Mount Koya Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

“Amazing experience, excellent guide”

We'd like to tannks a lot Miyuki san for her kindness and her deep knowledge of the history of Esoteric Buddhism. The place is full of peace and spiritualism but without listening to a guide explanations you can lose the best connection with the local culture.

“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!

Hiroyuki T.

(202 reviews)

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

“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!

Nobu T.

(10 reviews)

Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. I am truly honored to hear that our time together in Koyasan was a meaningful experience for you. Walking through Okunoin with you and sharing the history and spirit of esoteric Buddhism was a real pleasure for me, and I am very happy that you felt the calm and reverence of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum. Your warm words encourage me greatly as a guide. Thank you again for joining the tour, and I sincerely hope to see you again in Koyasan someday.