fb200-8cd3-42eb-ab83-22445375e494.png)
Shuji O.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport. I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds. I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature. I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan. If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/42258/789a6604-5961-413e-ad1c-9719a80a32c2.png)
Miyuki O.
Hi! I'm an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I got a job as a teacher. I currently teaches at a cram school while also working mainly as a guide. I also obtained the national guide licence. I would like to expand my guide area to cover the entire Kinki region, but I like Wakayama the most because of its spiritual nature.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/12334/139218.jpg)
Koyasan resident guides N.
Discover Mount Koya with Local Resident Guides For many years, we have lived and worked at a temple in Mount Koya, welcoming guests from all over the world. One request we often heard was: “I want to explore Mount Koya with someone who truly lives here.” That’s exactly what we offer. Our tours are led by long-term local residents with deep roots in this sacred town and decades of guiding experience. We don’t just show you the buildings — we invite you to experience Mount Koya as those who live here do. Our immersive tours include: Guided walks along ancient pilgrimage routes Buddhist cultural experiences Tea ceremony and meditation in authentic settings Insights into daily life and hidden stories of the mountain If you're looking for a deeper, more meaningful visit to Mount Koya, we would be honored to guide you. Please feel free to contact us to arrange a tour.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/3414/52583.jpg)
Noriko I.
Hello, I’m Noriko, certified national tour guide. I live in Wakayama prefecture, where there are a lot of nature and historic places, hot springs and delicious food, such as seafood and fruits. Wakayama stretches from north to south on the Kii Peninsula, however, it takes only about one hour from Kansai International Airport to the north part of Wakayama prefecture. I’m sure I can help you learn Japanese culture, history, and traditions, and fully enjoy traveling in Wakayama. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
Hiroyuki T.
Hi! I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am very good at cultural heritages. And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area. I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government. I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was a cultural heritage management and international relations professional. I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one. If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/6679/34784.jpg)
Makoto Y.
Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide. My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period. Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan. Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge. Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/38/141430.jpeg)
Hideo Y.
Hello, I'm HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as the famous shogun who built the Osaka Castle in 1585. I was born in Kobe and worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce the Kansai region to you ,including Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama. Kobe is one of the two largest ports in Japan, along with Yokohama. After the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868, foreigners built their residences on the hillside of the Kitano-cho area, overlooking the ocean. Many of the foreign residences are now open to the public as museums, including the Weathercock House, with it's symbol weathercock on the triangle-shaped roof. In Meriken Park, the red Port Tower (the city's landmark), creates a beautiful contrast against the white Kobe Marine Museum. The museum's design was inspired by the waves and sailing ships. When you have a chance to visit Osaka, please join my tour. I'm sure you'll enjoy the interesting and historical, scenic spots. For example, Shin-Sekai is a downtown area with a strange mix of nostalgic atmosphere and contemporary energy. You can try local foods (kushikatsu, sushi, tempura) at a reasonable price. Billiken (a famous statue of the spirit of luck) will be waiting for you!!. Dotombori is a popular street with a lot of flashy signboards. Osaka is widely known as a "Kuidaore-no-machi", or literally "drinking and eating luxuriously to death." Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi HIDEYOSHI in 1585. Oh, it's my residence, isn't it ! These days "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" area in USJ, or Universal Studios Japan, is also attracting more and more people. I'll be looking forward to seeing you !!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56749/6ede1b29-fa76-4e06-9819-4c2f08b9b612.png)
Akari Y.
I have started guiding in the Kansai area since 2023. I am passionate about introducing the history of Japan. I am happy to introduce guests from overseas to the Japanese culture established by our predecessors. I will introduce Japanese culture, food, cuisine, sake, nature, manga, spiritual culture, history, Buddhism, Shinto, Shugendo, pilgrimage paths, and other topics of interest. Let me introduce myself. I was born in Osaka and grew up in Osaka and Kyoto. I have lived in the U.S., China, and Australia when I was young.
New Mount Koya Tour Guides
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56749/6ede1b29-fa76-4e06-9819-4c2f08b9b612.png)
Akari Y.
I have started guiding in the Kansai area since 2023. I am passionate about introducing the history of Japan. I am happy to introduce guests from overseas to the Japanese culture established by our predecessors. I will introduce Japanese culture, food, cuisine, sake, nature, manga, spiritual culture, history, Buddhism, Shinto, Shugendo, pilgrimage paths, and other topics of interest. Let me introduce myself. I was born in Osaka and grew up in Osaka and Kyoto. I have lived in the U.S., China, and Australia when I was young.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/f91fb200-8cd3-42eb-ab83-22445375e494.png)
Shuji O.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport. I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds. I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature. I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan. If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/42258/789a6604-5961-413e-ad1c-9719a80a32c2.png)
Miyuki O.
Hi! I'm an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I got a job as a teacher. I currently teaches at a cram school while also working mainly as a guide. I also obtained the national guide licence. I would like to expand my guide area to cover the entire Kinki region, but I like Wakayama the most because of its spiritual nature.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
Hiroyuki T.
Hi! I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am very good at cultural heritages. And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area. I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government. I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was a cultural heritage management and international relations professional. I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one. If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/14666/62283.jpg)
Yasuhisa N.
I was born in Osaka and now I live in Wakayama prefecture. I have visited more than 800 sightseeing spots in Kansai area including Koyasan. With my experience of visiting 15 foreign countries, I want to introduce Japanese culture and beauties of Koyasan. If my guests wish to take part in some activites, they can join the Ajikan meditation, Jukai and Trekkings. My guests are assured to have an enjoyable trip that is safe and comfortable.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/13486/61956.jpeg)
Yasuo H.
I was born and grew up in Wakayama prefecture. Since I was very young, I walked and run by motorcycle and car in the mountain region of Kii peninsula (Wakayama). I learned the nature of Wakayama well it’s tenderness and danger. I wish to make the only one trip for my customers. There are many natural and historical sites in Wakayama because of its unique geographical nature and the longest history in Japan. You can enjoy various type of trip as ancient road walk, spectacular landscapes of the coastlines, suspension bridges, mountains and hot springs.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/12334/139218.jpg)
Koyasan resident guides N.
Discover Mount Koya with Local Resident Guides For many years, we have lived and worked at a temple in Mount Koya, welcoming guests from all over the world. One request we often heard was: “I want to explore Mount Koya with someone who truly lives here.” That’s exactly what we offer. Our tours are led by long-term local residents with deep roots in this sacred town and decades of guiding experience. We don’t just show you the buildings — we invite you to experience Mount Koya as those who live here do. Our immersive tours include: Guided walks along ancient pilgrimage routes Buddhist cultural experiences Tea ceremony and meditation in authentic settings Insights into daily life and hidden stories of the mountain If you're looking for a deeper, more meaningful visit to Mount Koya, we would be honored to guide you. Please feel free to contact us to arrange a tour.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9836/55274.jpg)
Shogo K.
Hi! I'm Shogo, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English. "Shogo"? Looks a little bit hard to pronounce. So if you are interested in Samurai or Busho, call me "Shogun". (rather humble and hen-pecked at home, though.:) Just a little bit information about myself. I was born and grew up in Himeji, about 50km west of Kobe. When a child I quite often visited world-famous Himeji Castle. So it's like "MY castle." As a student, I lived in Kyoto for four years. I'm a father of three, and have lived in Kobe with my family for over 30 years. So I'm quite familiar with various tourist spots/attractions in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe and the like, all in western Japan. Also I've lived in Lawrence, Kansas, for two years in my 20s as a Jayhawk. Great old memory!:) Here are some of my specialties. First, I can show you around popular historical sites and relics in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Himeji. You'll surely feel the depth of Japanese culture by visiting these places. Second, I can offer you special tours of fancy sake breweries in Kobe, Nara and Kyoto. Third, I also guide you around Hiroshima, including magnificent Itsukushima Shrine. My goal/dream as guide interpreter is to help you explore and understand Japan and its culture with warm hospitality or Omotenashi. So please reach out to me any time, 24/7. For your super memorable trip, "Always with YOU" Shogo!:)
Mount Koya Tour Reviews
Planet V.
“Great experience”
Hiro was a great guide for our group. He is very knowledgeable about Mt. Koya, he shared many interesting details and information and answered all of our questions. His English is also very good. During the booking process he was also very accommodating and helpful. Overall, it was a great experience!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice meeting you and your group. It was a little hustle but I hope that you enjoy the Koyasan tour. I also hope that you enjoy Nara, Kyoto and other places in Japan. I will be looking forward to seeing you again in April. Hiro
Jami N.
“Koyasan: Okunoin, Garan & Kongobuji”
We met Nobu at the Ichinohashi gate and walked through the entire Okunoin cemetery lined with stately cedar trees. Nobu pointed out details and meaning of gravestone formations sharing his deep understanding of esoteric Buddhism. When we reached Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum we were in a calm and reverent mindset, able to appreciate the belief that Kobo Daishi was eternally meditating inside and that those resting in the cemetery were waiting for his return to this realm. Next we walked through the more recent gravesites, many representing Japanese companies to Kongobuji temple, where Nobu explained more history and teachings through the beautiful paintings. Finally, we visited the Danjo Garan temple complex. Nobu’s ability to translate complex history into relatable concepts was very moving to us. What would have been a casual stroll through Koyasan became meaningful and lasting because of Nobu. Highly recommended!
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/47536/08096b2d-106e-42c9-89dd-53794d719fae.avif)
Richard Z.
“Accommodating special needs, attention to details and very knowledgeable flexible ”
Miyuki is an excellent guide for us. Due to different family members’ medical conditions, Miyuki was able to adapt to arrange taxi from Wakayama to Koyasen and all the way back to hotel. This makes this trip much easier for us. And this arrangement gives us more time on places in Koyasen. Miyuki also arranged the lunch that accommodated our diet restrictions, due to medical condition, with high level of Japanese cuisine from a local highly regarded chief. Her knowledge of Buddhism and Japanese history helped us understand koyasen much better and appreciate more than before. Her planning with the taxi ride for navigating different attractions in Koyasen made our trip much much easier, without too much walking. This arrangement allows family member to be there and enjoy the experience, history and spirituality, without suffering. I highly recommend Miyuki for your future Koyasen visit. She is very intellectual and attention to the details of customer needs. Those are very valuable characters!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/42258/789a6604-5961-413e-ad1c-9719a80a32c2.png)
Miyuki O.
Thank you for your wonderful comments. I also had a great time with you. I was touched by how much you care for your wife and sister. I was also lucky to meet such a wonderful driver from Sogo Taxi. Our driver, Mr. Yamamoto, knows the back roads to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. I'm glad your wife was able to enjoy sightseeing with us. You studied Japanese and have a great knowledge of Japanese history. It was worthwhile for me to explain things to you as a guide.
All Tours Customizable
Start By Messaging Your Guide
100% Private Tours
Just You and Your Local Tour Guide
Quality Assured Guides
Screened and Verified via Interviews
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/2099/83450.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/2094/83452.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/2110/83480.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/cities/4361/83501.jpg)